Club Director Rodrigo Suelotto

Originally from Brazil, Rodrigo's passion for volleyball began when he was a young child watching his parents and siblings play. He played from ages 10 to 17 for a few clubs and then for another four years for Santana University as a setter. After graduating, he played in Spain for one season while earning a Master's Degree in Physical Education and Health.

Back in Brazil, Rodrigo was the Assistant Coach and Strength Coach for a professional team called Pinheiros from 2010 to 2016. Their best achievement was winning the gold medal at the Brazil Cup in 2015. Additionally, he served as the Head Coach for São Paulo University - FEA for one year.

Rodrigo’s journey in the US began in June 2016 with his first job as a volunteer assistant coach at SDSU. After one season, he was hired to coach at COAST Volleyball Club, where he won several big tournaments such as Red Rock Rave – Las Vegas and JVA West Coast Cup. Besides coaching at COAST, Rodrigo has been the Girls Volleyball Program Director and Varsity Team Head Coach at Francis Parker since 2022.

Rodrigo launched NOVO Volleyball in May 2024 with the purpose of developing and empowering the next generation of volleyball players, both on and off the court.

Coach Quintin Chambers

Quintin played indoor club in San Diego for 4 years as well as beach and indoor at Francis Parker. He continued his career playing club at Santa Clara University and was a player coach at Santa Clara university for 2 years.

As a coach, he spent 3 years coaching boys at Bay to Bay volleyball club in San Jose, 1 year coaching high school varsity and junior varsity at Harker high school in San Jose, and coached at WAVE volleyball club for 7 years. During the 2022 season, he had the opportunity to coach, play, and get a master's degree in the UK at Durham University. His team won the University championships, the professional league championships, and became the top overall volleyball university in the UK!

Quintin is currently the Director of Francis Parker Boys Volleyball

Throughout his time coaching, he works to teach his athletes self accountability and cooperative competition. He believes that we can show players the technique to become better players, but ultimately it is up to the players themselves to hear what we say, digest the information, and apply it during games and drills.

Coach Maya Sterling

Maya Sterling brings her passion for volleyball and extensive experience to our club! A former libero and setter, Maya has spent four years coaching young athletes in 8th grade and a club in Sacramento, California. Her coaching style combines fun with skill development, ensuring players grow both on and off the court.

Currently pursuing a degree in kinesiology at SDSU, Maya is dedicated to helping her players improve while also planning a future as a physical therapist. Get ready to be inspired by her energy and enthusiasm as she guides our team to new heights!

Coach Saren Rogers

Saren, born and raised in San Diego, found her love for volleyball at a young age and has been dedicated to the sport ever since. She is currently a scholarship athlete at Point Loma Nazarene University, where she is a sophomore outside hitter. During her collegiate career, Saren has earned All-PacWest and All-West Region Freshman of the Year honors, all PacWest team, and recently helped her team to a Final Four appearance at the NCAA National Championship.

Before college, Saren had an accomplished high school career as a four-year varsity starter and three-year captain. She was named Player of the Year, First Team All-CIF, League MVP, received the CIF Sportsmanship Award, and was recognized as the San Diego Union-Tribune Athlete of the Week.

Alongside her playing career, Saren has three years of coaching experience at Coast, and has developed a strong passion for working with young athletes. She believes volleyball teaches valuable life lessons beyond the court and loves helping players grow in confidence, skill, and leadership.

Coach Finn Higginbotham

Originally from Savannah, Georgia, Finn has been playing volleyball since she was 13. She played four years of varsity volleyball at Savannah Arts Academy, where she was a two-time Region Player of the Year, 2023 First Team All-State selection, and 2023 Coastal Empire Volleyball Player of the Year. During her high school career, her team won the region championship all four years and reached the state semifinals twice.

She continued her volleyball career at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, where she is currently a junior middle blocker. She has earned Academic All-PacWest honors and has competed at the NCAA Division II level throughout her college career.

Finn has always enjoyed helping younger athletes develop their skills and confidence. She believes volleyball is about more than just winning games and loves helping players learn how to work hard, support their teammates, and enjoy the game. She brings her experience as a current college athlete to NOVO and is excited to help the next generation of players grow both on and off the court.

Coach Akemi Falcom

Entering her sixth year of coaching, Akemi brings a wealth of experience guiding student-athletes from 1st grade through high school. Akemi started coaching at a young age in San Francisco and rediscovered her passion for coaching at NOVO

Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Akemi discovered a passion for volleyball at six years old and transitioned into playing as a setter at age ten. After moving to the United States, Akemi continued competing at both the high school and club levels in San Francisco before attending UC San Diego, where she played two years of club volleyball while earning a degree. Though now dedicated to mentoring the next generation, Akemi still takes the court recreationally as a hobby.

Akemi is currently the Head Girls JV Volleyball Coach at Francis Parker where she continues fostering a culture of teamwork, skill development, and competitive growth. Coach Akemi believes volleyball is more than just a sport and is excited to instill lifelong values of resilience, leadership, and camaraderie in her players both on and off the court.

Coach Linh Nguyen

Linh Nguyen, raised in San Diego, played high school volleyball at University City for 3 years; and then was hooked for life by the excitement and competitive spirit of the game. Afterwards, he would constantly attend open gyms at various recreation centers as well as camp out at the beach all day to play in the sand. His love for the sport would eventually lead to his first coaching position at his alma mater, with the JV boys team, for a couple of years.

After a hiatus, his coaching tenure resumed when his daughter became interested in the sport and reignited the “volleyball flame” for him. He then coached for Starlings Club for 3 years; and soon after that, he was hired to coach the freshman and then the JV squad at Clairemont High School where his teams won 3 tournaments and 2 finalists in 3 years. He was also brought in to coach the girls team at Marston Middle School where they won one championship and 2 semi final appearances in 3 years.

Off the court, Linh is an elementary school teacher. He believes there are a lot of parallels, and he approaches coaching very similarly to in the classroom. His philosophy in both environments is to focus on improving yourself and to always try to get better or do better than before. He believes that growth and development are the vital aspects in a student’s or player’s journey while, just as importantly, seeking the positives to build on – and ultimately, try to have FUN (since it is “just a game”).

Meet Our Coaches