2023-2024 Varsity roster

Number	First Name	Last Name	Height	Position	Grade
1	Ryan	MacCartie	6'2"	MB	11
2	Luke	Ackerman	6'0"	Lib / DS / OH	12
9	Vinny	Busch	6'1"	Setter / Opp.	11
10	Brendan	Relvas	6'2"	MB	10
3	Chase	Wallin	6'5"	S/OPP	9
15	Pasha	Shoar	5'10"	L	10
16	Rayan	Shaban	5'9"	L	12
19	Fenton	Regan	6'1"	MB	10
6	Brooks	Ignosci	6'2"	OH / DS	11
22	Blake	Herman	6'0"	OH/MB	10
4	Hayden	Merz	5'11"	OH/ Setter	12
5	Alexander	Howell	6'2"	MB	12
11	Ethan	Saint	6'3"	Outs.Hit. / Set	12
12	Bennett	Miller	6'2"	OPP/MB	11

 

2023-2024 Junior Varsity Roster

Number	First Name	Last Name	Height	Position	Grade
13	Carter	Evers	5'10"	S/OPP	10
18	Deakon	Cortes	5'11"	OH	9
17	Ben	Vartanian	6'1"	OH/OPP	9
20	Caiden	Sasena	5'11"	OH	9
21	Maxim	Chiang	6'1"	OH	9
23	Grant	LoCascio	6'2"	OH/MB	10
26	Logan	Minhas	6'0"	OH/MB	10
32	Oliver	Ellingson	6'1"	OH / Middle	10
33	Ryder	Kopelciw	5'10"	Opp. / Setter	11
44	Gavyn	Harrison	5'11"	MB/S	9

 

2023-2024 Frosh-Soph Roster

Number	First Name	Last Name	Height	Position	Grade
24	Kai	Koga	5'10"	MB/OPP	9
28	Ianic	Tudorica	5'9"	OH/MB	9
34	Knightley	Gee	5'11"	Middle	10
35	Jack	Thorp	5'11"	MB/OH	9
38	Logan	Grace	5'11"	OH / Middle	10
30	Seena	Honarvar	5'7"	OH / DS	10
41	Cooper	Wood	6'0"	OPP/OH	9
42	Logan	Coulson	5'6"	L/DS	9
43	Avi	Gupta	5'3"	S/L	9
	Cameron	Weber			9

vARSITY cOACH - Sinan Tanik

Coach Sinan Cem Tanik, currently in his third season, demonstrates a wealth of experience and expertise across various facets of volleyball. With an illustrious professional career spanning 18 years in Europe, he has left an indelible mark on the sport. As a former captain of the Turkish National team for 11 years, Coach Tanik's leadership qualities have been honed through numerous national and international championships and accolades. His tenure as a professional player extends beyond Turkey, as he has served as captain for teams in Poland, Greece, UAE, Spain, and Turkey, showcasing his adaptability to diverse cultures and playing conditions. Notably, he has contributed significantly to the success of Galatasaray, one of Turkey's premier sports clubs, where he held the positions of Men's Volleyball Sportive Director and Team Manager. Coach Tanik's influence extends to the international stage, having served as the Director and Manager of the Turkish Men's Senior National Team. Additionally, he has demonstrated his coaching prowess as the Head Coach of Poland Plus Liga team Effector Kielce and Pierwsze Liga team AZS Czestochowa before transitioning to the United States. In his two years at Concordia University Irvine, Coach Tanik made substantial contributions as an Assistant Coach of Men's Volleyball, progressively assuming roles as Recruiting Coordinator and eventually Interim Head Coach. Currently, he imparts his knowledge and expertise as an educator, teaching Economics, Intro to Business, and Intro to Law at Santa Margarita Catholic High School, alongside teaching Sports Psychology and Functional Movement at Stanton University as an Adjunct Professor.

