About Us

Why We Train Volleyball Players

We love to train players and have made it our life's passion! Through our long careers, we have come in contact with thousands of young players from all over the country. We have coached teams at all levels from middle school through college, and the one thing we can tell you is this - to be good, you have to be a happy player, and to be a happy player, you have to gain some skill. We both believe in learning the most efficient way of getting the job done, whether you are attacking, setting, digging, passing, blocking or serving. We want you to be the best you can be, and we are confident both in our abilities to get you there and in your ability to discover its challenge.

At Sokol Volleyball, our chief goal is to place our players in a fun, yet structured learning atmosphere, where they feel empowered to become better. We coach the total player by addressing the physical needs, as well as the emotional and mental component of learning. We welcome you to our gym, no matter your level of skill or age. Lessons present an arena for you to learn new techniques, and polish the old ones. You can be yourself, and you can try anything. It is a great opportunity to learn, without the pressure of "doing it right." We want to start right where you are and guide you through the steps to success. Let us be your personal volleyball resource "without strings", and watch how fast you will grow!

Debbie Sokol

Ap Clarke

Debbie Sokol, est. 1981

Years Coaching: 40

713-927-5014

debbie@sokolvolleyball.com

Coaching History:

  • Owner, Sokol Volleyball, 1983-present
  • Director, Westside Volleyball Club, 2010-2012
  • Head Coach, The Kinkaid School, 2007-2010
  • Director and 18U Head Coach, Club Texas, 1993-2007
  • Head Coach, JCC Maccabi Teams, 2000-2004
  • Head Coach Women's Volleyball, Rice University, 1981-1993

Professional History:

  • Southwest Conference Coach of the Year
  • NCAA Div I All-America Volleyball Committee, Chairperson
  • USA Volleyball Meritorious Service Award
  • USA All-Star Rookie Team

Playing History:

  • World University Games, Mexico City
  • World Maccabiah Games, Israel, Silver Medal, Team Captain
  • National Sports Festival, Colorado Springs, CO, Bronze Medal
  • USVBA National Tournament Player, 6 times
  • University of Houston, Most Valuable Player, Team Captain

Ap Clarke, est. 1982

Years Coaching: 39

281-221-3624

gclarke@houstonisd.org

Coaching History:

  • Head Coach, Bellaire HS, 2000-present
  • Associate Director, Westside Volleyball Club, 2010-2012
  • Head Coach, Club Texas, 17U, 16U, 2000-2007
  • Assistant Coach, Texas Christian University, 1996-2000
  • Assistant Coach, Northern Colorado, 1992-1996
  • Assistant Coach, Regis University, 1990-1992

Professional History:

  • Coach of the Year, 16 times, 6A
  • District Champs, 17 times, 6A
  • Woman of the Year, HISD, 2017