Directors-
Alex Griffiths: Coach Alex played on elite club teams during her club volleyball career, even earning silver medal at the prestigious Jr. Nationals in 18 Open. Her senior year, she helped the Griffins earn the Division 1 State Champions Title for Los Alamitos High. She received Defensive Player of the Year as well as Honorable Mention for Sunset League. Coach earned a full ride to play for Vanguard University. Coach Alex led her team in digs and aces as libero for Vanguard her freshman and sophomore year. In 2009, coach transferred to the NCAA Division 1 University of Hawaii. At Hawaii, she helped her team reach 3rd, Top 12, and Sweet 16 in the NCAA Division 1 Tournament. All three years of her career for the University of Hawaii, she helped the team earn the WAC Conference Title. Senior year, Coach Alex was able to participate and play in the first ever Sand Volleyball Conference for collegiate beach volleyball. Coach Alex graduated Hawaii with her double major in Psychology and Sociology. During her volleyball career, she was able to play on two volleyball tours. She competed against Professional and Jr. National teams for Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Italy. After coach graduated, she played on a professional team 2014-2015. Since her collegiate career begun, she has coached elite teams for multiple SoCal and Hawaii volleyball clubs helping players excel to the next level. Coach Alex was previously the Santiago Canyon Jr. College women’s volleyball program head coach for 2018-2019. Coach Alex is the head coach for the current Empire League champions boys' and girls' volleyball program at Cypress High. Coach Alex helped the boys’ team win 2017 Division III CIF Championship and become a Division II State Semifinalist. Coach Alex received 2017 CIF Coach of the Year as well as OC Register 2017 Boys Coach of the Year.
Gus Tuaniga: Coach Gus was a standout player right away. During his high school career, he contributed to his high school and club’s team success, putting his name at the top in the recruiting scene. During his outstanding club career, he led his team to top finishes at Jr Nationals earning the gold for 15 Open and silver for 17 Open for Jr. Nationals. Due to outstanding play, he earned the prestigious award of All Tournament Team at Jr. Nationals, twice. Coach Gus earned a full ride to play for the University of Hawaii, where he became a quick impact and contributed to Hawaii’s success in the NCAA Division 1 conference. Coach Gus came back to California and quickly hit the beach. He played professional beach volleyball and was able to represent America Samoa in the Pacific Islands and Papa New Guinea tournament earning third and fifth place finish. Since coach came back to California, he has led the top teams for his previous and current club, as well as the Empire League Champions boys’ and girls' volleyball program at Cypress High. Coach Gus won the 2017 CIF Division III Championship title, as well as assisted the boys to Div. II State Semifinalist. Coach Gus recently helped assist one of the top teams in NCAA Division 1 beach volleyball scene, the LBSU women’s beach volleyball team 2018-2019. Coach Gus was our head coach for our 18Black team that was top three in SCVA, qualified for a DOUBLE bid in the 18Open for Jr. Nationals (before Covid-19), and fifth place at the 2019 Jr. Nationals in National Division.
Tinei Tuaniga: Director Tinei is our mama bear of the club. She is behind the scenes and at all the tournaments for all ages. Director Tinei has been a coach and director for over eighteen years, including her own previous club, Aiga Volleyball. She created her own club and became a part of Apex to help create an elite and caring volleyball culture for all players, including her own, to excel. Director Tinei, is a major part to her own children’s success: Director Gus (U of Hawaii; former player), Josh (LBSU; playing professionally), Jake (LBSU; singing), Mia (LBSU; playing), Jonah (currently at Apex). Director Tinei, is also the head coach for our Apex Juniors. Beginner volleyball program.
Coaches-
Alicia Lemau’u: Coach Alicia now enters her 10th year coaching the varsity boys’ and girls’ volleyball program and teaching at St. Anthony High School. Since then, she has helped her teams to CIF titles along with also receiving 2018 Coach of the Year. Coach Alicia played for the NCAA Division 1 Mid Tennessee University, where she helped her team make it to a sweet 16 appearance. Coach Alicia earned Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year twice for her university and broke her school record for digs earning her a starting position. She played for LB Poly High receiving First Team All-League Honors.
