James started playing volleyball in college when he decided to check out the club team at UMD. He’s thankful he did, and has been in love with this beautiful game ever since! James continues to play both indoor and sand, usually with his lovely wife Jess. Keep an eye out for 1.5-year-old Zoey who will be a very good girl staying quiet and still while we're serving during matches this fall!

James has coached B-squad, 9A, and JV at Edina. He's also coached 13's, 15's, 16's and 17's at Vital Volleyball Club. He’s excited to continue to learn and grow as a coach, and feels very fortunate to be doing so again this year at EHS for the Varsity team! James would like to give a special shoutout to Mark Nelson who has been an amazing mentor and friend. 

Two Truths and a Lie: 

1. I met Teddy Swims at the Atlanta airport.

2. I saw a lion eat a zebra.

3. I won $10,000 for a hole-in-one.

Coming Soon

Lesley’s love for volleyball began in elementary school and has never wavered. She played through high school, competed in intramural leagues in college, and has enjoyed both sand and adult recreational leagues ever since.

Her coaching journey began when her daughter joined a park and rec team, and she quickly discovered a passion for developing players and building teams. Lesley has coached for EVBA Club, MN Freeze 15-1s, and assisted with Edina’s 9A team in 2024. This season, she’s excited to work with the B squad girls and help them grow both on and off the court.

Off the court, Lesley works at KLC Financial and stays busy raising her two kids—Kaidence, a junior at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and Bennett, a junior at Edina High School.

Two truths and a lie:

1. I was on a plane on 9/11 when America was attacked 

2. I can do a 360 on a surfboard 

3. I grew up with 4 brothers on a farm

Elyse’s journey in volleyball began in high school, where she played for both school and club teams. She attended the University of Vermont, playing club volleyball while earning her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies.

Recently, she completed her Master’s in Special Education at the University of Minnesota, further honing her skills in communication and mentorship.

When she isn’t on the court, Elyse is a Center-Based Special Education Teacher. She works in a specialized classroom supporting students on the Autism Spectrum and those with moderate to severe communication needs—a role that makes her an exceptionally patient, adaptive, and clear communicator as a coach.

Elyse stays active year-round and enjoys a variety of outdoor pursuits, including:

• Skiing through the winter months

• Rock climbing and traveling to new places

• Spending quality time with friends and family

Coming Soon!