SPARK A CHANGE. IGNITE AN ERA

THIS ISN'T BASIC ENERGY.

We’re building leaders, competitors, and a culture that wins.

We’re looking for coaches who are done with boring and average,
and ready to be part of something intentional, professional, and powerful.

OUR VALUE PROPOSITION

HIGH STANDARDS. REAL RESPECT. ZERO GUESSWORK.
You’ll be held to high standards and supported with the same level of commitment. Every coach can expect clear expectations, honest communication, fair treatment, and consistent leadership.

PROFESSIONALISM & COMMUNICATION

  • Communication will be direct, timely, and respectful. You’ll receive constructive feedback, dependable support, and genuine collaboration throughout the season.

HONEST, FAIR & TIMELY COMPENSATION

  • Your experience, time, and commitment deserve to be valued.

  • Coaches receive transparent, competitive, and timely compensation, along with travel support for regional and national events.

A CULTURE OF INTEGRITY

  • We approach challenges with maturity, solutions, and a team-first mindset.

  • We lead with integrity, accountability, consistency, and a strong work ethic. Our actions reflect our words, and we follow through on our commitments.

CUSTOM FACILITY & EQUIPMENT

Your focus should be on coaching, not competing for resources. Through our partnership with SHRED Gym, our coaches receive:

  • Guaranteed Priority Court Time: Reliable court access and consistent practice schedules.

  • Integrated Performance Training: You focus on volleyball while our dedicated fitness professional, Coach Dibbs, leads speed, agility, strength, and injury-risk-reduction training with access to SHRED’s new athlete recovery room.

  • Professional Training Equipment: Modern, high-quality tools and electronic performance equipment designed to elevate every training session.

COACH EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Wichita Ignite is proud to be a club member of both Junior Volleyball Association (JVA) and Amateur Athletic Union (AAU).

Ignite coaches have the opportunity to obtain a JVA Club Coach membership, providing access to JVA’s education and member resource library, webinars and podcasts, partner discounts, member communications, and award-nomination opportunities.

Through AAU, coaches also receive access to Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) training, providing tools to lead with purpose, teach effectively, and compete with integrity.

We don’t simply hire coaches; we invest in developing leaders.

COACH REQUIREMENTS

All Wichita Ignite coaches are required to meet governing body standards, including:
• Current background screening
• SafeSport certification
• Compliance with USA Volleyball MAAPP policies
• AAU membership (if applicable)

We hold our staff to the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and athlete safety. 

BECOME A COACH TODAY!

WE ARE HIRING! INTERESTED? EMAIL ashley.sanchez@wichita-ignite-vbc.com

OUR TEAM

18U SQUAD

OLIVIA ELIAS

Head Coach | 18-1 Premier

Since second grade, volleyball has been a central part of my life. I’ve spent countless hours learning and growing as both a player and now, as a coach. Some of my most valuable playing and developmental experiences came while living in Wyoming for four years, where I gained knowledge and perspective that continue to shape my coaching philosophy today.

Over the past three years, I have coached young athletes through the YMCA and am thrilled to begin my first high school and club volleyball season with Wichita Ignite Volleyball Club.

Outside of volleyball, I serve as an executive assistant for nonprofit organizations, where I’ve found great purpose in supporting others and making a positive impact. Whether in my professional career or as a coach, I am guided by honesty, integrity, and discipline.

I am passionate about mentoring young women as they navigate the important transition from childhood to early adulthood. I believe the lessons learned through sports—hard work, resilience, accountability, and confidence—extend far beyond the court. My goal is to help every athlete grow not only as a volleyball player, but also as a strong and capable individual.

In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, lifting weights, spending time with family and friends, traveling, being outdoors, and hanging out with my puppy. Athletics have always played a major role in my life, and I know firsthand the lasting impact a great coach can have. I am honored to have the opportunity to be part of the memories, growth, and life lessons that athletes will carry with them long after their playing days are over.

