MEET OUR COACHES
Our coaches are an elite group of the highest skilled and most dedicated coaches Calgary has to offer. Our coaching staff is created with only quality in mind. We are dedicated to the development of youth athletes and offer the highest level of guidance available.
Stefan Filip
Club Director/Head Coach
Stefan Filip, a former professional volleyball player whose coaching career is steeped in experience and expertise. Armed with an international degree in Physical Education and holding coaching certifications at Level 2 in Canada and Level 3 in Europe, Stefan brings a global perspective to his coaching methodology. His outstanding contributions to the sport have been duly recognized, including receiving the VA's Development Coach of the Year Award in 2019. Stefan's coaching prowess is evidenced by his track record of developing athletes who have not only ascended to the Canadian national team program but also secured numerous medals at Provincial and National championships. Stefan invites athletes in Calgary to join him in pursuing excellence, promising to impart his wealth of knowledge and passion for the game to nurture the highest level of talent in the sport. His dedication to coaching represents a cornerstone in the city's volleyball landscape, ensuring a legacy of success for generations to come.
Randy Popplestone
Head Coach
Randy is a distinguished volleyball coach with a career deeply rooted in athletics and education. A former post-secondary athlete, excelling both on the court and in the classroom, earning recognition as an Academic All Canadian. His academic pursuits led him to earn a degree in Kinesiology with a specialization in Exercise Physiology, providing him with a solid foundation in the science behind athletic performance.
With over 15 years of coaching experience, Randy has left an indelible mark on the volleyball community. His coaching career is marked by the success of numerous athletes who have gone on to represent Canada in the Men's Volleyball National Team, as well as compete in NCAA, USport, and professional leagues around the world.
Randy's coaching philosophy is centered around holistic athlete development, emphasizing education in all facets of athletics. He places significant emphasis on areas such as strength and conditioning, nutrition, sports psychology, and more, ensuring that his athletes are not only skilled on the court but also well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of competitive sports and life beyond.
Driven by a passion for coaching, Randy dedicates his life to nurturing young athletes and providing them with every opportunity to succeed. His commitment to excellence and comprehensive approach to athlete education continue to inspire and shape the future of volleyball at all levels.
Michele Hunt
Head Coach
Michele has been coaching club volleyball for 12 seasons. Her own volleyball career began in the USA where she grew up and went on to play NCAA at Mercyhurst College for four seasons. She has coached every age group possible starting with the youngest club ages all the way up to the highest level of club volleyball. She has ran programs teaching the fundamentals of the sport to beginners and older, experienced athletes, how to reach the podium across the country. Michele has won many awards for her coaching pedigree most notably the Mikasa Development Coach of the Year award. Her philosophy on coaching is to keep the players excited about coming to practice and focuses on promoting and growing a supportive team atmosphere.
JP Chieng
Head Coach
JP brings many years of experience, playing as a setter at the club level as an athlete and having coached many different age groups. His passion and enthusiasm is rivaled only by his dedication to athletic development. Preaching a process based coaching style, he has guided athletes to strive for their highest potential. The habits coach JP teaches athletes assist them not only on the volleyball court, but to life outside sport as well.
Krista Flaman
Head Coach
Krista Flaman is an athlete and coach with a history in volleyball and basketball. She played both sports at Oregon State University for three years. In her final year, she transferred to play for the Dinos, where she was honored as Athlete of the Year for the University of Calgary.
Krista's athletic career extended to the international stage, where she represented Team Canada A and B in volleyball from 1996 to 2004. Her professional career saw her playing in some of Europe's top leagues, including stints in Switzerland, France, and Germany.
Transitioning from player to coach, Krista has dedicated herself to nurturing young talent. She is currently a teacher and the head coach of the William Aberhart High School Senior Girls volleyball team. In addition, she has been a coach in the YYC Eagles for the past four years.
Krista Flaman really enjoys watching young players develop into the next generation of athletes.
Steve Brand
Head Coach
Steve Brand currently coaches the Eagles boys in the U16 and U17 age groups. His volleyball journey began in British Columbia, where he played high school volleyball during an era when club volleyball was less prevalent. He was a pivotal member of the inaugural College of the Rockies volleyball team, earning the season's MVP title before transferring to the University of Calgary Dinos in 1998. Throughout his tenure as a Dino, Steve transitioned from a red shirt role as a middle blocker to becoming a team captain in his final three years. Despite being considered undersized for a middle blocker at 6'5", Steve distinguished himself with remarkable quickness and jumping ability, often competing against opponents several inches taller. Steve concluded his playing career with the Dinos in 2004 and subsequently ventured into coaching when his children expressed interest in the sport. Over the past three years, Steve has been an integral part of the Eagles' coaching staff, mentoring his two sons as they progress through the club system. His coaching philosophy centers on nurturing his players' passion for volleyball while giving back to the sport that has played a significant role in his life.
Jackson Brennan
Head Coach
Jackson Brennan, a former Mount Royal University men’s volleyball setter & captain, who is new to coaching with one season under his belt, but years of experience as a player on provincial teams and post-secondary. “I have been very fortunate throughout my career to have some amazing coaches including Stefan Filip who helped not only my volleyball career but has made a very positive impact on my life. I am super excited to give back to the sport that I love and pass on my knowledge of the game to the next generation of players.” Jackson graduated from Mount Royal University with a Business Degree & double major in finance and general Management. He currently is an Assistant coach of the Mount Royal Cougars while helping with multiple YYC eagles teams and is looking forward to another amazing season with the Eagles family.
Dana Bang
Head Coach
Dana Bang, a former USport athlete with over 20 years of coaching experience. Dana brings a passion for guiding young athletes, and a fire to compete. His track record of excellence working with athletes from U12 to U18 includes numerous AVA premiere medals, AVA provincial medals, and National medals. With a process centered approach to development, Dana strives to cultivate the best in those around him, while fostering a love for the greatest game there is, volleyball!
Doug Hill
Head Coach
Coming Soon...
FROM OUR COACHES
Volleyball gave me so many incredible opportunities. I believe that any success in my life can be attributed to this sport. It is the most rewarding way I could spend my time, giving back to the sport that gave me so much.
-Coach Randy
I couldn't have asked for a better group of boys to work with. They showed up to every practice with a great attitude and worked hard, listening and learning every step of the way. I'm very proud to have been your coach and excited to watch all of you on your volleyball journey.
-Coach Jackson
They demonstrated immense dedication, camaraderie and enjoyment both on and off the court. They played some of the best volleyball I've seen for that age group at Nationals. It was fun to watch and a pleasure to coach.
-Coach Krista