Christopher Cons: Christopher Cons: Coach Chris enters his fourth-year coaching for us at Apex. Coach Chris currently plays for the indoor and beach team for Westcliff University. Coach Chris was a standout player for Cypress High School leading his team to the Semifinals in 2016, a CIF Title 2017, and Division 2 State Semifinals. Coach Chris was named 2017 CIF Player of the Year, Empire League MVP back to back, and Captain. Coach Chris was also named to the Dave Mohs Memorial Orange County High School All Star Match for the best high school players in 2017. He plans to major in education and continue to coach with his Apex Family.
Ellen Henry Rozak: Coach Ellen Rozak enters her second season coaching for Apex. Coach Ellen was a local standout player for Wilson High School that lead her team to Moore League Championship form 2004-2007. Coach Ellen was named to First Team All-League and All-Moore League Defensive Player of the Year. In 2005, she led her club team to win the gold medal at Jr. National Championship 2006. Being an elite standout player, she earned a scholarship to play for the NCAA Division 1 University of Colorado. Coach Ellen currently owns a real estate business and works with her mom.
Erica Cantley: Coach Erica enters her fifth-year coaching at Apex. She currently plays beach volleyball for the NAIA school Westcliff University. Prior to Westcliff she played for Golden West College where she was captain of the team and received First Team All-League for beach volleyball and Second Team for the indoor team. She helped Golden West accomplish three conference titles two for beach volleyball and one for indoor volleyball. Previously, she attended Cypress High where she was also captain and earned Empire League MVP as well as First Team All-League. At Cypress High school she helped guide the team to three league titles during her time on varsity. Prior to college, Coach Erica Played for several elite club teams, competed in junior Olympics, remained in the Gold Division and finished one of the top teams in SCVA her senior year.
Fau Alaelua: Coach Fau enters her second-year coaching for Apex. Coach Fau currently coaches at her alma mater St. Anthony High School where she helped guide the Saints to an outright El Camino league title in 2013. Coach Fau earned a scholarship to play at Missouri Valley College where she was part of a historical women’s’ volleyball team during her senior year, who finished as the runners-up in the Heart of America Conference and received a bid to the NAIA Women’s Volleyball Championships for the first time ever in school history! Coach Fau graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology.
Josh Laurell: Coach Josh enters his fifth year at Apex. Coach Josh previously helped assist for Cypress high boys and girls volleyball program. In 2017, he helped the boy’s program to a 2017 CIF Division 3 Championship and a run to the State Semifinals of Division 2. Coach Josh graduated and played for the University of Hawaii along with Directors Gus and Alex. Coach Josh was a standout player from Mater Dei High. He currently is a firefighter for the San Bernardino County.
Josh Tuaniga: Coach Josh enters his fifth year at Apex. He currently plays professionally overseas for Poland, but coaches when he returns & via Zoom throughout the year. Coach Josh is an international standout player that received 2018 AVCA Player of the Year and a spot on our USA men’s Jr. National Team. Coach has quite an iconic record with two NCAA Division 1 Championships, two NCAA Division 1 Semifinals runs, and an amazing undefeated high school record for Huntington Beach High.
Katrina Rosales: Coach Katrina enters her 10th year of coaching. Coach Katrina is currently in the path of becoming a Special Education Teacher, is an aspiring baker, and helps run the La Mirada girls’ volleyball program. Coach Katrina was a standout player in high school herself, that earned her a scholarship to play for NAIA Hope International University. During her career, she became a starting Middle Blocker that contributed to her team’s success and NAIA Championship run.
Katrina Tagaloasa: Coach Katrina enters her fifth year at Apex. Coach Katrina has over a decade of coaching experience from top SoCal high schools to elite clubs, including our Director Tinei’s previous club, Aiga Volleyball Club. Coach Katrina was a standout player that earned her an opportunity to play collegiately at Fullerton College. Coach Katrina is married to our honorary sub/hype man David. They also coach a squad of their own with four children Tinei, Trinity, Tiana, and baby David.
Mai Eteuati: Coach Mai enters his seventh year of coaching and enters his first season as head of Millikan’s girls’ volleyball program. Before, he helped top high schools like St. Anthony and St. John Bosco volleyball programs to their success. Coach Mai also assisted in 2018-2019 Santiago Canyon Jr. College women’s volleyball program, where he helped beat their win record. Coach Mai played for Long Beach City College, winning the 2013-2014 College State title. He began his career being an elite player from Jordan High School.
