MEET THE COACH
RENE J. PADILLA
COACH. MENTOR. ATHLETE DEVELOPER.
My Story
Volleyball has been more than a sport throughout my life. It has been a journey of discipline, sacrifice, leadership, and personal growth. My experiences as a player, collegiate scholarship athlete, and coach have shaped the way I approach training and athlete development today.
With over nine years of coaching experience developing athletes from the 12U through 18U levels, I have dedicated my career to helping players improve their skills, build confidence, develop a strong volleyball IQ, and prepare for the next level of competition.
My journey began as a player competing with TVC under Coach Pedro Dávila in 2014–2016. In 2016, I became part of the A2 USA Volleyball National Program, an experience that further developed my understanding of high-level volleyball.
My hard work and dedication eventually earned me a full athletic scholarship to Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Competing at the collegiate level taught me the importance of preparation, accountability, mental toughness, and consistently pushing beyond my limits.
Today, I bring those same values to every athlete I train.
A COACHING CAREER BUILT ON RESULTS
Throughout my coaching career, I have had the privilege of guiding athletes and teams through competitive seasons, national championships, state championships, and important milestones in their volleyball journeys.
Some of my coaching accomplishments include:
• 2024 AAU Girls National Champion — 14U Division.
• 2024 & 2025 NACA National Champion.
• 2023 & 2025 FICAA State Champion.
• 2022 & 2023 USAV Adults Open Championship Winner — back-to-back titles with the FIVA Adults Team.
These accomplishments represent more than trophies. They reflect the dedication of athletes, the commitment of families, the work of coaching staffs, and the importance of building teams that believe in a shared goal.
Every season brings new challenges, and every athlete has a different path. My responsibility is to help each player recognize their potential and develop the tools necessary to reach it.
MY COACHING PHILOSOPHY
At CR Volleyball Training, I believe that talent can open doors, but discipline, consistency, and the willingness to learn are what help athletes continue progressing.
My approach focuses on five essential areas:
TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT
Building strong fundamentals in passing, setting, serving, attacking, blocking, and defensive positioning.
VOLLEYBALL IQ
Teaching athletes to read the game, recognize situations, make better decisions, and understand the strategy behind every play.
MENTAL TOUGHNESS
Developing confidence, resilience, accountability, and the ability to respond positively to mistakes and pressure.
INDIVIDUALIZED TRAINING
Identifying each athlete’s strengths and weaknesses to create purposeful training that addresses their specific needs.
CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP
Helping athletes develop the discipline, communication, work ethic, and leadership skills that extend beyond the volleyball court.
I believe in challenging athletes while providing the guidance and support they need to improve. Training should have a purpose, feedback should create growth, and every session should help an athlete move closer to their goals.
MY MISSION
My mission is to help athletes become better volleyball players while preparing them for the opportunities and challenges that come with pursuing their goals.
Whether an athlete is learning the fundamentals, preparing for club volleyball, competing at the high school level, or working toward collegiate opportunities, my objective is to provide quality training, honest feedback, and a development-focused environment.
I want every athlete who trains with me to leave the gym with more than improved skills. I want them to leave with greater confidence, a stronger work ethic, a better understanding of the game, and a clear vision of what they can accomplish.
Because development is not just about where you are today. It is about where your dedication can take you tomorrow.