Coaches

2011-2012 RDC Queens Volleyball Coaches

Talbot Walton		Mandy Carroll		Melissa Laluk		Mark Richter

Head Coach:	Talbot Walton
Assistant Coach:	Chris Wandler
Assistant Coach:	Mandy Carroll
Assistant Coach:	Melissa Laluk
Assistant Coach:	Mark Richter
Student Therapist:	Janelle Cameron
Student Therapist:	Kayla Maschke

 

 

Coach Bio - Talbot Walton

Talbot became head coach of the Queens in the fall of 1999 after 2 years as an assistant under former RDC Kings coach Keith Hansen. Talbot’s wealth of knowledge and experience has kept the RDC Queens at the top of the ACAC and the CCAA.

Prior to 1999, Talbot coached with the University of Alberta Pandas and Golden Bears, NAVC Club, The Kings University College, AVA Team Alberta, Central Alberta Kings Club and the RDC Kings. During that time period he was able to be part of multiple Provincial and National Championship teams. During his time as the Queens head coach he won 2 ACAC Championships, multiple ACAC medals, 3 CCAA medals, 3 ACAC Coach of the Year awards, and 1 CCAA Coach of the Year award.

Talbot preaches "work ethic, passion, and enjoying the moments" as 3 things that are vital to success in volleyball and life. Talbot is devoted to aiding in the personal growth of the student-athlete, and is supportive in helping young athletes reach athletic and academic aspirations.

In his playing career, he captured ACAC bronze medals with Red Deer College, and a Canada West silver medal and Championship as a member of the University of Alberta Golden Bears in 1992-5. He received his Bachelor of Physical Education and his Master’s of Arts degrees from the University of Alberta. He is a fully certified NCCP Level III volleyball coach and a certified Level II Beach Volleyball coach.

Talbot and his wife Jennifer reside in Red Deer with their two children, Jack and Marin.

 

Assist. Coach Bio - Chris Wandler

Chris joined the Queens in 2003. During that time he has developed many players in Central Alberta who have gone on to join the RDC Queens and other post-secondary institutions.

Chris teaches at Notre Dame High School in Red Deer where he has coached both men’s and the women’s teams. Most recently his Notre Dame women’s team won a 4A Provincial Bronze medal and Team Sportsmanship Award in 2008. He also coaches in the Queens Volleyball Club where he has won many Provincial medals at various levels, and in 2007 led his U18 team to a Canadian Silver medal. Chris has also coached many Provincial teams over the past 10 years including being on the staff of the Canada Summer games team in 2009. He was presented with Alberta Volleyball U18 Women’s Coach of the year in 2006 and was Red Deer Advocate Coach of the year in 2009. Chris is a fully certified Level 3 coach and is completing his Masters Degree in Sport Science.

Assist. Coach Bio - Mandy Carroll

Mandy is no stranger to the Queens Volleyball program, playing out all 5 years of eligibility for the team. Throughout her years as an athlete, the Queens took home 1 ACAC Bronze medal, an ACAC Silver, and 2 ACAC Gold medals, along with a CCAA Bronze medal.  The Queens club volleyball program has also benefitted from her contributions.  Mandy has coached within the club for the past 5 years at various age levels. Mandy joins the Queens yet again this year for her 6th season with the program, this time as a member of the CCAA female mentorship coaching program and is excited to be a part of the coaching staff for the program. She hopes to share her technical and tactical knowledge of the game with this year’s athletes, and also to continue to grow her coaching “toolbox” as she continues to learn from an excellent mentor.

Assist. Coach Bio - Melissa Laluk

Melissa Laluk has volunteered to be one of the assistant coaches for the Queens volleyball team this season. As an alumni of both the Queens and the University of Alberta Pandas, Melissa brings a competitive and successful playing  background. In 2007, Melissa took the head coaching position for the Keyano College Huskies women's volleyball team. During her three seasons with Keyano college she was able to complete her NCCP level 3 certification, working with Lorne Sawula as her mentor, and was also able to bring her team from bottom of the ACAC rankings to 7th at provincials. Melissa hopes to share her strong technical knowledge and her positive leadership style with the Queens.

Assist. Coach Bio - Mark Richter

Mark went to school and played volleyball in Lacombe.  He then went to RDC in 1996-1998 and U of A from 1998-2001.  From there he became a Phys. Ed. teacher in the Wolf Creek School Division.  He started volleyball head coaching in Alix, Alberta where he built the program into zone contenders year in and year out.  He then moved to Bentley and Ponoka and has taken those teams to ASAA Provincials.  He has also coached club volleyball in Lacombe and Alix, where highlights were winning Silver in AVA Provincials and Bronze in the Western Canadian Open.  Mark has a great passion for the game of volleyball and competition in general.  He believes that two of the most important parts of the recipe for success are hard work and patience.  He has seen it develop and grow in many of the athletes that he has coached over the years, including many great ACAC players.  Mark currently resides in Ponoka County with his wife Angela and 3 kids, Carsen, Eli and Olivia (all future Kings and Queens).