Coach Bios

COACH BIOS

ESME BRADACH

My name is Esme Bradach and I am a hair stylist at Hair Obsession Salon in Monticello. I have always loved the sport of volleyball. I have about 8 years of experience playing volleyball at Monticello and STMA. This will be my first year coaching and I am very lucky that I have been given the oppurtunity to begin my coaching career here with Big Lake JO. It is a very welcoming, fun, and encouraging environment. I love working with kids and I love volleyball so I decided to combine the two and start coaching. I am very excited to help these girls fall in love with the same sport I fell in love with 12 years ago!

My coaching philosophy is to not only help your girls improve in the sport physically but I want them all to have the hard work and drive to help themselves improve mentally. I want to see them push themselves to do better and show improvement. I want them to be proud of their accomplishments and have confidence in themselves, that with just a little bit of hard work they can be amazing players. I also want them to understand the importance of working as a team and encouraging eachother. It's so important to be there for and support your teammates, they will become some of your bestfriends throughout school. I can't wait to watch each one of my players become a strong, determined, and confident player.

ALISHA BRUST

My name is Alisha Brust. It is hard to believe that I have over 30 years of coaching experience.....and I am definitely still learning and growing with the game! I am currently a middle school math teacher and varsity volleyball coach in Big Lake Schools. I have experience coaching at all levels of volleyball, and really enjoy putting my time into the players coming into high school during the JO season to help prepare them for a smooth transition. I have been in the Big Lake Schools for 24 years, and have fond memories of all of the girls that come through our program. I consider myself lucky to be a part of such a strong volleyball community!

My philosophy of coaching has always been to develop the whole person, not just the athlete. Teaching players how to communicate, work together, time management, and self care are some of my top priorities as a coach. There is nothing more rewarding than watching a player reach his/her goals through hard work and grit. I am excited for another season and looking forward to working with each player throughout our program.

JARED DIEM

Hello team and parents. My name is Jared Diem and I teach in Brainerd, MN. I actually live in Breezy Point (yes 2 hours from here) with my four children. I have been a teacher for 24 years. I have coached every level of volleyball from elementary to junior college for the past 25 years. I  have had multiple traveling teams, and was the head coach at the AAA level for 9 years. I have masters in coaching and leadership. I played volleyball in college for 4 years and continue to play competitively. I was also a certified official for two years. I run camp for Big Lake volleyball as well as work for Pace Setter Volleyball Camps supervising and implementing camps for that company.  I teach volleyball skills throughout June and July for Big Lake, Brainerd, Pierz, and Pequot Lakes (7 of which played on this year’s AA state champion Team). I am excited to be coaching your daughters this JO season.

HANNAH GEROUX

Hello! My name is Hannah Geroux. I work at Options Inc. in Big Lake and spend my free time being creative and carefree with my family and son! I played volleyball for 7 years through Big Lake… so yes, Alisha Brust was my coach! I also played an additional year at Central Lakes College in Brainerd. I continue to play in leagues throughout the year.  Big Lake has been my home for coaching for 4 years now and love every step of the program!

When transitioning to coaching I felt eager to share my knowledge and love for the sport and mindset with athletes.

 As a coach, my primary focus is to create a positive environment for my players. I believe that having a supportive atmosphere is essential for growth, both as individuals and as a team. One of my top priorities as a coach is to focus on the mental health of players and help them develop a positive and confident mindset. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where players feel comfortable pushing themselves and learning from their mistakes. I am committed to helping my players not only become technically proficient, but also instilling in them the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance.

My coaching philosophy revolves around the belief that success is not solely defined by winning games, but by the personal growth and development of each player. I take great pride in witnessing the progress and achievements of my players, both on and off the court.

I look forward to a fun season! 

MORGAN PENNER

My name is Morgan Penner and I have been coaching volleyball since 2018. Previously, I have coached at all levels from youth camps to the collegiate level. I have coached club teams for the past five seasons both in South Dakota and in Minnesota. My goal as a coach is not only to help your athlete become a skilled volleyball player but also to support them in becoming a well-rounded and admirable person. I believe that the values and life skills they can learn through volleyball can extend beyond the court and positively impact their character and personal development. My focus is on growing not just their athletic abilities but also their growth as a responsible, respectful, and compassionate individual. 

I received my bachelor's degree in Psychology from Northern State University and was a member of their volleyball team from 2017 to 2020. As a middle hitter, I was a three-year starter and two-year captain for the Wolves volleyball team where we won back-to-back regular season NSIC Championships in 2018 and 2019. I helped lead the Wolves to the NCAA Tournament three years in a row in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

In 2021, I transferred to St. Cloud State University where I finished my playing career with the Huskies and completed my master's degree in School Counseling. In the 2021 season, I helped the Huskies earn a regular season NSIC Championship, an NSIC Tournament Championship and helped them score a bid to the NCAA Tournament. I transitioned into a Graduate Assistant Coach for the Huskies in the 2022 season where I helped guide them to an NSIC Tournament Championship and to the Round of 16 in the NCAA Tournament.

This past season, I had the privilege of coaching the B-squad team and assisting the varsity team for the Big Lake Volleyball Program. In addition, I serve as a School Counselor for Big Lake High School, where I continue to support and guide students in their academic and personal journeys. I really look forward to working with your daughters and improving not only their volleyball skills, but also their love of the game!

SARA SMITH

My name is Sara Smith, my love for volleyball comes from playing for strong programs in both High School and College. I am a Big Lake High School Graduate and former Club Heartland Volleyball Player. I was a college athlete in both Volleyball and Track and Field. 

I have coached volleyball for the past 8 years at both Monti Club and MN Select Volleyball. My love for our community and my children has brought me to Big Lake to Coach. My coaching philosophy is based around working hard, having fun, and growth. Throughout the season we will celebrate many successes both big and small. We will work on the fundamentals and learn about the game of volleyball. My hope is to encourage and inspire your athlete into being an amazing teammate and friend. 

Off the court I am a communications engineer, hockey mom, dance mom, softball mom, baseball mom and wife, and a board member at Saron Lutheran Church. 

Looking forward to getting to know you and your player this season.