About Texas Tornados Volleyball Club

Return your application to jsaulsberry@texastornados.org

JOELLEN SAULSBERRY - Club Founder & Facility Owner

A California native, JoEllen Saulsberry moved to Houston in 1993 to complete her collegiate volleyball career at the University of Houston. After finishing her eligibility, she stayed on as a student assistant coach, marking the beginning of her lifelong commitment to the sport.

JoEllen began her club coaching career with Houston Juniors in 1993 and Texas Elite in 1994 before stepping into the high school coaching scene as the varsity head coach at St. Pius X High School in 1995. Recognizing the need for a program that aligned with her vision, she co-founded Texas Tornados Volleyball Club in 1995 alongside a former teammate and dedicated parents. What started as four teams and a dream quickly grew into a nationally recognized powerhouse.

By 2001, the club had expanded to over 20 teams, prompting the search for a dedicated facility. With the help of Fred Caldwell, JoEllen and her team secured a 7-acre tract and spent the next three years developing a business plan and securing funding. In December 2004, Texas Tornados opened its doors, solidifying its place as one of Houston’s premier volleyball clubs and earning a spot among the nation’s top 10 programs.

Over the years, JoEllen has played a pivotal role in shaping the club’s training philosophy for both players and coaches. She previously served as the head training coach and recruiting coordinator before entrusting those responsibilities to a growing staff to further enhance the Tornados' programs. With 30+ years of coaching experience, she has led numerous teams to success at the Junior Olympics, including first-place Open finishes at major national qualifiers such as the Mid East Qualifier, Colorado Crossroads, and Las Vegas Invitational, as well as an AAU Grand Prix championship. Most recently, in 2023, JoEllen’s team earned a bronze medal at GJNC.

More than wins and championships, JoEllen is passionate about mentoring young athletes and believes in the power of sports to instill lifelong values. Inspired by a transformative high school coach, she has dedicated her career to teaching not just volleyball but also resilience, teamwork, leadership, and personal growth. She firmly believes that how you play the game does not define you—but the lessons you learn along the way will shape the person you become.

Through JoEllen’s vision and leadership, Texas Tornados continues to provide an experience that extends beyond the court, helping young athletes grow into strong, confident individuals ready to take on life’s challenges.

MARKO MAJSTOROVIC - Executive Club Director / Camp & Clinic Director

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marko-majstorovic/

Marko is an Award-winning and highly experienced Coach with 25+ years of extensive experience at the club, NCAA D1, and international levels. Purpose-driven professional with broad-based experience in coaching diverse participants with volleyball practices and fitness programs to enhance athletic capabilities. A successful mentor who helped numerous volleyball players to excel both in their pursuit of academic and athletic excellence. Reliable training and program director with distinct advantages and success in formulating inclusive programs, recruiting student-athletes, and scouting prospective athletes to realize their potential. Compassionate volunteer, hosting training clinics for Paralympic athletes and life skills mentoring for the deaf communities. Leverage exceptional administrative management in budgeting, maintaining rules compliance, and consistently adhering to the institution, conference, and NCAA rules and regulations. Fervent in winning and developing players at the highest level.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS                                                                                                 

•      11 years of experience at NCAA D1 Level (Assistant Coach, Interim Head Coach) and 8 years at Club Level (Director, Head Coach)

•      Awarded as the 2021 AVCA Club Coach of the Year and 2019 Diversity Winner by the American Volleyball Coaches Association.

•      Bagged Silver medal (2^nd Place) at GJNC with 15s National Team in 2022, Bronze medal (3rd Place) at GJNC with our 18s National Team in 2018, and continued to elevate the legacy with our 17s National Team winning a Bronze medal (3rd Place) again in 2019. Another Bronze medal with Tsunami Volleyball (18s) in 2025

•      Finished the race in 9th Place overall at the Girls Junior National Championship with our 17s National team in 2021.

•      Managed 42 coaches and 32 teams and commendably tracked the progress of teams and individual player growth.

• Instrumental in helping all players receive collegiate volleyball scholarships, and the 17’s top team medaled at Nationals.

•      Serving as a Diversity Team Board member of the American Volleyball Coaches Association.