Naomi Ruiz: Coach Naomi enters her third-year coaching at Apex. She currently plays for Hope International. She previously played at Santiago Canyon College under Director Alex Griffiths and contributed to beat the school’s win record for the program. Coach Naomi also played for Apex under Director Gus Tuaniga, Coach Michael Brinkley. Her Apex team was a top 10 finish at the Las Vegas Classic, as well as finished in the top 10 at the Show Me Qualifier in 2017.
Rebecca Lowden : Coach Becca enters her fifth-year coaching at Apex. Coach currently played and graduated from Vanguard University. Coach Becca earned amazing honors: 2019 NAIA libero of the year, 2x GSAC libero of the year, four year All Conference for GSAC, 4 year All Region Team, and received Honorable mention All American 3 years 1 year 3rd team all American. Coach Becca was recently also named to Vanguard’s All Decade Team.
Rory Jones: Coach Rory enters his third-year coaching at Apex. Coach Rory is a former player and graduate from the prestigious LBSU men’s volleyball program. He is currently the Irvine Valley College men’s volleyball assistant, where he helped his team to a 2019 State Finals run! Coach also assists for his alma Huntington Beach High School boys & girls’ varsity programs.
Spencer Olivier: Coach Spencer enters his second year at Apex. Coach Spencer currently plays for the reigning back to back NCAA Division 1 Champion, Long Beach State Men’s Volleyball. Coach Spencer was a standout player for Beckman High and was named OC Register’s Player of the Year in 2017, CIF All Tournament, and Pacific Coast League MVP. Coach came from Balboa Volleyball Club contributing to their gold medals in 2016 and 2017.
Coach Teddi: Coach Teddi was a standout local from Woodrow Wilson High & continued her volleyball career for the NCAA D1 Arkansas State. Coach is currently entering her 19th season as the Head women’s volleyball coach & professor in Kinesiology for Rio Hondo College. During her time at Rio Hondo she has earned Coach of the Year 3 times: 2010, 2015, & 2019!
Coach Amanda Alles: Coach Amanda was a New Jersey standout that received Gatorade Player of the Year! Coach continued her career collegiately to set for the NCAA D1 UNLV Rebels! Coach Amanda after hit the beach & played pro ball on the AVP tour!! Since college, Coach Amanda has lead local high schools, club teams, & athletes to become their best.
Thomas Taufetee: In his athletic career, Thomas was 2010-2014 - GGHS Varsity Volleyball (first team all league 11-14, All League MVP 13-14, All CIF team 13-14), 2014-2016 - GoldenWest College Mens Volleyball (AA) (state semi-finals), and 2020-current - Westcliff University (BBA) Mens Beach and Indoor Volleyball. Thomas has been coaching since 2010
Coach Ryan: Coach Ryan played for the NCAA D1 UC Santa Barbara & then furthered his volleyball career playing professionally overseas!! Has played high-level professional volleyball for years. He is returning for his second year of coaching here at Apex where previously he coaches 18Black in 2020-2021 Season! He has experience coaching both boys and girls and has excelled
Mari Molina: Coach Mari has coached club volleyball for the last 8 or more years. She currently plays at Long Beach state beach volleyball beginning from 2018. We are so excited that Mari will be joining us this year - she is a collegiate powerhouse on the beach and we cannot wait to have her on the indoor side.
Peter Le: Coach Peter graduated UCI mens volleyball program, and currently plays under Directors Alex and Gus at Westcliff Men's volleyball. He currently leads the Westcliff team in Aces & kills. He was 2nd in NAIA Cal Pac Conference Cal Pac 2nd team and is currently receiving his Masters of Business Administration (MBA).
Mia Tuaniga: Coach Mia was born and raised here in Long Beach, California. She played club volleyball for Apex1 volleyball club from when it first started in 2016-2020 where she double qualified for JN in 2019. She won Gatorade state player of the year 2020. She is currently on the USC Women's indoor team and USA junior national team and USA women's collegiate national team. Mia was also a four-year varsity athlete at Mater Dei High School where she won Under-Armour All-American, CIF champion in 2018 and 2019, CIF state champion in 2019, and national champions in 2019. Mia is now a coach here at Apex