Meet The Staff
Bret Almazan-Cezar
Head Varsity Coach
In his first season with Rocklin, Bret brings over three decades of experience as an educator and coach. He previously spent seven years at Lincoln High School in Stockton, 20 years at Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, and one season at Granite Bay High School.
- 11-time State Champion as Head Coach at Archbishop Mitty
- Four-time National Coach of the Year in high school volleyball
- 2021 DII Section Title Champion at Granite Bay High School
- Former Head Coach at Lincoln High School (Stockton)
- USAV Open Gold Medal in 2000 with Delta Valley 18 Blue
- USAV Open Medals in 2002 & 2008
- Four seasons with SynergyForce Volleyball Club
- Over 900 career wins
"Build trust and rapport with your players and after every practice and game ask the question... how do we get better?"
Devon Quok
Program Assistant Coach
In her fifth season coaching at Rocklin, Devon brings a wealth of experience in both high school and club volleyball.
- 17+ years of coaching experience at the high school varsity level for both girls and boys teams
- Five seasons coaching club volleyball with SynergyForce Volleyball
- Head coach of Rocklin Beach Volleyball:
- NorCal runner-up in 2023
- NorCal winner in 2024
- Rocklin Girls Volleyball coach since 2019
Courtney Schneider
Program Assistant Coach
In her second season as an assistant coach for Rocklin Indoor Girls Volleyball, Courtney has assisted Rocklin Girls Beach Volleyball for three seasons.
- 10+ years of coaching experience across the Pacific Northwest
- Three seasons as an assistant coach at the collegiate level
- Two seasons coaching with Synergy Force Volleyball
- Four-year starting libero at Western Washington University:
- Set the national record for digs per set
- Earned First Team All-American honors
- National runner-up in her senior year
Courtney's favorite aspect of coaching at Rocklin High is the unwavering support from the community and the enthusiastic school spirit displayed at every home match.
Cory Graham
Varsity Head Coach
In her first season as an assistant coach for Rocklin Indoor Girls Volleyball, Cory brings over 8 years of coaching experience from the greater Sacramento region.
- 8+ years of coaching experience across the greater Sacramento region
- Three seasons as Varsity Head Coach at McClatchy High School
- Four seasons coaching with NCVC
- 8 years of playing experience
Cory's approach to athlete development is focused on the mental as much as the physical. She is dedicated to improving athletes' skillsets both on and off the court.
Patrick McTighe
Program Assistant Coach
In his first season as an assistant coach with Rocklin, Patrick is excited to bring a fresh perspective and a proven track record of success at various levels of the game.
- 12+ years of coaching experience in high school, collegiate, and club volleyball. Multiple CIF playoff appearances with boys and girls varsity
- Three seasons as an assistant coach at William Jessup University (NAIA)
- Club Coach for Northern California Volleyball Club (NCVC)
- Playing experience
- All-Army Men’s Volleyball Team - 2012
- Men’s Club Volleyball - East Coast/Canada - 2011–2012
"Leave no other option. Work hard. Pursue excellence. Stay accountable. Embody resilience. Trust completely — then repeat."
Kate Mitchell
Junior Varsity Head Coach
In her fourth season as the Girls JV Head Coach, Kate continues in an expanded role as the Boys Varsity Head Coach.
- Inducted into the Rocklin High School Hall of Fame - 2014
- 7+ years of coaching experience at Rocklin High School and other volleyball club organizations
- Boys Varsity Head Coach
- Four-year volleyball player at Southwestern University in Texas:
- Accumulated 1,260 career kills
- Inducted into the Southwestern University Hall of Honor
- Earned All-American honors and SCAC Player of the Week multiple times
Kate is passionate about volleyball and is dedicated to helping young athletes grow and succeed, both on the court and in the Rocklin community.
Alex O'Donnell
Freshman Head Coach
In her first season with Rocklin High School, Alex is ready to develop, build confidence, and achieve success.
- Rocklin High Alumni - Class of 2018
- 7+ years of playing experience through high school and college
- Sportsmanship Award from Rocklin High School Coaches
- Four-year club volleyball player at the University of Nevada, Reno:
- Served as Club President and Coach
- Led the team to the Northern California Collegiate Volleyball League Championship
- Named Second Team All-League
Alex's coaching philosophy focuses on empowering athletes to build confidence, learn new skills, and grow as a team and as individuals.