•      Coached All-Americans at the University of Oregon, Memphis, and All-Conference players at Nicholls State University and the University of New Orleans

CORE COMPETENCIES                                                                                               

Leadership | Training | Coaching | Mentoring | Player Development | Recruitment | Practice Planning | Technical Aptitude | Administrative Management | Program Management | Game Management | Player Management | Staff Management | Logistics Management | Tactics | Health Management| Problem-solving | Communication

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE                                                                                                               

Head Volleyball Coach and

Director for 15s-18s

Tsunami Volleyball Club, 16-1 Elite

Atlanta, GA, October 2024 - Present

 Led the program management of 24 teams and launched sustainable educational sessions, empowering 38 club coaches.

• Spearhead program management that includes winter and summer camps, coaching clinics, training sessions, promoting volleyball in the area, etc.

•     Running and planning all Master sessions and Positional Training sessions

•    Head consistent tracking for the progress reports of teams throughout the season and individual player growth.

•    Host effective coaching educational sessions to empower coaches in the club through tracking team progress.

•       Winning Bronze Medal at GJNC 2025 with 181 Elite. Won 5 major tournaments that season with the same team.

•       In addition, I was responsible for running all day-to-day operations of the volleyball club, as well as hiring new staff

 Program and Training Director, Head Coach

575 Volleyball| Peachtree City, GA| 05/2023 - 06/2024

Led the program management of 20 teams and launched sustainable educational sessions, empowering 22 club coaches.

•     Spearhead program management that includes winter and summer camps, coaching clinics, training sessions, promoting volleyball in the area, etc.

•    Head consistent tracking for the progress reports of teams throughout the season and individual player growth.

•    Host effective coaching educational sessions to empower coaches in the club through tracking team progress.

•       Helping 575 players receive volleyball scholarships and propelled the 16s top team to reach Nationals, for the first time in their careers

•       In addition, I was responsible for running all day-to-day operations of the volleyball club, as well as hiring new staff

 Program and Training Director, Head Coach

ABSOLUTE VOLLEYBALL ACADEMY | League City, TX | 05/2017 - 05/2023

Led the program management of 32 teams and launched sustainable educational sessions, empowering 42 club coaches.

 First Assistant Volleyball Coach

UNIVERSITY OF NEW ORLEANS | New Orleans, LA | 06/2016 – 01/2017

Aided the head coach in indoor and sand volleyball programs, on-court training, player development, and compliance.

•    Showcased profiling skills in domestic and international recruitment procedures, monitored the academic progress of athletes, scheduled spring season practices, and initiated short and long-term practice planning.

 Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator

NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY | Thibodaux, LA | 06/2014 – 05/2016

Delivered utmost service in coaching during practices and games, player development, video exchange, and coordinating

team scouting, eligibility, and the educational process of student-athletes.

•       Hired employees for matches and summer camps, and managed volunteer assistant coaches and game workers.

•       Furthered assistance in scheduling and launching meaningful public outreach in the community.

•       Worked primarily with outside hitters and helped one player achieve 2nd team All-Conference in her first year.

 First Assistant Volleyball Coach

UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS | Memphis, TN | 06/2008 – 12/2012

Pioneered incomparable coaching, recruiting student-athletes, player development, video exchange, equipment monitoring,

ordering, coordinating team scouting, and forming student-athletes' eligibility and educational processes.

•    Dedicated resource in scheduling, organizing banquets, and annual changes of training and match assignments.

•    Provided unparalleled training and coaching to Team Offense, Team Defense, and Setters as a group.

•    Collaborated with Middle Blockers, Outside Hitters, DS, Liberos, and Setters to address their unique needs.

•    Molded players in the University that topped in the conference and were recognized as part of the top 20 nationwide.

 Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator

UNIVERSITY OF OREGON | Eugene, OR | 03/2005 – 04/2006

Catered innovative strategies on-court training, international and domestic recruiting, and scouting of opponents.

•    Focused on developing the players' skills, working with the defense team, and handling daily program operations.

 Assistant Volleyball Coach

NATIONAL TEAM OF YUGOSLAVIA AND SERBIA | 06/2002 – 03/2005

Managed under-17 and under-15 women's teams and trained young players to prepare them for their futures in the sport.

•    Helped players to be successful at the international stage and became active globally.

•    Assisted the Head Coach in selecting the most talented and gifted players from all over the country.

•    Drove the team's success in achieving the 3rd Place World Championship, 2nd Place at the European Championship, and three-time back-to-back Championship gold medals in the Balkans.

 AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS                                                                       

2019 – AVCA Diversity Award Winner

2020 – AVCA Innovation Award winner

2021 – AVCA Club Coach of the Year (17s)

 18s Division Bronze Medalist at GJNC (2024)

15s Division Silver Medalist at GJNC (2021)

17's Division Bronze Medalist at GJNC (2019)

18's Division Bronze Medalist at GJNC (2018)

Record of 10-4 as interim Head Coach at the University of

Memphis (2010)

ELLA CLEVELAND - SENIOR ASSOCIATE CLUB DIRECTOR

Passionate, results-driven volleyball coach with over 20 years of coaching experience developing competitive athletes and leading teams to national championships and top national rankings. Career highlights include winning the Starlings National Championship (12s Division) and coaching the A5 Volleyball Club 12-1 team, which was ranked in the Top 5 in the nation. Proven track record in skill development, collegiate recruitment guidance, and fostering a positive, disciplined, and team-oriented environment. Former collegiate athlete with deep knowledge of the game and a commitment to inspiring young players to excel both on and off the court. 

Coaching experience:

• A5 West Volleyball Club – Head Coach / Recruiting Coordinator | 2024–2025

- Head coach for 15-1 and 16-2 teams, advancing to AAU Nationals.

• 575 Volleyball Club – Head Coach / Recruiting Coordinator | 2021–2024

- Led 17-1 and 18-1 teams to USAV Nationals.

- Guided athletes through the college recruitment process, securing scholarship opportunities.

• A5 South Volleyball Club – Head Coach 14-1/17-2 (COVID Season) | 2020–2021

• A5 South Volleyball Club – Assistant Coach 17-1/12-1 | 2019–2020

- Contributed to USAV Nationals appearances.

• Grady High School – Head Volleyball Coach | 2016–2020

- Guided team to Sweet 16 State Playoffs.

• A5 South Volleyball Club – Co-Head Coach | 2017–2018

- Led 16-1 team to USAV Nationals.

• A5 Volleyball Club – Assistant Coach | 2015–2017

- Assisted with elite 12-1 and 15-4 teams.

- 12-1 team ranked Top 5 nationally during this period.

• Jonesboro High School – Assistant Coach | 2014–2015

 County Champions, Regional Champions, and State Tournament appearances.

• Blount High School – Assistant Volleyball Coach | 2011–2014

- Starlings Volleyball of Mobile – Head Coach 12U – Won Starlings National Championship (12’s Division).

- Area Champions, Regional Runner-Ups.

• Williamson High School – Head Volleyball Coach / Assistant Basketball Coach / Head JV Basketball Coach | 1999–2011

- Multiple Area and Regional Championships; Final Four State Appearance.

Playing Experience 

Davidson High School (1991–1995) – Volleyball, Basketball, Track 

- 4-time All-State selection; Rookie of the Year; multiple All-Tournament honors.

Mississippi Valley State University (1995-1997) 

- Rookie of the Year, All-Tournament Team.

Education 

Ed.D. Organizational Leadership – Grand Canyon University (Expected 2026) 

M.Ed. Reading Specialist – Grand Canyon University, 2011

M.Ed. Education Leadership – University of South Alabama, 2003

B.S. Elementary Education – University of South Alabama, 2001 

Key Skills:

• Advanced Skill Development & Game Strategy

• Collegiate Recruitment & Athlete Mentorship

• Team Building & Leadership Development

• Tournament Preparation & Competitive Play

• Communication & Motivational Coaching 

AMANDA MAJSTOROVIC - RECRUITING DIRECTOR / YOUTH PROGRAM DIRECTOR / UNIFORMS & APPAREL / PROGRAM REGISTRATIONS / PLAYER PAYMENTS

Amanda Majstorovic brings an extensive and accomplished background in volleyball, both as a player and a coach. Her journey in the sport began with an exceptional high school and club career, where she established herself as a standout athlete. She was a two-time Texas State Champion in 2006 and 2007 and earned All-State honors in both seasons. During those years, she also served as team captain and was named MVP, demonstrating not only her skill but her leadership on the court. In club volleyball, she competed with AVA of Texas from ages 13 through 18, consistently playing on the top team each season.

Following her success at the high school and club levels, Amanda continued her playing career at the Division I level as a middle blocker and right-side hitter at Gardner-Webb University. Over her four-year collegiate career, she made a significant impact on the program, serving as team captain during her junior and senior seasons. She was part of the first team in the university’s Division I history to achieve a winning season, marking a milestone for the program. Academically and athletically, she excelled, earning recognition on the Big South All-Academic First Team and receiving Big South Honorable Mention honors. She also left her mark in the record books, ranking among the best in both aces per season and highest single-season hitting percentage.

