Coaches

Fernando Rivera

Coach Rivera's athletic journey began with a foundation in volleyball, although his primary focus was initially on martial arts, competing in sparring and team demonstrations at various levels. Post-college, his passion shifted back to volleyball, actively participating in both indoor and sand volleyball across Las Vegas.

Upon joining Mater Academy Bonanza as an educator, Coach Rivera stepped up to lead and reconstruct their volleyball program, driven by a personal commitment to its success. Over time, he has significantly elevated the program, spurred on by his players' initiative to establish a club team. Presently, he oversees the Mater Academy Volleyball program across three schools and serves as the head coach for the Mater East High School team.

Coach Rivera's passion shines through every time he steps onto the court, setting high expectations for his players. He describes himself as their toughest critic and their most fervent supporter. Throughout his career, he has accumulated valuable life lessons and insights from team experiences, which he aims to impart to his players alongside volleyball skills. For Coach Rivera, success is not solely measured in wins; he values personal growth and character development just as highly. His ultimate goal is to guide his players toward achieving their aspirations, both on and off the court.

Katherine Bridges

Coach Kat's passion for volleyball has been a lifelong journey that began in her early years. From her middle school days at St. Mary’s Academy to her senior year at St. Julian Academy, and later playing as a libero at UST and UH, volleyball has always been a central part of her life. Though she briefly explored playing as a hitter, she discovered her true calling as a libero.

Volleyball has imparted invaluable lessons to Coach Kat, shaping her both as an athlete and as an individual. It taught her the importance of teamwork and humility, fostering personal growth and a broader perspective on life. Now, as a coach with Mater Academy Bonanza for the past two years, she embraces the responsibility of setting a positive example for her players and being their greatest supporter. Coach Kat looks forward to continuing to oversee and elevate the program, drawing from her extensive experience as a player and her passion for the sport.

Coach Kat understands the impact of negativity in sports and emphasizes maintaining a positive and honest environment within her club. Each practice session is approached with the goal of continual improvement, recognizing that self-critique is essential to personal development. She is dedicated to expanding her coaching knowledge by learning from others, striving to bring fresh insights and strategies to her team.

While winning is a rewarding outcome, Coach Kat prioritizes enjoyment and fun in the game. She believes that maintaining a sense of enjoyment prevents boredom and minimizes performance pressure, ensuring her team's resilience and passion for volleyball endure.

Robert Quinones

Robert was born and raised in Katy, TX, where he developed a passion for sports early in life. Throughout his high school and college years, he excelled in multiple athletic disciplines, including football, track & field, and volleyball. These experiences were deeply shaped by the guidance and encouragement of his coaches, who played a pivotal role in nurturing his skills and character. This mentorship not only fueled Robert's drive to succeed in athletics but also instilled in him a strong sense of commitment to his studies and community service.

As an adult, Robert has continued to stay active in the world of sports, particularly volleyball, where he has transitioned from being a player to taking on roles as a volunteer and coach. His dedication to coaching is rooted in a desire to give back to the community and inspire the next generation of athletes. Robert hopes to be a positive influence on his youth players, much like his coaches were for him, fostering not only athletic development but also personal growth and a love for the game. Through his work, Robert aims to help young athletes achieve their potential, both on and off the field.

Aysleen Guerra

Aysleen started her sports journey in the gateway community of Death Valley, Beatty Nevada, playing volleyball, basketball, and track.

After graduating high school, moving to Las Vegas to attend CSN for her Associate’s degree, sports was left behind. That is until she stepped into Mater Academy as an interventionist where she filled the role of being Mater Bonanza’s first elementary girl’s volleyball coach.

From that moment on it was decided that volleyball was more than a sport. It was an opportunity to witness growth, passion, and dedication within your team.

Whether it be a win or a loss, Aysleen encourages her players to treat the outcomes as an opportunity to see which skill sets need to be worked on; emotionally or physically. This way a player will not only advance skillfully but to thrive in the mental capacity of the game.

Emily Chim

Emily Chim has been passionate about volleyball since her early days as a player, continuing through club teams in high school and into adult leagues. She brings over seven years of coaching experience, both in school and club volleyball, and is dedicated to fostering skilled players and strong teammates.