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Keolalauokalani

about

JJ Riley

Growing up in Hawaii forged JJ’s love of the outdoors and active lifestyle. From a young age, JJ enjoyed a variety of land and water sports, surfing being his first love. When an injury in the water forced him to be sidelined, he was introduced to a new love: Volleyball. His newfound passion would lead him on a life journey that started on the humbling “baby courts" of the Outrigger Canoe Club and ultimately landing him at the top collegiate level, both as a player and a coach.

Throughout his competitive playing career, he discovered his other great passion – training.  With exceptional fitness/conditioning mentors in his life (his father was a strength coach), he experienced first-hand the benefits of a good training program – not only how it helped his game, but how it was felt in all areas of his life. Being able to help others the same way has set him on this path.

Although his sports passions have shifted to mountain biking, dirt biking and snowboarding, one thing hasn’t changed - JJ loves training and staying fit so he can continue to attack life, play outdoors, and live the life he wants.

Training/Conditioning 
  • 18+ years of training experience (health clubs, private studios, collegiate teams)

  • Degree in Sports Medicine (Pepperdine University)

  • ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer (other certifications: NSCA, NESTA)

  • SAQ Specialist (received specialty certification in the area of Speed, Agility, Quickness)

  • Pepperdine Women’s Team Strength and Conditioning Coach

  • Worked closely with USC, Utah and Montana State Strength and Conditioning Coaches

  • Father was a strength/conditioning coach throughout childhood, learned from a young age principals and benefits of sports training

  • Masters in Coaching & Athletic Administration (Concordia University)

Volleyball Coaching 
  • 18 years of coaching experience at various levels which include girls/boys club teams, high school girls, as well as collegiate Men’s/Women’s teams

  • 13 years of coaching at the collegiate level (10 of 13 teams ranked nationally)

  • Assistant Coach at USC (Men's), Pepperdine (Men’s/Women’s) and University of Utah (Women's Pac-12)

  • Coached in 2 Final Fours (USC & Pepperdine Men’s Teams)

  • Head Coach at Montana State University (DI, Big-Sky Conference)

  • Coached alongside multiple Hall of Fame & Olympian coaches

  • Founded OVA (Oregon Volleyball Academy) in Bend, Oregon

  • Summit High School head coach (Bend, OR); led Summit to first ever State appearance

  • Multiple medals at Junior Nationals coaching Southern California club teams

Volleyball Playing 
  • Played collegiate volleyball at Pepperdine University, received All-American honors and played in the NCAA National Championship match

  • Played under Marv Dunphy, revered as one of the best coaches in our sport; former USA Gold-Medal Olympic coach and Hall-of-Fame legend

  • Multiple medals, championships, and All-American awards at Junior Nationals as a player

  • Team Captain USA Junior National Team

  • Multiple High School State Championships and All-League/All-State honors (Punahou School in Honolulu, HI)

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