Transitioning into coaching, Amanda began her collegiate coaching career as a Graduate Assistant at Nicolls State University before advancing to a Division I Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator position at Tulane University. These roles allowed her to develop a strong foundation in athlete development and recruiting at the highest levels of collegiate volleyball.

At the club level, Amanda has built a diverse and impactful coaching career spanning over 16 years. She is the owner and director of Volleystar Volleyball Academy, a role she has held since 2020, where she leads program development and athlete training. Her coaching experience includes working with AVA of Texas 18’s as well as coaching club teams across Louisiana, North Carolina, and Georgia, working with a wide range of age groups, including 12s, 14s, 16s, and 17s.

Amanda has also made a significant impact at the high school level. She served as Head Coach at CE King High School in Houston, Texas, for seven seasons, during which she developed competitive, disciplined teams. She currently serves as Head Coach at Northgate High School in Newnan, Georgia, where she recently led her team to an Elite 8 finish in the 5A Georgia Public High School State Playoffs during the 2025–2026 season.

As a coach, Amanda is deeply passionate about teaching the game the right way, especially to beginners, and helping athletes develop a genuine love for volleyball. She has experience working with all ages and skill levels, with particular expertise in serve receive and defensive systems. Additionally, her extensive background in recruiting fuels her commitment to helping athletes achieve their goal of playing at the next level.

BILL WALTON

Bill Walton, originally from Chicago, Illinois, brings over 44 years of volleyball coaching experience to Texas Tornados. His extensive background includes coaching at the college, junior, USA, and professional levels.

Throughout his career, Bill has guided teams to numerous achievements, including regional and national medals, NCAA National Championships, NIVT Championships, and an AIAW 4th Place finish. His junior teams have earned gold, silver, and bronze medals at major tournaments across the country.

As a player, Bill competed at both the collegiate and national levels. He was a MIVA Conference Champion, NAIA National Champion, and member of the USA Men’s National Team. He also represented the U.S. in the 1975 America’s Cup and the 1980 Olympic Festival.

In addition to coaching, Bill serves as a volleyball coach and Associate Professor. He holds degrees from George Williams College and the University of Cincinnati.

ALYSSA ALJOUNY

Alyssa Ajlouny, a Cypress, Texas native, is in her second year coaching at Texas Tornados Volleyball Club, leading 17 National and assisting 13 National for the 2024–2025 season. She also serves as an Operations Coordinator at Young Audiences of Houston.

A former standout at the University of St. Thomas, Alyssa was a six-rotation right side and outside hitter, earning multiple all-tournament selections, SCAC All-Sportsmanship honors for three consecutive seasons, and recognition as a scholar-athlete. She captained the Celts, amassing 800 career kills, 850 digs, and ranking among the program’s leaders in blocks per set.

Her coaching highlights include guiding 13 National to a 3rd place finish at the Lone Star Classic Select Division and helping the University of St. Thomas reach the SCAC conference semifinals. Alyssa is passionate about developing well-rounded athletes and fostering leadership and teamwork on and off the court.

IELAN BRADLEY

Ielan, a Texas Tornados alum, finished her club career competing with the program before playing four years of Division I volleyball at Stephen F. Austin University. During her collegiate career, she earned Player of the Year and MVP honors, was named to the Academic All-District team, and received AVCA All-American Honorable Mention recognition.

Ielan brings experience from both college and club camps. She is excited to take on the role of COACH and share her knowledge and passion for the game with the next generation of athletes.

JENNIFER DORIS

Jen Doris joins the Texas Tornados staff after an illustrious volleyball career spanning collegiate, professional, and international play. She competed at the University of Texas at Austin, where she won three Big 12 Championships, played in three Final Fours, and appeared in the 2009 National Championship game. She graduated in just 3.5 years with two degrees before embarking on a decade-long professional career.

Jen played professionally in Puerto Rico—where she was recognized as one of the league’s best blockers—before continuing her career in Azerbaijan and Japan. Over eight seasons in Japan, she earned multiple league honors, including Best Spiker (3x), Best Blocker (3x), and 2nd MVP (2x). She collected four silver medals, one bronze medal, and a Kurashiki Cup bronze medal while achieving two Challenge Match victories, including a historic first-ever win by a Challenge League team in 2013. Jen holds the record as the longest-serving foreign player in Japanese league history and was named match MVP numerous times throughout her career.

