"Club Vertical Volleyball is easily one of the best training programs in the area. The family atmosphere; the professionally trained coaching staff, curriculum, and training principles. They way how [Alfred] teaches skills and breaks it down into minute points of teaching is very impressive. I am proud to call Alfred my friend and colleague."
Ferrel Pounds, parent and former veteran boys varsity volleyball coach, Fox Senior High School, Arnold, Missouri
"Alfred: Continue to do great things! Our children need you."
Nino A. Fennoy, Legendary Hall of Fame Track & Field Coach, over 20 Illinois High School State championships as head coach
Mentor and coach to Olympic gold medalists Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Dawn Harper
"Learn as much as you can from Alfred. He is amazing!"
Scott Herman, parent - Kirkwood, Missouri to CV trustee member Fred Priese
"The family atmosphere Alfred has created [at CV] is simply amazing!"
David Kelsheimer, player - Chesterfield, Missouri
"Don't be fooled by how calm Coach Alfred is. He is as intense as they come. I would say that on the outside, he's a calm lake, but inside, he's a volcano. He lit into me a couple of times when I didn't give my best. He didn't care where he did it - at practice, during a team meeting, or during a time out. He just knew which buttons to push, not only me, but everyone on the team. If you think he's not watching, Coach Alfred is watching. He's very observant. It's like nothing gets past him. It's frustrating, at times. He observes you at practice and whether you are performing in the game. Oh, and he's not shy to get up in your face to tell you that you're not measuring up and doing your thang on the volleyball court and off. He's one of the best coaches I've ever played for - probably the best - because you know he is sincere when he talks to you and he will help you. Coach Alfred don't play!"
Ronald Lawson, player - former 6'9" basketball athlete turned potential NCAA Division I college volleyball talent
"Coach Alfred gave us one of the most eloquent ass chewing I ever experienced in my life. He was so calm but the words he used were so powerful. I couldn't believe it! I wanted to go out there and play hard but I had to wait a whole day."
Rhonee Rojas, Hawai`i, four-year letterwinner and four-time NCAA Final Four participant,
Penn State University graduate and men's varsity volleyball starter
"Thank you, Alfred, for helping [my daughter]. She had a great experience and learned a lot from you! You and CV helped her tremendously as an athlete, performer, and, most important, as a person! Thank you always."
Kathy Engel, parent - Troy, Illinois
"It is great to be associated and partner with someone whose intentions and heart is in the right place: the kids. Alfred has his heart in the right place and does everything for the kids. I am proud to have [him] as a friend and fellow coaching colleague."
Larry Worth, Co-Club Director, Vanguard Volleyball Club, Columbus, Ohio
"Thank you Alfy for creating a family atmosphere! My skills definitely improved, thank you...the family atmosphere you create provided me the best experience. I love the program and made so many friends for life thanks to you!"
LeAnna Cates - Wildwood, Missouri
"Alfred: I doubt that the boys let you know fully how much they appreciate all of your efforts but from a parent's perspective...I want to thank you for your even tone, calm demeanor, and dedication to helping them learn their strengths and weaknesses. Kyle and I sampled your native food last night and thought it was just great. What an education they're getting this year. THANK YOU!"
Ceil Renaud, parent - St Louis, Missouri
"It's great to see you continuing to make a big difference in the lives of so many who love this great sport as you did for me [many years ago], once upon a time... lol."
Ikiaka Vinta, player - Hawai`i, Kamehameha Schools alum (Honolulu/Kapalama Campus) and current high school varsity volleyball coach
"I love and respect coach Alfred so much. He is tough, but treats me with so much respect. He believed in me and inspired me to refocus on my goals and work hard. No one knows what lengths Coach Alfred goes through to help others. That means so much to all of us."
Kepono Marquez, player - Hawai`i
"Alfred has a gift to teach the game. It's amazing to watch him teach and instruct, especially coming from an educator's point-of-view. He is an outstanding teacher of the game. There are knowledgable coaches in the game and there are those who has a special gift to teach the game and coach it. Alfred is a special coach and is so knowledgeable. He has such a huge heart for others. I am lucky to call him my colleague and friend."
Marci Truex, educator and head boys varsity volleyball coach, Pickerington North High School (Ohio) and
President Emeritus, Ohio High School Boys Volleyball Association (2004-2008)
"No one really knows the things Coach Alfred does when it comes to caring about his players. I heard about how he is this really good teacher of volleyball skills and stuff. He takes time out of his very busy schedule to listen when we call or text message him. I called him really late one time when he was traveling to visit family on the West Coast. It was like 3:00 AM where he was at and he took my call! He took time to visit with me over the phone and asked about how me and my family were doing. He is so sincere. Who does this? To me, someone with a heart of gold."
