COACH

Coach Ryan began his volleyball career at Iowa State University, where he played four years with the club team in multiple positions. He met his wife, Sara, through volleyball, and they began coaching together at Iowa Heart in 2006. After stepping away in 2013 to focus on their growing family, they returned to coaching in 2021 when their daughter began playing. Coach Ryan remains actively involved in the sport and is committed to developing strong fundamentals, work ethic, and a lasting passion for volleyball in every athlete he coaches.

DIRECTOR/COACH

With a strong passion for developing athletes both on and off the court, Kayla brings six years of coaching experience to Iowa Heart Volleyball. She has three years of varsity coaching experience and is entering her third year with Iowa Heart, serving her first year as a Director. Kayla is dedicated to fostering a positive and competitive environment while helping each athlete grow in skill, confidence, and character.

COACH

Courtney Gessner has been involved in volleyball for as long as she can remember, beginning with park and recreation programs and school volleyball before playing several years at Iowa Heart. She now continues her involvement in the sport through officiating and coaching. Courtney is passionate about sharing her love for the game and finds great joy in watching athletes grow over time. While winning is always a goal, she emphasizes the importance of skill development, relationship building, and learning lessons on and off the court that support long-term success in both volleyball and life.

COACH

Scott Ranck is a veteran educator and coach with a strong commitment to developing young athletes both on and off the court. He is in his seventh year with Iowa Heart, where he coaches the 14 Black team. Scott teaches eighth-grade math and Algebra I in Marshalltown and serves as the Head Volleyball Coach at East Marshall. He brings extensive experience to the sport, including 10 years as a head volleyball coach and 19 additional years coaching as an assistant, at the junior high, club, and AAU levels, along with experience coaching multiple sports.

Scott’s coaching philosophy emphasizes skill development, consistent effort, and personal growth. He is dedicated to creating a positive, high-energy environment that challenges and supports athletes while focusing on fundamentals, teamwork, communication, accountability, and life skills that extend beyond the volleyball court.

COACH

Erin Bathie has been involved in volleyball for 13 years and credits Iowa Heart as a foundational part of her development as both an athlete and a coach. She played four years with the club, has coached for five seasons, and now proudly serves as a co-director. This season, Erin will coach the 17 Black team.

Volleyball has provided Erin with invaluable life lessons, meaningful relationships, and unforgettable experiences, including competing at the high school state tournament, traveling nationally for competition, and playing and coaching at AAU Nationals in Florida. The sport also allowed her to continue her athletic career at the collegiate level while pursuing her education. As a coach, Erin is committed to developing disciplined, resilient athletes in a positive and competitive environment. She emphasizes growth through challenge, learning from mistakes, and pushing beyond comfort zones, while preparing athletes for success both on and off the court.

COACH

Coach Anderson began her coaching journey as a volunteer with her high school’s AAU program before expanding to Iowa Heart, where she coached 15–18U teams from 2006–2013. After stepping away to focus on her growing family, she returned in 2021 when her daughter began playing club volleyball.

A former setter at Southern Cal (now South Central Calhoun), she also played club volleyball, including with what is now Iowa Heart when it was Cyclone Juniors. She continued her volleyball career at Iowa State University with the women’s club team, where she met her husband and coaching partner, Ryan.

Passionate about the technical and strategic aspects of the game, particularly offensive systems, set selection, and positioning, she is equally committed to developing future leaders. She strives to help athletes grow both on and off the court, fostering life skills that extend beyond volleyball. Outside coaching, she stays active through group fitness and pickup volleyball.

Coach Mike is passionate about engaging young people in challenging experiences that encourage hard work, learning from mistakes, and personal growth. He views sports as an extension of education, helping athletes develop not only their volleyball skills but also life skills and approaches to learning. A firm believer in giving young people an active role in their education, he continually learns from coaches, players, and parents to apply this philosophy in school, sports, and extracurricular activities.

He has played volleyball recreationally for over 35 years and has coached at Iowa Heart Volleyball Club since 2019. He also serves as an assistant coach for Ames High School Volleyball and has been a science teacher there since 2005, leading project-based biology classes and outdoor learning experiences.

Mike is co-founder and Executive Director of The Community Academy and owns Native Impact: Plants and Landscapes LLC. He and his wife, Andi, have been married 25 years and have two daughters, Amelia and Vivian.

COACH

Griffin is a first-year volleyball coach who is excited to begin his coaching journey. He discovered volleyball in college and quickly developed a passion for the sport, leading him to play one year of club volleyball at Iowa State University. That experience shaped his understanding of teamwork, effort, and the importance of continuous improvement.

As a coach, Griffin emphasizes building strong fundamental skills while fostering a love for the game. He believes that enjoying volleyball is just as important as competing, and he strives to create an environment where athletes can grow, gain confidence, and develop a lifelong appreciation for the sport.