Coaches

Cesar Chavez is the Owner and Club Director of Texas Select Volleyball Club. He has been coaching national-level club teams since 2015 and has experience at both the club and collegiate levels, including serving with the UTEP Volleyball program from 2021–2024. Cesar is passionate about developing competitive athletes and creating a positive, disciplined environment where players can improve their skills, compete at a high level, and reach their goals both on and off the court.

Meet Coach Mariel! She holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Clinical Exercise and a minor in General Business. Her professional background includes physical therapy, strength and conditioning, and sport performance, allowing her to bring a science-based and well-rounded approach to athlete development.

Coach M’s volleyball journey began in 2006 and has grown from competitive play into more than seven years of coaching experience. She has coached athletes ages 8–18 across a variety of skill levels and competitive backgrounds, including championship-winning teams.

Her coaching philosophy focuses on helping athletes understand the “why” behind the game, not simply correcting technique. By combining volleyball IQ, technical development, athletic performance, and mental growth, Coach M strives to develop confident, disciplined, and resilient athletes who are prepared to succeed both on and off the court.

With over three decades of volleyball experience across three continents and over seven states, Rachel Thomas brings leadership, knowledge, and joy to the volleyball court. She competed at a high level collegiately and post-graduation, with four years at the Division I level as a pin hitter for the United States Naval Academy and as a six-rotation outside hitter in the 2011 All Armed Forces Tournament and the Military World Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She was featured in Volleyball Magazine and became an Academic All American in 2007 while also earning the Patriot League Volleyball Scholar Athlete of the Year. As a coach, she has over fifteen years of experience: she has led beach teams to qualify and compete in nationals and has led many club, elementary, middle, and high school teams to championships. Coach Rachel continues to love sharing her knowledge of the game and joy—both on the court and in the sand—with her volleyball players. 

Rachel Thomas lives in El Paso, TX, with her husband and three kids. She loves pistachio ice cream and Jane Austen.

Coach Andree began playing volleyball at the age of 10, developing a passion for the sport that has continued throughout her life. After years of playing and growing through the sport, she began her coaching career in 2021.

Since beginning her coaching career, Coach Andree has had the opportunity to coach middle school, high school, and club volleyball gaining experience working with athletes at different ages and skill levels. She currently serves as the Varsity Assistant Coach at Ysleta High School. 

As a coach, she is passionate about player development, teamwork, confidence, and helping athletes reach their full potential. Her coaching philosophy focuses on creating a positive and competitive environment where athletes are encouraged to work hard, hold themselves accountable, support one another, and grow both on and off the court.

Coach Andree believes volleyball is more than just a sport—it is an opportunity to build character, leadership, confidence, discipline, and lifelong connections. She is proud to give back to the sport that has played such an important role in her life and is committed to helping the next generation of athletes develop their skills while building a genuine love for the game.

Meet Coach Aaron! With 23 years of experience as a varsity high school head coach and 19 years coaching club volleyball from 11U–18U, Coach Aaron brings extensive experience in developing successful athletes and teams. His career includes four SURVA Regional 1st-place finishes, six district titles, eight bi-district titles, five area titles, and multiple regional quarterfinal and semifinal appearances. He holds an impressive 425–225 high school record and has been named Coach of the Year three times and All-City Coach twice.

Coach Aaron holds a B.S. in Kinesiology with a minor in Education and a Master’s in Health and Wellness. He is GMS-trained, USAV CAP II and IMPACT certified, with additional certifications in personal training, health coaching, and wellness. He also previously served on the SURVA Board of Directors as the Southwest Representative.

Beyond volleyball, Coach Aaron is a proud father of two daughters, Sasha and Pilar. His passion for coaching goes beyond wins and titles—he is committed to developing athletes, creating opportunities, and helping young players grow both on and off the court.

Faith Herrera began playing volleyball at just 11 years old, developing a passion for the game that led her to become a collegiate volleyball player. A proud SRSU and TAMUT alum, Faith now brings her playing experience to the sidelines with two years of coaching experience, helping the next generation of athletes grow their skills and confidence on the court.

With 13 years of volleyball experience and two years of coaching, Coach Loren is passionate about helping athletes grow both on and off the court. As a former collegiate volleyball player and team captain at Sul Ross State University, she understands the value of hard work, confidence, teamwork, and developing a true love for the game.

Guided by her faith, Coach Loren strives to lead with integrity, encouragement, and purpose, helping athletes become stronger players, teammates, and individuals.

Samantha Loera is entering her 3rd year of coaching and has played volleyball for eleven years, two of those being collegiately at Western Texas College as libero. Her sophomore year she surpassed 500 career digs and was nationally ranked No.15 in the nation for services aces. She served as captain during her time at Western Texas College. With an associates degree in sciences, Samantha now aims to continue her education in nursing.

Meet Coach Imahni Brown! With 13 years of volleyball experience, Coach Imahni recently completed her collegiate playing career after competing at Frank Phillips College from 2022–2024 and Eastern New Mexico University from 2024–2026.

While at ENMU, she expanded her experience beyond playing by serving as a Graduate Assistant, helping coach collegiate volleyball in the LSC. She also coached with High Plains Volleyball Club, primarily working with athletes ages 9–13 in developmental programs, while providing private lessons to athletes throughout the community.

Volleyball has been a major part of Coach Imahni’s life, and she is excited to bring her playing experience, knowledge, and passion for athlete development to El Paso and Texas Select!

Meet Coach Natalie! Originally from San Antonio, Texas, she has been playing volleyball since she was 11 years old. Volleyball has always been a big part of her life, and she is excited to share her passion for the game with her team. Coach Natalie is looking forward to a great season filled with growth, teamwork, and lots of great memories!