Our coaching staff is passionate about instilling fundamental technique and form as well as character building and leadership skills. As a staff, we are continually striving for ways to help each team play at the their most competitive level.
COACHING STAFF:
Club Director
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Wade Wells
Meet Club Director Wade Wells!
Volleyball Experience I started playing volleyball in Germany while in the military. After getting out I attended Montana State and continued as an outside hitter on our club team and also played grass doubles during the summer. That is where I started as a coach in the Bozeman school district. Through the years I have worked with the programs at Concordia College (MN), MSU-Billings, Montana State, Rocky, and at various high schools throughout Montana and Wyoming. When we began our club Montana Jrs. I was the coach for the 16-1 team and moved to just being the director of the program. Favorite Coffee Order I would have to say an iced vanilla chai from Mazevo. What Makes Montana Juniors Special We started as the Magic City Volleyball Club and have now become Montana Juniors. Our goal is to give opportunities to girls in order to improve in the sport. I try to find the best coaches available and provide them the resources needed to insure that the players in our program have a great experience. We understand that it’s not just about volleyball. Our club will strive to make this a fun time for your daughter as well as give them the training to better their skills and grow as a person. |
U16-1
Wade Wells
See Coach Wade's Bio Above! |
Karen Switzer
Meet Coach Karen Switzer!
Volleyball Experience I fell in love with volleyball in 6th grade. I played at Will James in 7th grade and then I got cut from the 8th grade volleyball team. However, the legendary coach Jeff Carroll saw something in me so luckily I was able to join his club team. My first competitive experience with volleyball was my 8th-grade year playing for Montana Juniors (back then it was called Magic City Volleyball Club). I then went on to play at Senior High and Montana Juniors throughout high school. We took second my junior year (spring 2001) and won the championship my senior year (spring 2002). I was a two-year letter winner and first-team All-Conference and first-team All-State my senior year. A couple years after high school I returned to coach under Coach Carroll at Senior High. I coached the sophomore team for 5 seasons (2005-2008, and 2012), JV for one season (2013), and then led the program as the head coach during the 2019-2021 seasons. I volunteered for Montana Juniors during the 2023 season. Favorite Coffee Order Americano with cream, heavy on the cream:) Why I Love Coaching I love coaching because I love the way that an athletic team brings people together. There is something truly unique about the relationship between coaches and players, and the relationships that teammates have with each other. I love watching individuals come together, doing something they all love, and being a part of something greater than themselves. I love watching a team struggle together and fight hard together to come out stronger and better than when they began. Few things bring me more joy than watching kids that I have coached, or coaches I have coached, go on and do great things- on the volleyball court or in life. I also love being able to help girls become women. When I coach I am not only working to develop great volleyball players but I am also working to develop strong women who will have a positive impact on the world. |
U16-2
Deja Fuson
Meet Coach Deja Fuson!
Volleyball Experience My love of volleyball started when I was in 4th grade. I had attended some camps affiliated with Skyview High and Rimrock Volleyball Club. I played for Castlerock Middle School and played Rimrock Club ball every season leading up to my senior year of high school where I played for Skyview High. We took second place at the state tournament my junior and senior year. My senior year I was first-team All-Conference, first-team All-State, Top Defensive Player, and East/West All Star. My volleyball career ended at the high school level but my love for the game has never diminished! I continue to play recreational co-ed ball throughout the year for the YMCA as well as the City League. This will be my first year coaching and I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the Montana Juniors family! Favorite Coffee Order Iced or hot Vanilla Americano with Cream! 3 Things That Make Up a Great Team 1.) Egos are left at the door. 2.) Mutual trust and respect for one another 3.) Be present in the moment, you’ll never get to live it twice! |
Lindsay Lawrence
Meet Coach Lindsay Lawrence!