In addition to his scholastic pursuits, Coach Tanik serves as the Head Coach of the Laguna Beach HS girls’ volleyball program and coaches both boys’ and girls’ teams at the 949 Volleyball Club in San Juan Capistrano, further exemplifying his dedication to nurturing young talent. Coach Tanik's academic credentials complement his on-court achievements, with master’s degrees in coaching and exercise sciences (MSCE) and coaching and athletic administration (MCAA) from Concordia University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Anadolu University in Turkey, underscoring his commitment to holistic development. Furthermore, Coach Tanik possesses esteemed coaching certifications, including a 4th level Turkish Volleyball Federation Coaching diploma, FIVB Level 2 certification, and USAV CAP II certificates, indicative of his continuous pursuit of excellence and professional growth in the field of volleyball coaching.
 

JUNIOR VARSITY COACH - ISAIAH KAHELEPONO KAA

Isaiah Kahelepono Kaaa, based in Irvine, CA, is a multifaceted professional whose expertise spans both the corporate realm and the volleyball court. By day, he serves as a senior tax analyst at Ernst & Young, where he leverages his strong analytical skills and leadership abilities. However, it's his passion for volleyball and coaching that truly sets him apart. As a SafeSport and IMPACT Training Certified coach, Isaiah is deeply committed to fostering the holistic development of his athletes while striving for excellence on the court. Whether leading training sessions, mentoring players through the college recruitment process, or strategizing for success in competitive matches, Isaiah brings a unique blend of analytical acumen and coaching finesse to every aspect of his coaching role. In his role as Head Coach for 949 Athletics from 2018 to 2019, Isaiah orchestrated daily training sessions and provided invaluable guidance to aspiring athletes navigating the complexities of college recruitment across all divisions. At Concordia University Irvine, where he currently serves as a Men’s Volleyball Graduate Assistant, Isaiah contributes to the team's success by developing comprehensive practice plans aimed at enhancing athletes' skills and abilities. Additionally, his tenure as JV Head Coach/Assistant Varsity Coach at Laguna Beach High School in 2018 saw him lead the team to the 2019 CIF Semi-Finals, a testament to his strategic prowess and leadership. Isaiah holds a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Data Analytics from Concordia University Irvine, earned in 2021. He also earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with emphases in Accounting and Finance from the same institution in 2018. Isaiah's contributions to the sport extend beyond the court, earning recognition as an NCAA DII Men’s Varsity Volleyball Setter/Team Captain at Concordia University Irvine from 2014 to 2019. He was also honored as a 2018/2019 MPSF All-Academic Honoree and has actively participated in philanthropic endeavors, including volunteering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Isaiah Kahelepono Kaaa epitomizes the essence of a coach who is not only dedicated to achieving success on the court but is also deeply invested in the personal and professional development of his athletes. With a passion for coaching and a commitment to excellence, Isaiah continues to make a lasting impact in the world of volleyball.
 

JUNIOR VARSITY COACH - TUAN NGUYEN

This is Coach Tuan's 10th year at SMCHS. Nguyen has coached 15 years at Laguna Beach Volleyball Club and in 2020 made the switch to Momentous Volleyball Club. Nguyen also was an assistant coach at Biola and Concordia for ten years. In 2009, he earned a medal at the 18’s JO’s. He works in the medical industry and was born in Vietnam. In his previous years he coached at El Dorado, Mater Dei, and Rosary.

 

 

 

FROSH-SOPH COACH - CHELSEA RIEDEL

Chelsea Riedel brings a wealth of volleyball experience and passion to her role as the new coach for Santa Margarita Catholic High School. Currently excelling as an Outside Hitter at Santiago Canyon College, Chelsea's love for the sport extends beyond the court as she also coaches at CA Volleyball Club. Chelsea's journey in volleyball began at Portola High School, where she showcased her talent and dedication as a four-year varsity athlete. Her outstanding performances earned her numerous accolades, including two-time First Team All-League honors, and she was honored as the Team MVP for two consecutive years. Chelsea's commitment to excellence wasn't limited to athletics; she was also recognized for her academic achievements, being nominated as a student-athlete of the year. Furthermore, Chelsea has demonstrated her coaching acumen by serving as the head coach for the Frosh Soph team, where she instilled a culture of growth, teamwork, and discipline. Now, she is ready to bring her leadership and expertise to Santa Margarita Catholic High School, nurturing the talents of young athletes and shaping them into well-rounded players both on and off the court. With her impressive background and a genuine passion for the game, Chelsea Riedel is poised to inspire the next generation of volleyball stars at Santa Margarita Catholic High School