Directors and Coaches
Stellar Sports gives your athletes the opportunity to learn from players who have trained and coached
all over the world. Our coaches will motivate and challenge the hearts and minds of all athletes!
Jenny Whitehead-Robinson
Club Stellar Founder and Club Director
Jen Robinson, who enters her fifth year as both director and head coach for Club Stellar, continues her pursuit of excellence both on and off the court. This season, Robinson will be directing the club full-time, and she is focused and geared to lead the program to new heights in 2009.
Robinson earned a full scholarship to Michigan State University where she earned a degree in Kinesiology. Along with her academic successes, she exhibited her ability to be successful on the court. As a starter for the Spartans, she helped them win 2 Big Ten Championships and a trip to the NCAA Final Four. A two-year captain, Robinson demonstrated excellent leadership skills.
After Robinson graduated from MSU, she headed to the University of Florida where she earned a Master’s degree in Sports Communication. She competed for the Gator Volleyball team and helped them win a South Eastern Conference Championship in 1999. In her short time at UF, Jen was voted 1st team All-SEC, 1st Team All-District, and SEC Tournament Most Valuable Player.
In 2000, Robinson was asked to join the USPV (US Professional Volleyball) league where she competed professionally for 2 seasons. During this time, Robinson traveled all over the country promoting the league. In 2001, her professional career was on the rise. Robinson was asked to join the US National Team and moved to Colorado Springs to train. During her time with the USA team, Robinson traveled to play in Japan and the Dominican Republic where she competed in NORCECA and the World Championships. Robinson earned a contract to play professionally in Greece for 2 seasons in Thessoloniki. She quickly rose to the top of the league in all stats and led all scorers in Greece.
When deciding to give up her playing career, Robinson was determined to give back to the sport that had given her so many incredible opportunities. Robinson and Kyle, her future husband, started Stellar Sports in 2003 and began running camps and clinics all over the country. The Robinson’s moved to Colorado Springs in 2004 and started Club Stellar in hopes of positively mentoring and teaching young athletes. For Club Stellar, Robinson has coached many All-State and All-Region players, placed over 30 Athletes in NCAA/NAIA programs, and grew Club Stellar to over 120 members last season, proving that her methods and ability to motivate and direct players to achieve is a success.
Since the creation of Stellar Sports, Robinson has traveled around the country to various high school and club programs to train volleyball players and coaches. She continues to run high quality camps and mentors coaches trying to develop their own teams. Robinson also stays involved with the USA Youth and Junior National team program, and coached the USA A2 team in 2006 and the USA A2 Junior National Team in 2008. Robinson’s hard work and triumphs has made her a sought after clinician and technician of the game by many coaches and clubs all over the country.
Ultimately, Robinson’s goal as a coach and director is to motivate her athletes. Instilling confidence, self-respect, and direction in her players is priority. Robinson cherishes the relationship she develops through volleyball and hopes to continue to be a positive role model in the community.
Kyle Robinson
Club Stellar Founder
Kyle Robinson has been an integral part of the development of Club Stellar. Working with Jen Robinson, he developed a model of success that has become Stellar. Determined to give back to the sport, he helped establish a high standard of excellence with which all Stellar coaches and players adhere to.
During his playing career, Robinson was a force to be reckoned with. He got his start in the sport while playing at the YMCA at the late age of 18. Robinson became a student of the game and discovered a great love of the sport. He was identified by college coaches for his potential and earned a scholarship to Long Island University. Robinson was determined to be the best and his incredible work ethic brought him to the top. He was awarded NCAA All-American honors and was a psychology major.
Robinson’s love of volleyball lead him to continue his career professionally in Belgium where he played for three seasons. Robinson was a three-year starter in the country’s highest division and was awarded the Top Foreign Player Award each year. In 2002, Robinson earned a contract to play in Greece. He competed for three different teams in three years and ranked fourth in the league’s scoring lists. Robinson became a crowd favorite for his relentlessness and enthusiasm.
During his success overseas, Robinson was invited to join the USA Men’s National Team. He spent four years training at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs as a right-side hitter. Robinson had the opportunity to play under Doug Beal, current USA Volleyball CEO and former Men’s Olympic Team Head Coach, who he models much of his coaching philosophies after. Robinson developed a work ethic and competitive attitude that was admired by all who worked with him.
Robinson decided to retire from playing in 2005 and dedicated himself to coaching and mentoring young athletes. Formerly the Assistant Women’s Volleyball Coach at the US Air Force Academy, Kyle is now the Head Women’s Volleyball Coach at Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY.
