Downey Huynh

I have coached volleyball since 2017, beginning with Balboa Bay Volleyball Club, one of the top youth programs in the nation. I’ve coached boys and girls teams from elementary through high school, and have also coached at the collegiate level with the University of Jamestown men’s volleyball program—eventually becoming head coach. I specialize in developing players with little experience and helping them build strong fundamentals, confidence, and game IQ. I have also led weight-room training and position-specific development for outsides, opposites, middles, and liberos. My coaching focuses on confidence and repetition.

I played collegiate men’s volleyball at the University of Jamestown, competing in the NAIA and gaining experience as an outside hitter. Before college, I trained and competed in Southern California—one of the most competitive volleyball regions in the U.S. While playing, I learned under Olympic gold medalist Riley Salmon, whose emphasis on discipline and fundamentals shaped my approach to the game. I have earned multiple team honors and have been part of programs that developed successful collegiate and international athletes.

A typical session with me takes place on the grass, which helps cut down costs while giving athletes a valuable supplemental training environment outside the gym. We begin with a dynamic warm-up focused on footwork, shoulder activation, and balance—skills that translate directly to indoor performance. I assess the athlete’s ball control, movement patterns, and technique through simple passing, setting, and hitting progressions adapted for outdoor space. Training on grass allows players to get more controlled touches, improve stability, and build cleaner fundamentals without relying on perfect indoor conditions. I give continuous feedback, run game-like drills to reinforce skills, and finish each session with reflection and personalized guidance for improvement.