Hi! My name is Riley Whitesides, and I am currently an assistant coach at Marquette University. I finished my collegiate playing career at the University of South Carolina in 2024, where I was a five-year starter, First Team All-SEC, and an Honorable Mention All-American.

My passion for volleyball has never faded, and I’m grateful to now coach and mentor athletes at a high level. After my first season at Marquette, I felt a strong pull to give back to the game by working with the next generation of players in my new home of Milwaukee.

In my private lessons, I focus on fundamental skill development, confidence-building, and creating a positive learning environment for athletes in 8th grade and under. I believe young players grow best when they feel supported, encouraged, and challenged in age-appropriate ways.

My goal is not only to help athletes improve their technique, but also to foster a love for the game, strong work habits, and self-belief that carries beyond the court. Whether your athlete is new to volleyball or looking to refine their skills, I am committed to providing high-quality instruction rooted in college-level experience, clear communication, and genuine care for each player’s development.

Skills: Serve receive, defense, attacking, serving

Positions: Passing, defense, blocking, serving, attacking
Ages: 8th grade and below
Genders: Any
Club-Affiliations: None

I believe in an athlete-centered coaching approach. Every athlete learns, grows, and gains confidence differently, and my coaching adapts to meet each player where they are. No two athletes are the same, and I value tailoring instruction to help each athlete succeed.

My lessons focus on building strong fundamentals, game understanding, and confidence in a positive, encouraging environment. I prioritize clear communication, patience, and purposeful training so athletes feel supported while still being challenged.

I believe athletes perform and develop best when they feel heard, valued, and comfortable making mistakes. By building a trusting coach–athlete relationship, I aim to help players grow not only in their volleyball skills, but also in work ethic, resilience, and self-belief.

Ultimately, my goal is to help each athlete enjoy the process, gain confidence, and make steady progress toward their individual goals—both on and off the court.