Volleyball Experience I started playing volleyball when I was eleven and have been in love with the sport ever since. I am originally from Jordan, MT and played at Garfield County District High School for four years. Jordan is a class C school and is very remote so the closest club volleyball program is about two hours away, but my junior year of high school I started to consider the possibility of playing at the collegiate level so I was decided to play for the Mountain One club from Glendive. I am currently a freshman at Rocky Mountain College where I play volleyball as an OH/ DS. This is my first time coaching but I can’t wait to be a part of such a great program! Favorite Coffee Order Not a huge fan of coffee, but I love a Billy the Kid with no peach from Soda Station or a Raspberry Redbull Charger. Favorite Quote “You can create the life you want.” |
U 14-1
Taylor Kroft
Meet Coach Taylor Kroft!
Volleyball Experience I have been a coach for Montana Juniors for 6 years now. From camps to club to private lessons, I have jumped into any coaching opportunity I could find! Because of these opportunities, I am at the point where I almost coach year round (and I love it!) In high school, I had opportunities to play many different positions, most of my time was spent as a libero and a setter. This has given me insight into how different positions think, play, and need to be coached. Thanks to jumping into coaching, I have gotten to experience coaching at the U12’s level with their excitement and new-found love of volleyball, as well as the Varsity level with their deeper understanding and the depth of strategy in the game. I also coach for the Senior High Volleyball program with their JV Team. This was another great opportunity to grow in my coaching philosophy and be challenged as a coach! Favorite Coffee Order I'm actually allergic to coffee... but I love a Matcha Latte with Oat Milk from Mazevo! Why I Love Coaching I believe that there is many life-long skills and internal character habits that can be fostered through athletics. I enjoy the challenge of volleyball, the precise techniques that need to be taught in order to play to potential and the key mental aspect that needs to be considered when strategizing and competing. I love watching players grow... grow in their technique, grow in confidence and maturity, grow together as a team, and grow into wonderful young women. Seeing the character growth of the athletes and the “light-bulb” moments of volleyball is one of my favorite aspects. I also love the community aspect of coaching, there are constantly things to learn from and discuss with other coaches. It really is a group effort to coach a team well! |
Katelin Patterson
Volleyball Experience I have been playing volleyball sense I was 10 starting with parks and rec. Then in 7th grade my friends suggested I play club and this marks the beginning of me finding a true passion for the sport. I have continued to play ever since! In addition to being on the court, I began to coach camps and Montana Juniors 12 2s. This season I suffered injury but I am so grateful to still be involved with volleyball and coach another season at Montana Juniors! Favorite Coffee Order Iced Vanilla Chai :) Favorite Quote "The two things in life you are in total control over are your attitude and your effort." - Michael Hyatt Jeda Fuson
Meet Coach Jeda Fuson!
Volleyball Experience I started playing volleyball in 2nd grade and began playing club volleyball for Montana Juniors in 5th grade, I play school volleyball for Senior High and have been blessed with the opportunity to be a part of a state championship team my freshman year and to play varsity my sophomore year. I began coaching last year helping with the 14-1s team as well as coaching camps for the Montana juniors. I am very excited to continue my coaching career and continue to share my love for volleyball! Favorite Coffee Order I’m not a fan of coffee but I do love a strawberry açaí refresher! Favorite Quote “Life is too short to get bogged down and be discouraged. You have to keep moving. You have to keep going. Smile and keep rolling.” - Kobe Bryant |
U 14-2
Kelsey Sargent
Meet Coach Kelsey Sargent!
Volleyball Experience I started coaching camps about 7 years ago and those experiences blossomed into my coaching for Montana Juniors (3 years) and Billings Senior High (3 years) - both programs I played for as an athlete! In addition to coaching within these wonderful programs, I have also been hired to coach privately at Core Volleyball Academy, year round! Positionally, I have played them all... six rotation Pin Hitter (my favorite), Setter (my 2nd favorite), Libero/DS, Middle... you name it! Playing multiple positions has gifted me a unique take on coaching multiple skills and an eagle's eye when it comes to detail. Favorite Coffee Order Coach Taylor and I are cut from the same cloth here... no coffee for us! But I do really like an iced vanilla chai with almond milk! Why I love Coaching I love coaching because the learning never stops, both about the sport and about people. I love playing an impact role in kids' lives while also being a positive force for them. I am of the mindset that knowledge is power in every subject, so being a teacher of volleyball is such a perfect avenue for me! |
Sierra Watson
Meet Coach Sierra Watson!