Kenneth McCaster, player - East St. Louis, Illinois
"First of all, Coach Alfred is a great external motivator and his speeches are very inspiring; the family atmosphere he has created and nurtured is unbelievablely amazing! I play basketball and love basketball, but Coach didn't force me to play volleyball after being selected at tryouts. I appreciate the sport so much more because of how he teaches. You better pay attention when he teaches. He really inspires us to work hard for each other. The way how he does it is that Coach treats all of us with respect and love: he is tough and demanding, expects a lot, gives a lot to us, and pounds into our heads to care about each other like brothers and to be sincere about it. He tells us how much he believes in us. Coach has a big heart that makes us play hard for him and each other."
Jake Dodd, player - St. Charles, Missouri
"There is no doubt that Club Vertical Volleyball is one of the best programs that actually train athletes their skills no matter what level you start at. The development and atmosphere is very impressive! It is family at CV. My son has improved so much in such a short time frame with your coaching and guidance, especially his confidence. That is by far what has impressed me and my wife."
D. Hinkle, parent - St. Louis, Missouri
"Coach [Alfred] is an excellent teacher of the game. [He] keeps things simple and reinforces skills effectively that gets results."
Yun Chen, varsity boys volleyball coach, Warren Township High School (Illinois)
"Coach Alfy is hilarious. Not only does he have such a giving heart, he can practically be a stand up comedian. That's a side people don't see much of him because he is intensely focused when he coaches, but he is hilariously funny. His timing to make us all laugh and lighten up the atmosphere is great."
Gabriel Kama, player - Hawai`i
"Congratulations and good luck to you, Alfred! I am so glad that nothing is really changing with CV. This experience has been wonderful for Patrick. The positive impact it has made is not just with volleyball. I see a difference in Patrick in so many ways - on the basketball court, at school, at home. Pete and I keep asking him, 'OK, what have you done that you don't want us to know about? You have been entirely too good lately!' He has always been a good kid, it just seems he is maturing quite a bit. I know this isn't totally attributed to CV but it is a large part of it. Thanks for all you do for all the boys!"
Dena McCaffrey, parent - St. Louis, Missouri
"'Knowledgeable. Visionary. Demanding. Fair. Caring. Compassionate. Passionate.' These words definitely describe Alfred: a master at teaching the game and a big heart for the kids."
B. Harvey, parent - St Louis, Missouri
"I have been involved with volleyball for many years. I have never seen a practice like how you run practices. They are organized, efficient, and detailed. The practice plans, the way you instruct, very impressive. Me and my wife are glad that our son was part of this experience."
G. Greer, parent - St. Louis, Missouri
"Coach [Alfred] has a wealth of knowledge and big heart for kids; a really good person with a big heart. He has volunteered his time to come out and share with our kids and community. His work is inspiring and truly a blessing and education for all of us."
Hubert Butler, veteran girls and boys volleyball coach and assistant athletics director, East St. Louis Senior High School (Illinois)
"Excellent instruction and rapid results. The proof is in the pudding!"
Kenneth Hizer, parent - St. Charles, Missouri
"The training curriculum [at CV] is the real deal! My son has improved immensely! He has learned more in three months with [CV] than he has in the last two years combined. Thank you and keep up the great work!"
P. Martineau, St. Louis South County CYC boys youth volleyball coach and parent
"My son's confidence has increased so much! The skills training and coaching staff are excellent. As a parent, the increase in confidence means so much to me and my husband. Thank you Alfred and your coaches!"
J. Painter, parent - St. Louis, Missouri
"Thank you, Alfred, for being a mentor to my three sons. Your knowledge and kind words are very appreciated. Quinn, Barrett and Jack and I appreciate your friendship and mentoring. Thank you!"
Deb Pazderka, parent - Belleville, Illinois
"I wanted to comment on the coaching staff you assembled. I am impressed how you train both your staff and the kids at the same time. Your staff always looked professional; well dressed, positive, encouraging, sat with the parents during the tournament. They are so personable and truly a wonderful extension of you. Thank you and keep up the great work!"
Karen Moore, parent - St. Charles, Missouri
"The CV coaches are patient and worked very well with my son and his teammates. I cannot tell you how impressed I am with such a great coaching staff you have assembled. Keep up the great work!"
Kathleen Morris, parent - St. Louis, Missouri
"A good man. What an honor to have had the opportunity to work with him. Coach [Alfred]: I wish you great success in all you do! You deserve it and the kids are very lucky to have you as their mentor and guiding light. Thank you for all you've done. It's been a pleasure. Good luck!"
Leonard Manley, Sr. - Retired Director of Athletics, E St Louis Senior High School, E St Louis, Illinois
"This boys [and girls club] in St. Louis, your leadership, and training is a great contribution to us all. Thank you for this. Keep working on building this program into a great one that matches your vision. Good luck!"
Wayne Pounds, Legendary Hall of Fame Boys & Girls Volleyball Coach, Pioneer and Trailblazer of boys high school volleyball in St. Louis, Missouri
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