Meet The Coaches

 

Becky Zeeman (Billings)

Club Founder & Director

Getting personal: I am a proud mother of 3 young kiddos, daughter Zola (6.5yrs old) & son Ezra (5yrs old) and little Kylo who just truned 1. I am originally from Ottawa and I have a degree in Physical Education & Health Studies from Queen’s University where I played on the Women’s Varsity Volleyball Team. In the summer of 2011, I was selected to represent Canada at the FISU World University Games in Beach Volleyball which was an unforgettable experience. After graduating from Queen’s I went on to live, play indoor volleyball, and travel around Europe for a few years with my now husband and fellow Queen’s Men’s Volleyball Alumni, Joren Zeeman. Returning to Canada, I then landed an amazing role as the Full-time Assistant Coach for the Women’s Varsity Volleyball Team at the Toronto Metropolitan University (then Ryerson University). Coaching at the intercollegiate level was a dream position come true for 3 unforgettable seasons. That life chapter was rich in growth, development and genuine connections and just so happens to have a fairytale ending with a perfect and undefeated season, 2 banners (OUA + USPORTS), and then 4 weeks later with the birth of my first baby girl, Zola. I am especially grateful for my time at TMU because they truly value their coaching staff by providing a stable career opportunity for many young aspiring coaches while also making space for professional development and opportunities to explore and invest in my passion for community initiatives and empowering women through sport. I currently work for the SMASH Raiders Volleyball Club as a Club Coach, working on Program, Coach and Athlete Development.

I love being able to say that I “still” work in volleyball full-time! :D

I’ve always aspired to start my own beach volleyball club and in the spring of 2022 saw the perfect storm of opportunities come together with my passion for working with youth athletes, my adoration for the sport, and desire to contribute to the growth of the game in Canada and our local communities!

Having a job that doesn’t feel like work - winning! #lifegoalsmet

Volleyball History

  • Beach Volleyball Coach

    Certified Advanced Development Coach for Beach Volleyball (NCCP Level 2)

    Team Ontario 18U Head Coach (2015)

    Madawaska Camps Beach Volleyball Section Head (2011-2015)

    Technical Director for Beach Volleyball Smash - Raiders Volleyball Club (2019)

    Owner + Club Director of RiseUp Beach Volleyball Club EST 2022

  • Beach Volleyball Player

    Team Ontario Beach Volleyball Member (2008-2011)

    Team Canada Beach Volleyball representative (2010-2011)

    World University Games (FISU) for Beach Volleyball in Shenzhen, China (2011)

    Competed on the FIVB Tour

    Competed on the NORCECA Tour

  • Indoor Volleyball Coach

    Trained Performance Coach (Level 3)

    Certified Advanced Development Coach (Level 2)

    Trained Community Coach

    SMASH Raiders Volleyball Club - Club Coach (2019, 2022 - Present) Program Developer, Coach and Athlete Development

    Ryerson University Full-Time Assistant Coach (2015-2018)

    OUA Champions & USPORTS Champions with an undefeated season (2018) with Ryerson University

    Trained Coach Evaluator

  • Indoor Volleyball Player

    Ryerson University 5th year (2016-2017)

    Played professionally in Germany with T.V. Gladbeck Giants Volleyball Club (2012-2013)

    Queen’s University (2008-2012)
    OUA Champions in 2012

    National Capitals Volleyball Club, Ottawa ON (2005 -2008)

Our Coaching Team

  • Dani Boss

  • Mikayla McBain

  • Teagan Adamo

  • Kennedy Llewellyn

  • Kaelyn McNulty

  • Lexie Miller

  • Maryn Petrie

  • Jaimie Pike

  • Chloe Golba

  • Layla Gonsalves

  • Devon Lowe

  • Chloe Gauld

  • Stella Cox

  • Colin Lash

  • Kristina (Valjas) May

    We are so honoured and thrilled to have Kristina with us as a Celebrity Guest Coach! Kristina is a 2016 Canadian Beach Volleyball Olympian and on top of her world class achievements, she’s also a mother of 3 adorable blonde boys and a wonderful person and friend! Kristina will be giving her time to connect with our youth athletes this summer to share her incredible expertise and history making experiences with us!

    Rio Olympics (2016 - 9th place)

    First Canadian Women’s Team to earn an FIVB medal (2015 in Fuzhou, China)

    2x NORCECA Continental Champs (2013, 2015)

    FISU World University Games, Shenzhen, China (2011)

    Canadian Beach Volleyball National Team (2010-2018)

    University of Toronto Women’s Varsity Volleyball Team (2005-2010)

    OUA Champions in 2010

    Kristina's Story

  • Niko Rukavina

    Niko is one of our guest coaches this summer, when he can make some time in between being a new dad & husband, coaching the Ryerson men on the sand, and taking some much deserved R&R up at the cottage.

    • Head Coach Men’s Ryerson Volleyball 2019-2022

    • Professional Indoor Volleyball 2012-2015 in Sweden, Germany

    • Queen’s University Men’s Volleyball 2007-2012

    • Team Ontario Beach Volleyball Athlete

  • Zile Eglitis

  • Helena Zeeman

    Elementary Teacher & Camp’s Pro Face Painter ;)

Want to coach Beach Volleyball this summer?

RiseUp is currently hiring!

Send an email to riseupbeachvolleyball@gmail.com with your volleyball resume, a personal statement and your summer availability!

Gratitude Wall

Grateful to all of the coaches & friends who have shaped my beach volleyball journey.

My Madawaksa Family

Some of our 2023 coaching crew!

Success will naturally follow if the foundation for a healthy & positive culture is embedded into the group right from the beginning #Ramily

Explore a new sport or keep working to master your skills

Our unique programs are designed to meet you were your beach game is at!