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.

ELLA CLEVELAND - EXECUTIVE 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 

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.

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.

Erykah Lovett

Erykah Lovett brings a dynamic blend of elite playing experience and a lifelong passion for the game. A former Division I and professional athlete, Erykah has been immersed in volleyball for over 17 years and has spent the last 5 years coaching and mentoring athletes of all ages and levels.

Erykah’s volleyball journey began at McIntosh High School, where she was a 3-time state champion before graduating early to begin her collegiate career at Long Beach State. She went on to compete at multiple high-level Division I programs, including the University of Tennessee and the University of Georgia. During her graduate season at Georgia, she earned SEC All-American honors. Over the course of her collegiate career, she recorded more than 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs, highlighting her versatility and impact on the court. While competing, she also earned a bachelor’s degree in business management with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. Following her collegiate career, Erykah continued her playing journey professionally in Italy. This experience gave her valuable international exposure and further deepened her understanding of the game from a global perspective.

In addition to her playing background, Erykah has spent the past 5 years coaching club teams and leading high-level training. She is also the founder of Elev8 Summer Camps, where she designs and runs skill-focused, high-intensity training environments tailored to high school programs looking to elevate their game. Her experience across private training, team development, and camp instruction reflects her passion for all aspects of volleyball, from fundamentals to advanced performance.

Growing up in a large, blended family with four siblings, Erykah values connection, mentorship, and fostering a positive, high-energy environment where athletes feel supported and challenged. Erykah’s mission is to pour into each athlete she works with. She aims to push them to become confident, disciplined, and dynamic players both on and off the court. She is committed to helping athletes reach their full potential while building strong fundamentals, a competitive mindset, and a lasting love for the game.

Kamille Gibson

Kamille Gibson is an elite Division I pin hitter with extensive experience competing at the highest levels of collegiate volleyball. She began her career at the University of Tennessee before transferring to the University of Oklahoma, where she quickly made an impact as a dynamic and versatile attacker. Kamille is known for her explosive offensive presence, length at the net, and ability to score in multiple phases of the game.

During her time at Oklahoma, she averaged over 200+ kills and 40+ blocks per season, establishing herself as a key contributor and high-level performer. She is currently continuing her career at the University of Houston, where she is slated to finish her career as one of the top players in the country while earning her degree in Integrated Studies.

Kamille’s foundation was built through a highly successful club and high school career. During her time at Braswell High School and TAV Volleyball Club, she recorded over 1,100 kills and 500 digs, establishing herself early as a dominant and well-rounded athlete.

Beyond her playing accomplishments, Kamille brings a deep understanding of the game, high-level training experience, and a genuine passion for developing the next generation of athletes. She is committed to helping players grow not only in skill but in confidence, discipline, and a strong competitive mindset.

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.

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.

ASHTYN RICHEY

Ashtyn Richey or Coach Richey will be our 12 Adidas head coach this year. She is currently an assistant volleyball coach and teacher at Bridgeland High School. With nine years of coaching experience, including five years at the high school level, she has worked with athletes of all ages and skill levels throughout Texas. Her coaching journey began as a Youth Program Director and has included coaching numerous club teams across both the Dallas and Houston areas.

Prior to joining Bridgeland, Ashtyn helped lead Needville High School to a State Semifinal appearance. She also spent three years at Lovejoy High School, where the program earned three District Championships, three Regional Final appearances, and captured the 2023 State Championship.

As a player, Ashtyn competed at the Division I level at SMU and Houston Baptist University as a right-side hitter. She specializes in training middles and right sides and brings extensive experience in setter development. Throughout her coaching career, she has helped numerous athletes continue their volleyball journeys at the collegiate level, from junior college programs to NCAA Division I schools.

Ashtyn is passionate about teaching the game beyond just skills and systems. She believes volleyball is at its best when athletes learn to see the game, understand its intricacies, and develop the confidence to make decisions within it. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes growth, resilience, and a healthy relationship with competition. She strives to help athletes challenge themselves, embrace the learning process, and build an identity that extends beyond the sport itself.

She is excited to be a part of the Texas Tornados family and looks forward to investing in the community while helping develop the next generation of athletes. Volleyball has provided opportunities and experiences beyond anything she could have imagined, and she is passionate about giving back to the sport that has given her so much.

Gillian Parks - TBA

Mikayla Vivens - TBA