Volleyball Experience I started playing volleyball when I was a freshman at West High. At that point I didn’t have any experience at all, it was fun while it lasted. I decided my sophomore year I wanted to focus on my education. I have 3 years of experience coaching basketball and this is my second year coaching MT Juniors season. I have participated in coaching the summer camps for the past 3 years. I am very excited for this season! Favorite Coffee Order Iced White Chocolate Mocha, with extra caramel drizzle and vanilla sweet cold foam from Starbucks or a Hot Huckleberry White chocolate mocha, no foam or whipped cream from City brew! More about Sierra |
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Tessa Buckingham
Meet Coach Tessa Buckingham
Volleyball Experience I’ve been playing volleyball since I was in the 6th grade in both school and club. I’ve done camps put on by Wade Wells and played for the Montana Juniors for 4 years. I’ve also coached for 2 seasons at Senior High and this will be my debut season for coaching Montana Juniors. It’s been so amazing being able to be on both sides of volleyball as a player and a coach in two programs that are very near and dear to my heart (Senior High and Montana Juniors). I love being around volleyball and I’m also excited to coach girls that love the game as well! Favorite Coffee Order I love coffee so I tend to switch my order all the time, but I would say my most frequent order is a vanilla sweet cream cold brew with caramel drizzle. Hobbies I love reading fiction, painting my nails and collecting nail polish, hanging with my family/traveling with them, and bullet journaling. |
Carolyn Kelso Heggem
Meet Coach Carolyn Heggem!
Volleyball Experience I have been playing and loving volleyball for 8 years. This is my second year coaching volleyball. I’m sophomore in high school and I have played for both senior and Montana Juniors. In the past I’ve played internationally with NBC volleyball and have experienced a wide variety of teams. I’m so exited to be coaching this year! Favorite Coffee Order Vanilla Latte is my favorite! Favorite Quote "Whatever you are, be a good one” - Abraham Lincoln |
U12-1
Leah Champlin
Meet Leah Champlin!
Volleyball Experience I have been playing volleyball for 9 years. I started off strong with some Parks and Rec volleyball, moved onto camps and playing club for Montana Juniors, graduated playing for Senior High, and played for Miles City Community College this past fall! I have been coaching for 5 years and also have coached camps for Montana Juniors for the past few years so you may have seen me around! Favorite Coffee Order An Iced Caramel Macchiato is my favorite :) 3 Things That Make Up a Great Team The 3 things that I believe make a successful team are good work ethic, always being open to learning new things, and best effort from all the players! |
Addy Wichman
Meet Coach Addy Wichman!
Volleyball Experience I have been playing volleyball since I was 10 years old! I played for a different club until my freshman and sophomore year when I played Montana Juniors! I also played volleyball at Senior High where i was apart of the state championship!! I am so excited to start coaching for such a great program. Favorite Coffee Order Not a huge fan of coffee but I love an iced matcha latte! Favorite Quote “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into to reality” -Warren Bennis |
U12-2
AMaya roscoe
Meet Coach Amaya Roscoe!
Volleyball Experience I have a passion for volleyball that spans over 10 years, starting with my time playing for Montana Juniors. I continued my volleyball journey in high school, attending Senior High and then Belgrade High. Now, I'm excited to bring my experience to Montana Juniors as a coach for the first time. A recent graduate of Montana State University, I had the opportunity to work with various sporting programs, including volleyball. During my high school playing days, I primarily played as a middle hitter, but I always enjoyed the versatility of playing different positions. Favorite Coffee Order Iced mocha or any latte with oat milk! Favorite Quote “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting so get on your way! |
Jaida Pflughoft
Meet Jaida Pflughoft!
Volleyball Experience I have been playing volleyball since 3rd grade and started playing club when I was 13. I played for Montana Juniors for 3 years and I played for a couple other clubs. I love playing volleyball and can’t wait to start this season. This will be my first year coaching. I’m so excited to start this new journey!!! Favorite Coffee Order I don’t drink coffee but I love pink drinks from Starbucks! Hobbies "You don’t want to look back and know you could’ve done better." |