Jen Robinson on Robinson: “Kyle is an incredible coach who demands the best from his players. He pushes and challenges his players to be their best while motivating and inspiring them to reach their goals. Kyle continues to go above and beyond my expectations on and off the court. His current and former players and their families have become life-long friends because of the love he shows them.”
Nicole Carter
Stellar 18’s Head Coach
Nicole joins the club Stellar coaching staff this season, bringing years of college coaching experience with her. She recently left Palm Beach Atlantic University where she was Head Coach since 2007. Before her head coaching position at Palm Beach Atlantic, she served as an assistant coach at Rutgers University and New Mexico Highlands University. Nicole has also coached college track.
Carter has a Bachelors of Arts in Human Performance in Sports from New Mexico Highlands and a Masters of Arts in Counseling and Guidance. She is dedicated to creating a positive playing and learning environment and making a difference in each athlete’s lives. Nicole’s husband Isaac Carter is the new Defensive Coordinator for the Colorado College Football team. They had their first daughter this year, Anaya.
Jen Robinson on Carter: “We are so thrilled that Nicole has joined the Stellar family. She brings a lot of experience in college recruiting that will be helpful to our older players. She is committed to teaching strong skills on and off the court in a positive environment and is excited to help our 18’s prepare for their college careers.”
Francis Calar
Stellar 17's Head Coach
Francis joined Club Stellar in 2007 as the 13 Regional head coach. He currently serves as the head Varsity coach at Pikes Peak Christian School. Francis played for many years in a military league where he traveled the country promoting the team. He continues to play and enjoy the game in adult leagues and tournaments.
Jen Robinson on Calar: “Francis has a great love for the game that transfers to his players. His energy in the gym is contagious and his players really respect him and the things he teaches. Francis is a great asset to our team and I look forward to seeing him in the gym again this season!”
Gary Mathews
Stellar 16's Head Coach
In the past 3 seasons, Gary has worked with several Stellar teams. As an excellent trainer, we have used him in many different aspects during the season. He has experience at the club, college and USA national pipeline levels.
Gary currently serves as an assistant in the USA High Performance department. From 1997-2005, he was the Assistant Coach at the University of Tulsa. Before joining Tulsa, Gary was an assistant coach at the University of Georgia. He has worked with several clubs over the years performing assistant and head coach and club director duties.
Jen Robinson on Mathews: “Gary is a huge asset to our club. He is very patient in the gym and works hard to make his players better. His easy-going nature makes him a hit with his players and allows him to get the best out of them. He constantly studies the sport and is a true teacher of the game.”
Wayne Wetherby
Stellar 15 National Head Coach
Wayne returns for his second season with Club Stellar, having coached the 16’s team in 2008. He has been playing and coaching for the past 20 years. He played for the CSU Men’s Club Team, from 1990 – 1992, where he was a defensive specialist and a setter. In 1991 and 1992, the CSU team made it to Nationals and finished 9th and 5th respectively.
Wayne coached high school volleyball, as an assistant and head coach, for 12 years. He has coached at Buena Vista, Rampart, Sierra, and Harrison high schools. This is his 4th year as an assistant volleyball coach at Colorado College. He has also coached club volleyball for 14 years. From 1995 – 1997 he was an assistant coach for the 14-1 and 15-1 teams of the Springs Spikers Volleyball Club. From 1998 – 2003 he coached for Match Point Volleyball Club. He served as the head coach for the 18-2, 17-1, 16-2, 15-2, and 14-1 teams. From 2004-2006 he served as head coach for the 14-1, and 17-1 teams for Colorado Springs Altitude. He has taken 3 teams to USAV Nationals.
Jen Robinson on Wetherby: “Wayne is an incredible guy who is always thinking about the best interests of the team. He has developed positive and lasting relationships with his players and guides them to reach their goals. We are thrilled to have Wayne join our team this season and know he will help us see continued success on and off the court.”
Kyong Lee
Stellar 14 National Head Coach
Kyong returns for her fourth season with Club Stellar as the 14 National Head Coach. Last season, her 14N team saw great success. They finished 3rd at the Colorado Crossroads National Qualifier, 4th at the Northeast Qualifier in Baltimore, and earned a bid to Nationals at the RMR Qualifier. In 2007, Kyong coached our Stellar 13-1 team to a bronze medal at Nationals! In her three seasons with Stellar, she has coached numerous All-Region players, won many RMR Powers and tournaments, and qualified for the US Junior Olympics every year.
She is currently the head Varsity and middle school coach at The Colorado Springs School, where her Varsity team is currently undefeated. Kyong was also an assistant coach at Colorado College, working under Head Coach Rick Swan, and coached their JV team.