MARTIN ESQUIVEL - HEAD COACH - 18-2 NATIONAL

17U SQUAD

ASHLEY SANCHEZ

Owner-Director/Head Coach | 17 -1 Premier

Assistant Coach - Tammy Howard 

Ashley Sanchez is the Owner and Director of Wichita Ignite Volleyball Club and a passionate coach committed to developing athletes both on and off the court. Her coaching philosophy is rooted in discipline, accountability, integrity, and confidence.

Ashley is entering her second season coaching club volleyball and has provided private instruction for more than six years. As a member of AAU and JVA, and an active participant in the JVA Mentorship Program, she connects with club directors and coaches nationwide to exchange ideas, study successful programs, and bring innovative strategies back to Wichita Ignite.

She holds a master’s degree in special education and is a retired educator with more than 10 years of experience working with students. Her background helps her recognize individual needs, build meaningful connections, develop resilience, and lead athletes with both structure and purpose.

Ashley has been married for 20 years and is the proud mother of four. She and her family live in Goddard. Outside of volleyball, she enjoys spending time with her Frenchies, camping, and relaxing by the pool during the summer.

At Wichita Ignite, Ashley is committed to developing strong athletes, confident leaders, and a culture built on Power. Passion. Precision.

Head Coach - 17 -2 National TBD 

16U SQUAD

GISELLE LOPEZ

Head Coach | 16-1 Premier

Giselle brings a deep love for the game and a well-rounded background, with 10 years of playing experience and time spent developing athletes at the high school level. Heading into her third year of club coaching, she understands the game from every angle; having played all positions, she brings a complete, athlete-first perspective to the court.

Off the court, Giselle works full-time as a veterinary technician, showing the same level of care, discipline, and commitment that she brings to her teams. When she’s not in the gym, you’ll find her with a good book; always learning, always growing.

Her passion for the game and for developing athletes aligns perfectly with what we’re building at Ignite.

We don’t just coach the game; we impact the journey.

MARTIN ESQUIVEL

Head Coach | Girls 16-2/18-2 National 

Head Coach - Boys 18-1 Premier 

Martin joins Wichita Ignite with an impressive background as both a collegiate athlete and accomplished coach. Originally from Palmetto, Florida, Martin is currently the Head Coach of Men’s Volleyball at Central Christian College of Kansas.

A former dual-sport athlete at Hiram College, Martin competed in NCAA Division III volleyball and football while earning degrees in Educational Studies and History. He later taught Social Studies and AP History for five years before completing his Master’s degree in Strategic Leadership.

Now entering his third season at CCCK, Martin has already helped develop: 1 Second Team All-Conference Outside Hitter - 4 Honorable Mention All-Conference athletes (Setter, two Middle Hitters, and Libero) - 7 players ranked in the conference top 10 in assists, blocks, and digs during the 2025–26 CALPAC season

In addition to his collegiate experience, Martin has coached women’s college volleyball, high school boys’ and girls’ volleyball, and club volleyball.

Martin is deeply committed to athlete development and believes that with effort, discipline, and the right mindset, any player can become a great athlete. Guided by his faith, he is passionate about helping athletes grow as competitors and as people.

15U SQUAD

KELLY MCCAGUE

Head Coach | 15-1 Premier

Assistant Coach - Emma McCague

Kelly is a former right-side hitter who competed at the high school, club, and Division III collegiate levels. With a strong understanding of the game from an attacker’s perspective, she specializes in hitter development, focusing on footwork, timing, decision-making, and confidence at the net.

Passionate about helping athletes grow, Kelly is dedicated to building strong fundamentals while pushing players to reach their full potential in a competitive and supportive environment. She brings over 10 years of coaching experience to Wichita Ignite Volleyball Club and is proud to coach alongside her daughter, Emma.

RYAH BURTON

Head Coach | Girls 15-2 National

My name is Ryah and i’ll be the head coach for the 15-2’s National team. I’ve been playing volleyball since 7th grade and have continued my career at the collegiate level while pursuing my college education. As a California City Section Division 1 Champion, I’ve experienced the dedication, resilience, and teamwork it takes to succeed.

