Matt Cohen - Head Coach

Matt Cohen was named the 6th head volleyball coach in the Yavapai College program's history on Jan. 17, 2007.

Cohen, a Concorida University graduate and Southern California native, has established a track record of success as a coach at both the high school and club levels and looks forward leading the Roughrider program to new heights.

AVA’s top teams are consistantly ranked in the top 10 of their respective age groups. Cohen’s teams have finished 4th, 3rd, and 7th in the state the past three years. AVA has produces several players currently playing at the next level including YC’s own Meghan McKindles, Jennifer Hess, and Brittnee Eiler.

Cohen is the founder/director of the Arizona Volleyball Academy (AVA). Under his direction, AVA has grown into one of the largest clubs in the state.

Before his arrival in Arizona, Cohen spent one season as an assistant at Concordia, where he was involved in recruiting, scouting, and practice planning.

Before joining the Eagles, Cohen spent five years as the head varsity coach at Villa Park High School. He led the Spartans the CIF Playoffs 3 times including a quarter finals appearance in 2001. Several of his players continued their playing careers at schools such as UC Santa Barbara, U Mass, Boston College, Princeton, and Harvard.

Cohen also served as the boys head varsity coach at Villa Park for three seasons. His teams qualified for the playoffs all three years and established a school record for victories in his final season.

Cohen also coached at Woodbridge High School, Impact Volleyball Club, and Balboa Bay Volleyball Club.

Born in Scripts Ranch, CA, Cohen waised rasied in Orange County, CA He played at Canyon High School, leading his team to the first league championship in school history. He was recognized as an all-league and an all-county player his senior year. Cohen played for ASU’s club team in 1996 helping them to a top 15 finish in the nation.

He earned a bachelor's degree from Concordia in 2004. Cohen is married to his best friend, Julie. They have two children, Tyler (4) and Kiki (3).

Lisa 'Queen' Oliver - Assistant Coach

Lisa Oliver enters her first season as an assistant coach with the Yavapai College volleyball program.

Oliver last served as the head coach of Hillcrest High School volleyball team and as the club coach for the Mad Frog Volleyball Club in Dallas, TX, from 2002-06. She has since relocated to the Valley to join Cohen’s Arizona Volleyball Club.

She guided her teams to consecutive Play-off bids and has developed and implemented a training program to insure athletic performance.

Prior to her time at Mad Frog Volleyball Club, Oliver assisted the Texas Tornados Volleyball Club in Houston, TX.

During that span, he also served as the head coach of the Westside High School junior varsity ' team and was an assistant coach for the varsity team. Oliver brings a wealth of volleyball knowledge and experience to the Roughrider program.

Oliver is a proud graduate of the University of New Mexico with a degree in Biology and a concentration in Teacher Education, from the University of Texas.