Jen Robinson on Lee: “Kyong brings a lot of excitement and enthusiasm for the game into every practice and event. She has high demands for her players, and she continues to go above and beyond to help them reach their goals. She is a good role-model for our young players and we are happy to have her coaching the 14 National team this season.”
Tori Hoke
Stellar 13 National Head Coach
Tori Hoke returns for her second season with Club Stellar. Hoke’s volleyball background includes 15 years of coaching experience, nine years serving as a club coordinator, one season each as a club director and region High Performance coordinator, and numerous years playing at the club, collegiate and adult levels. She earned her USA Volleyball’s CAP Level I certification in 2005.
Hoke’s coaching experience includes stops at Southwestern Volleyball Club (1993-95) in Creston, Iowa; Midland Juniors (1996-97) in Omaha, Neb.; and Fusion Volleyball (1997-2007) in Knoxville, Iowa. While at Fusion, she served as club coordinator from 1997-2006 and club director from 2006-2007. Hoke directed up to 10 teams every season, in addition to the juniors and adults program. While holding the title of tournament director for the Iowa Region from 2005-2007, she concurrently held the position of Iowa Region High Performance Coordinator in 2005-2006.
Among her honors, Hoke earned the 2007 Iowa Region Female Coach of the Year award and the 2007 Outstanding Junior Club award. She was selected the USA Volleyball Robert L. Lindsay Meritorious Service Award recipient for the Iowa Region in 2005.
Jen Robinson on Hoke: “I am thrilled that Tori is a part of our Stellar team. She is passionate about teaching and her love for the sport is apparent in everything she does. Tori believes in teaching kids to love and respect the game and we are confident she will see continued success.”
Heath Hoke
Stellar 13 National Assistant Coach
Heath joined the Stellar staff in 2007 as the assistant coach of our 12 National team. He brings extensive experience in club, regional and national volleyball. He currently serves as the coordinator of USA Volleyball High Performance’s indoor national programs. Hoke has built a solid resume in high performance including roles as director of Iowa High Performance, president of Iowa Region Volleyball, serving on the USAV Youth and Junior Olympic Volleyball Division Elite Commission and director of Fusion Volleyball.
During his time with Fusion Volleyball Club in Iowa, Heath was awarded the 2007 Iowa Region Male Coach of the Year award and the 2007 Outstanding Junior Club award.
Jen Robinson on Hoke: “Heath is very passionate about teaching the game of volleyball. He is constantly studying and analyzing the game to better teach our athletes. His work with and knowledge about USA High Performance programs has helped our athletes prepare and strive to be elite players. Heath is extremely approachable and easy-going in the gym, making him a big hit with the players and parents.”
Rick Swan
Stellar 12’s Head Coach
Rick Swan, a staple name in Colorado Springs volleyball, enters his fourth year as a head coach with Club Stellar and a member of the inaugural coaching staff.
Swan is one of Club Stellar’s most decorated coaches and is undoubtedly one of Colorado’s most prolific youth coaches. In 2006 and 2007, he led the Stellar 12-1 team to Nationals two years in a row. In 2007, his team won the Colorado Crossroads National Qualifier, and was the only coach in the region to win a National Qualifier that season. In 2008, his Stellar 13 National team saw great success, finishing 5th at the Colorado Crossroads National Qualifier and 2nd at the Northeast Qualifier in Baltimore. The team earned a bid to Nationals at the RMR Qualifier.
The 2008 season marks Swan’s eleventh season as the head coach for Colorado College. Owner of a 207-100 record (.674) in his ten previous campaigns, Swan has guided the Tigers to a school record ten consecutive appearances in the NCAA Division III playoffs.
Jen Robinson on Swan: “Rick offers our club a ton of experience. He is one of the top youth coaches in the country and has an uncanny ability to get the best out of each player. His commitment to our club is a large part of its success. His excitement for the game is contagious and his players develop a love for the game that lasts a lifetime!”
Jessica Engel-Kelly
Stellar Head Coach
Jess is entering her third season as a Stellar coach. One of Stellar’s players in their 2004 inaugural season, Jess has a vested interest in seeing the club succeed. She served as an assistant coach under coach Rick Swan for 2 seasons with a team that went to Nationals both years. Last season she was the Head Coach of the 12 Regional team.
Jess is a graduate of Lewis Palmer High School and earned a full scholarship to Stonybrook University as a libero. Unfortunately, her college career was cut short after a series of injuries. She is currently finishing her degree in Education at UCCS.
Jen Robinson on Engel-Kelly: “Jess has always developed such great relationships with her players. She is great with our younger players, demonstrating patience and teaching them the basic skills. She teaches her kids to play with confidence, determination and no fear!"