A Houston native, Jen was ranked the #3 national recruit by Prep Volleyball and a Fab 50 recruit by Volleyball Magazine. She also competed with Team USA at the Youth World Championships (Macau, China), Junior NORCECA Championships (Mexico), and Junior World Championships (Thailand). She later played with the U.S. Women’s National Team at the TV Azteca Cup (Mexico) and won a gold medal with the A2 Team at the Open National Championships.

KIRBY KLIAFAS

Kirby Kliafas, daughter of the Tornados owner, JoEllen Saulsberry, continues the family legacy in her second year of club coaching. She has over three years of experience working with camps, clinics, Tumbleweeds, and Summer League.

As a player, Kirby was a three-time High School First Team All-District selection, an AVCA Watchlist and Phenom honoree, and currently competes at Blinn College, where she earned Second-Team All-American honors.

ALEXIS VAUGHN

Alexis Vaughn is from Cypress, Texas. She has three years of club coaching experience and is entering her fourth season. Alexis also served as the Middle School Director at Cypress Christian School for two years, where she led the program to its first-ever district championship.

As a player, Alexis began her collegiate volleyball career at Abilene Christian University, competing at the NCAA Division I level before transferring to Ottawa University in Kansas to continue competing at the NAIA level.

AIDAN CONNER

Aidan Conner is from Cypress, TX. She is a student-athlete pursuing his Master’s degree at the University of Houston after earning his Bachelor’s degree from Columbia University.

Aidan brings valuable experience from working at volleyball camps hosted by both Columbia and UH over the past five summers. This year marks her first official season coaching a team, and she is excited to share her passion and knowledge with Tornados athletes.

As a player, Aidan competed for three years with the Texas Tornados and four years at Columbia University, and is continuing his career at the University of Houston while completing his graduate studies.

TAYLOR EVANS

Taylor Evans returns for her 8th year coaching at Tornados. She played JUCO volleyball at Richland College as an Outside Hitter, earning 1st Team All-Conference honors. She later served as Team Captain at Houston Community College, leading her squad to a 2018 Lone Star Club Championship.

SANIYA SMITH

Saniya Smith is from Houston, Texas. She has coached with the Tornados’ Tumbleweeds program for four years and has also assisted at college camps, including Abilene Christian University.

Saniya has eight years of experience playing club volleyball and is now a student at Prairie View A&M University.

KODI GARCIA

Kodi Garcia, from Tomball, Texas, brings five years of NCAA Division I playing experience to Texas Tornados Volleyball. She competed at Elon University from 2017 to 2021 and at Stephen F. Austin State University in Fall 2021. Kodi currently coaches the Tornados’ 16 Adidas team while working as a sales representative. A dedicated and energetic mentor, she is passionate about helping athletes grow their skills and confidence on and off the court

BLAKE BILLS

Basketball Director, Houston Hoops, Facility Director | Texas A&M Graduate

Blake Bills is an accomplished basketball professional with a diverse background spanning

coaching, management, and player development. With a passion for the game and a dedication to

building strong teams, Blake’s experience has shaped him into a well-rounded leader in the

basketball community.

Starting as a Men's Basketball Manager at Blinn College under Head Coach and Athletic

Director Scott Schumacher (2020-2022), Blake quickly learned the nuances of team dynamics,

leadership, and game-day preparation. His ability to support coaches and players while

maintaining an organized and positive environment set the stage for his next steps.

In 2022, Blake expanded his role as the Alodia Basketball Camp Director and Tournament

Coordinator, where he managed logistics and coordinated events, helping foster growth and

exposure for young athletes. That same year, he took on the role of Head Coach for Texas

A&M Women's Club Basketball, leading the team to a South Conference Championship.

As a Student Assistant/Manager for Texas A&M Women's Basketball (2023-2025) under Head

Coach Jonie Taylor, Blake gained invaluable experience in high-level coaching and

management. He worked directly with the coaching staff and players, participating as a practice

player, managing team prep, and gaining insights into coaching strategy, motivational

techniques, and game management under the guidance of USA Gold Medal Women’s Basketball

Coach, Coach Taylor.

Blake holds a B.S. in Special Education from Texas A&M (2025) and an Undergraduate

Coaching Certificate from the Thornton-McFerrin Coaching Academy. He is currently the

Facility Director for Texas Tornados in Cypress, TX, where he is excited to bring the spirit of

Houston Hoops to the Cypress area, creating opportunities for athletes to develop and thrive.

Blake’s commitment to developing players, coaching strategy, and team dynamics is grounded in

his belief in the power of mentorship and continuous learning. He is eager to contribute to the

future of the game while nurturing the next generation of basketball talent.