With over 10 years of experience on the court, Coach Shannon brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his volleyball teams. Since 2021, he's been the head girls' volleyball coach at Arizona College Prep High School, guiding his athletes with a steady hand and a winning mindset. Coach Shannon's volleyball coaching journey began at the middle school and junior high levels, building foundational skills in young players. His career then led him to Perry High School, where he coached both freshman boys' and girls' volleyball teams. For several years, he's also been a prominent figure in the club volleyball scene, working with both boys' and girls' teams. Currently, he channels his expertise into girls' club volleyball at Aspire Volleyball Club, a proud member of League One Volleyball (LOVB). Off the court, Coach Shannon is known to his students as Señor Shannon, a dedicated Spanish Teacher since 2003. His teaching career spans New York and Arizona, where he's taught Spanish at all levels, from introductory to Level 3, across grades 6th through 12th. Throughout his teaching career, Señor Shannon has also lent his coaching talents to lacrosse and basketball teams. Originally from Syracuse, New York, Coach Shannon's athletic background is diverse, having grown up playing hockey and lacrosse. He pursued his passion for education and Spanish at Niagara University, where he earned his degree and also had the opportunity to play hockey for the Purple Eagles.
Matt Schaeffer has an extensive coaching and playing background, with experience at all levels. A native of York, PA, he began his coaching career in 2021 as an assistant of both the Men's and Women's NCAA DIII teams at Elizabethtown College, and was the Director of Ballyhoo Volleyball Club from 2022-23. He then relocated to Arizona and coached at Phoenix Volleyball Club, McClintock High School, and Arizona College Prep in 2024. This spring, he was the JV Head Coach and Varsity Assistant at Casteel High School, helping the team to a 6A final four appearance. As a player, he won 4 PA State Championships and was a 2x All-State Setter. He went on to play at Juniata College and played a 5th year at Elizabethtown College while earning his Masters in Business Administration.
Tiffani Unrein
JV HEAD COACH
Tiffani Unrein is an accomplished volleyball coach, program director, and lifelong student of the game with over 22 years of coaching experience at every level of competition. Her career spans elementary, middle school, high school, and junior Olympic club volleyball (USAV, AAU, JVA), where she has led countless teams and impacted hundreds of athletes through structured development and purposeful mentorship. She is the founder, director, and head coach of AZ Inferno Volleyball Club, a respected and growing program known for its elite training standards, strong player development model, and competitive growth. Tiffani currently serves as a head coach for the Girls Volleyball Program at Arizona College Prep and has previously held leadership roles at Eduprize High School, AZ United VBC, NXTLVL VBC, and Gilbert Youth Sports. She was instrumental in launching several new volleyball programs, including the first-ever boys volleyball teams at Ridgeview College Prep and Eduprize High School. In addition, she serves on the Arizona Region Volleyball Seeding Committee, where she plays a key role in evaluating and collaborating with fellow committee members to ensure fair and competitive team placement at the start of each season. Tiffani is certified through IMPACT, SafeSport, Positive Coaching Alliance, NFHS Coaching, and The Art of Coaching Volleyball. Her coaching philosophy is grounded in structure, discipline, and mutual respect. She firmly believes that “process precedes performance” and designs her training around this mindset—emphasizing strong fundamentals, game IQ, intelligent decision-making, and individualized growth. She views every athlete as a key contributor and adapts her coaching to meet the unique needs and strengths of each team, creating an environment where athletes feel valued, challenged, and supported. Her coaching style blends relentless but structured defense, game-like training, and a high standard of excellence, all balanced by authentic care. Tiffani is known for developing players who others might overlook, helping them reach their full potential with confidence and grit. She instills accountability, leadership, and integrity in her athletes, and her impact extends far beyond the court. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona, Tiffani is a proud wife and mother of four. She attended Chaparral High School, where she played varsity volleyball and competed for elite clubs including AZ Juniors and Grand Canyon VBC. Her passion for volleyball began at an early age under the influence of her mother, Lynne Salas, a respected coach who inspired Tiffani's lifelong dedication to the game. She was also mentored by several legendary coaches, including Amanda Burbridge, Terri Spann (Cox), Tim McHale, and Butch and Barbara May, parents of Olympian Misty May-Treanor. For Tiffani, coaching is about far more than winning matches, it’s about shaping future leaders, creating opportunity, and helping young athletes ignite a lifelong passion for the game. Her true legacy lives not only in the programs she has built but in the enduring growth of the players she’s mentored.
Caren Coe
JV ASSISTANT COACH
Caren has been coaching for over 13 years in both school and club volleyball, ranging from middle school to college level. Most recently, Caren has created a girls' volleyball club, with her inaugural team never finishing lower than Silver Bracket, and winning multiple tournaments throughout the season. She enjoys coaching technique and game strategy, and loves to share her knowledge with young players.
Riley Smith
HEAD FRESHMEN COACH & VARSITY ASSISTANT COACH
Riley Smith is a dedicated volleyball coach and former collegiate athlete from Arizona. With over 10 years of coaching experience, she has guided players at every level—from 12U to collegiate level athletes. Known for her passion, technical expertise, and leadership, Riley has consistently helped teams and individuals reach their highest potential.Coaching PhilosophyRiley believes in a holistic approach to athlete development emphasizing skill technique, mental toughness cultivating resilience and confidence, and teamwork. By drawing on her extensive playing background and proven coaching methods, she empowers each player to reach their highest potential and achieve sustained success. Coaching Achievements•Won a National Championship in 14 Liberty Division at USAV Nationals in 2022-2023•Helped teams earn multiple Bids to USAV Nationals & earn top finishes at Qualifiers, AAU tournaments, and AZ Region Championships. •Helped Coached South Mountain Community College (SMCC) to a Region Championship and a 5th place finish at the NJCAA National Championships•Coached the ACCAC Setter of the Year at SMCC, developing top-tier skills and competitive performancePlaying Career•Spent nine years playing high school & club volleyball at some of Arizona’s top programs; Desert Vista High School 2008-2012, EVJ, Spiral 2009-2012.•Earned a scholarship as a Setter to South Mountain Community College (NJCAA) & New Mexico Highlands University (NCAA DII)Riley’s blend of competitive playing experience and proven coaching success makes her a valuable mentor for athletes aiming to excel both on and off the court.