This is Coach Slagle's 17th year as a head coach and and as a Health/PE teacher (year 22) at Grovetown High School. She started the program when the school first opened in 2009. Her passion for volleyball began at Milford High School at the age of 14. Her passion continiued to grow for the game and so she began playing club volleyball for the Blue Chip Volleyball Club as well. Coach Slagle continued her play at the collegiate level, at Augusta University (Augusta State University). After collage she made a move to Atlanta and was given a chance to coach volleyball at North Spring High School in 2000. The two years there helped her discover her strong desire to coach so she returned to her alumnus Augusta University to be a graduate assistant and help coach the Jaguars (2002-2004). 

Life is busy outside of volleyball as Coach Slagle is married with three children. They all play various sports. Her boys play collegiate lacrosse. Her daughter plays volleyball as well.

One of Coach Slagle's hobbies consist of playing volleyball, of course. She continues to play to this day in various outdoor/indoor tournaments. Other hobbies include home renovations, working in the yard, and working out. 

My name is Coach AJ. I have a rich history in the sport of volleyball beginning when I played on the middle school’s boys’ team in Chicago. I grew up playing club volleyball and high school volleyball where I played on the Boys’ Varsity team for 3 years. I received a scholarship to Palm Beach Atlantic University to play on their Men’s team, but after I committed to the program, it dropped to D3 (and could no longer offer scholarships). I then moved to Augusta where I finished school and became a high school physics teacher at AR Johnson Magnet school. There, I was head coach of the Girls’ Volleyball team for 4 years and propelled the sport to new heights at that school, culminating in a visit to the AA Elite 8. I also worked as a club coach for the CSRA Heat for two years and served as a referee for GHSA for 4 years. 

When my daughter, Laila, was born, I stepped away from the sport to be more available at home, during which time I fell back into school earning 4 master’s degrees and a doctorate (with another doctorate in progress). When my daughter came of age to start playing, I quickly rejoined the sport. I currently coach the 18U team at Academy Volleyball Club in Augusta. 

As a former player that misses the competition and team dynamics of the sport, my coaching philosophy is centered on growth, focus, but most importantly, fun! I encourage my players to make mistakes so that there is something to learn from, to play every moment with the guiding principle: “what’s next?” – encouraging a mindset that does not dwell on mistakes and is always ready to move on to the next play, and if you’re not having more fun than the other team – regardless of the score – then you’re doing it wrong.

My name is Coach Hines, and I am honored and excited to lead our freshman volleyball team this season. As the proud wife of a husband serving in the military and a mom of three wonderful children, commitment, resilience, and teamwork are values I live every day. Growing up in the small town of Hinesville, Georgia instilled in me a deep appreciation for hard work, accountability, and strong character.

I bring five years of volleyball coaching experience, including three years as an assistant coach and two years as a head coach for the recreation department. During that time, I’ve helped athletes grow in skill, confidence, and competitive mindset. Im ready to take what I have to offer to the next level.

This season is about building a strong foundation for the years ahead. My coaching philosophy centers on growth, effort, and attitude. Skills can be developed, but a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and respect for one another are the true foundation of our team.

I strive to be an encouraging mentor who helps players see the confidence and potential within themselves. More than wins and losses, my hope is that each athlete finishes this season stronger, more confident, and proud of the growth they see in themselves.

I can’t wait to start!