Get to know the dedicated coaches and passionate staff behind Red Rock Heat Volleyball Club. We come from all walks of life and are united in our passion to develop volleyball players here in Southern Utah! We’re fortunate enough to be working with the best, and we know that we really couldn’t have started this club without our incredible coaches! Read more about our individual professional coaches below.
Jen Waters
The Red Rock Heat Volleyball Club was founded by Jen out of a dream to offer more for her own daughters and other families in the area. Jen's focus is the players. "We want to offer opportunity, un-paralleled coaching, and value to our players. I want every player to feel important and thier parents to feel like they have invested their hard earned money into something that is not offered anywhere else."
Asst Coach 17U
Club Founder and Director
Head Coach 16U
Robyn Felder
Head Coach 17U
Club Director over Coaching and Recruiting
Miahna Earl
Coach Miahna has a special ability to teach volleyball in a fun, easy to understand atmosphere. Miahna played Volleyball in her younger years as an outside hitter where she still holds 7 records at her high school. Miahna went on to play as a Libero at Southern Utah University. After her playing career, Miahna started coaching Club volleyball as well as coaching as the assistant varsity coach/ head JV coach at Dixie High. After getting married, Miahna stepped down from high school coaching but continues to coach club. The growth from her players speaks for her ability to coach both beginner and advanced players. Her passion for the game and enthusiasm is contagious. This year will be Miahna's 5th year of being a club volleyball head coach.
Whitnee Tupe
Robyn was formally the head coach for Dixie State Volleyball where she led her Trailblazers to success on and off the court for 9 seasons. Robyn stepped down so that she could focus her time and talents watching and helping her own growing children become successful athletes. Robyn brings a wealth of knowledge to share with all of our Red Rock athletes on and off the court. We are so lucky to have Robyn share with our athletes her extensive knowledge and experience of the sport of volleyball.
Head Coach 15U
Coach Whitnee is in her 5th season of her second stint as a Dixie State volleyball assistant coach after serving 3 seasons (2016-18) on the coaching staff at Snow College.
A native to Santa Clara, Utah, Tupe graduated from Snow Canyon High School in 2005. She went on to play volleyball at Dixie State for 2 seasons, where she earned her Associates degree in Science.
Whitnee brings a wealth of knowledge for both beginners and advanced players. We are thrilled to have her as part of our club.
Annie Stephens
Head Coach 14U
Annie (Stradling) Stephens played college volleyball at Southern Utah University. Annie was a two-time Big Sky All-Academic awardee, and holds the SUU single match record after hitting .667 (13-1-18).
After graduating from SUU with her B.S. in Human Nutrition, she started her coaching career at SUU as an Assistant Coach and later received her M.S. in Sports Conditioning and Performance. Throughout her time she helped with recruiting, scouting, budgeting, travel, and served as the summer camp coordinator. Annie was the Interim Head Coach at SUU for a short period, where she was responsible for all administrative and organizational aspects of running a Division 1 program.
After four years as an Assistant Coach, Annie left her position at SUU to start a family, but she stayed connected to volleyball by providing individualized lessons and running different camps and clinics.
Kiahna Vernon
Head Coach 15U
Coach Kiahna grew up in Billings, Montana, in a very competitive volleyball program, with a record of 64-2 between her Junior and Senior years. She was a Midland Roundtable athlete of the year finalist as well as a Gatorade player of the year finalist for Montana.
After high school, Kiahna went on to play college volleyball at Utah Valley University. Her family moved to St. George in 2019, and now have 2 beautiful little kids, Addison and Maverick.
Kiahna is currently the head Junior Varsity coach at Desert Hills High school. She is excited to join the Red Rock club and help her girls grow into their potential and find confidence in themselves!
Kiahna says, "I am competitive. I push those that I coach and play with to work hard, and I expect a lot. But I do so because I love this sport, and I love the girls that I am lucky enough to be around all season."
Jessica Young
Head Coach 12U Developmental
Jessica Young was born in California on the central coast where she grew up playing both indoor and sand volleyball. Jessica played college volleyball in Michigan and after college traveled and played semi-pro sand volleyball in various countries and organizations around the United States.
Jessica is married with three little girls. She lived in Highland, Utah for several years and just recently moved to St George. Coach Jessica is the new Head Coach for Crimson Cliffs High School and this will be her 2nd year coaching for Red Rock Heat Volleyball.
Auriandra Fessler
Auriandra played as a setter and outside at Trinidad State College. Auria finished her high school career locally at Dixie high and helped her team end with a very successful season. Auria has coached both as a head coach and an assistant for Red Rock Heat. This is Auria's 4th season coaching and she is excited to join us for another year of sharing her knowledge.
Taela Laufiso
Assistant 16-1 Miahna
Taela is the current starting setter for Utah Tech University. With over 643 assists on the year and 174 digs, Taela is having quite a senior season. Prior to UT, Taela played one season at Snow College.
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Taela grew up in West Jordan, Utah and played for Copper Hills High School. She helped lead her team to a region crown, while earning Region MVP honors as well as all-state accolades all 3 years. She was a 2 sport athlete, playing basketball and earning all-state honors as well.
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We are excited to have Taela join our Red Rock Heat Family.
Hannah Howard
Assistant
Hannah is a current starter for Utah Tech as an outside hitter. Hannah grew up in Bountiful, Utah and played 2 seasons at Farmington High. While there, she was named the 5A All-State MVP and helped lead her team to a region title and state championship match. She was first team all-state, all region and un Under Armour All-American.
Hannah is super excited to start her coaching career with Red Rock Heat and we are excited she is joining our family.
Shelby Wirthlin
Head coach 12U Developmental
Coach Shelby grew up in Lehi, UT.
She has 12 years of playing experience. Shelby was the starting setter for Dixie State University and played in 2 NCAA division 2 tournaments, winning setter of the tournament her final year. After leaving Dixie she graduated nursing school and has since moved back to St. George with her husband and 2 children.
Shelby has assisted in coaching club and helped run numerous camps. She is excited to be working with Red Rock Heat and can't wait to get started!