My coaching philosophy is centered on developing athletes both on and off the court by fostering teamwork, individual growth, a strong sense of community, and a genuine love for the game. I’m committed to creating a positive environment where every player has the opportunity to learn, compete, and reach their full potential.

14U SQUAD

JOSELYN CORDERO

Head Coach | 14-1 National

This is my second-year coaching club volleyball. I have been playing the sport for nine years and currently compete at the collegiate level while pursuing my bachelor's degree in psychology. Coaching allows me to share what I've learned while continuing to grow as both a coach and a leader.

I am passionate about helping young athletes develop both on and off the court. My goal is to help every player build confidence, strengthen their character, and believe in their abilities. I strive to create a positive, supportive environment where athletes feel challenged, encouraged, and empowered to become the best version of themselves while developing a lifelong love for the game.

EVAN (DALIAN) BATES

Head Coach | 14-2 Select

Coach Evan brings a strong background in volleyball, sports science, and athlete development to Wichita Ignite Volleyball Club. This will be her fifth season coaching club volleyball, with extensive experience leading 13U and 14U teams. She is also entering her fourth season as a high school coach at Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School.

A graduate of Wichita State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, she is currently pursuing her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. In addition to coaching, she works part-time at TRUE Physical Therapy, where she enjoys helping patients stay motivated and achieve their recovery goals.

Away from the gym, she loves spending time with her husband and their two energetic dogs. She is passionate about fitness and is always working toward her own personal goals.

As a coach, she is committed to understanding what motivates each athlete and helping them recognize their full potential. She enjoys teaching new skills, building confidence, and helping players accomplish things they once thought were out of reach. Her love for the strategic side of volleyball allows her to teach athletes how to think critically, read the game, and understand what is happening on the court at a deeper level.

She is excited to be part of the Wichita Ignite family and to help develop not only outstanding volleyball players, but confident, disciplined young women prepared for success both on and off the court.

13U SQUAD

MELAINY KENNARD

MELAINY KENNARD

Head Coach | 13U Select

Assistant Coach - Bailey Kennard

With three years of club volleyball experience and one year of school volleyball experience, Coach Melainy brings a strong love for the game and a passion for helping athletes grow both on and off the court. Having played both school and club volleyball, she understands the dedication, discipline, and teamwork required to compete and improve.

Coach Melainy believes in coaching with purpose and creating an environment where every athlete feels challenged, supported, and valued. She holds her players to high expectations while giving them the encouragement and guidance they need to succeed. Her goal is to develop athletes who are resilient, hardworking, competitive, confident, and willing to push beyond their comfort zones.

Outside of volleyball, Coach Melainy works as a kindergarten paraprofessional and is pursuing certification as a Registered Behavior Technician. Her experience working with children has strengthened her patience, communication skills, and ability to build meaningful relationships. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, playing disc golf, and going for walks.

Coach Melainy’s goal is not only to teach athletes how to play volleyball, but also to help them recognize their potential, believe in themselves, and understand that they are capable of accomplishing great things.

BAILEY KENNARD

12U SQUAD

12-1 Select - Head Coach - OPEN - Assistant Coach: Todd Sanchez

 

WHAT DOES EACH TEAM LEVEL MEAN AT IGNITE?

PREMIER - Highest competitive level within a club. Eligible for Premier tournaments, Power League, and Region Bid Events. Often travels more and competes against stronger competition. Opportunity for AAU National events. 

NATIONAL - Usually a Premier-level team that plans to compete in national qualifiers or larger travel events outside of the HOA region including AAU events.

REGIONAL - Usually a Select-level team playing mostly local or regional tournaments.

SELECT - Developmental or regional competition. Plays Select events and typically has less travel and a more local schedule.

BECOME A COACH TODAY

If you want easy, comfortable, and average; this isn’t your place.

If you want to lead, grow, compete, and be part of something different;
we want to talk to you.