Lake Norman Volleyball

2008-2009 Team: 16 Black

Rachel Noreika
As a three sport All-state performer in High School, Rachel did not decide to seriously pursue volleyball until her junior year. She played club volleyball for Oakland Juniors, out of Michigan, and eventually won a full scholarship to Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, where she would compete against the likes of University of Florida, USC, UNC, Texas Tech, etc. At Liberty, Rachel was a four year starter, an All-Conference and AVCA All-Region performer and won the Big South Conference, Tournament MVP award her senior year. Two out of four years, her team won the Big South Conference, allowing them to compete in the NCAA tournament her sophomore and senior years. After finishing her career she stayed on staff as the Graduate Assistant Coach while finishing her degree. After earning her degree she traveled overseas and played professionally for a season in Indonesia. Not only has she played in Indonesia, she has played in Brazil, Germany, and Austria, competing against the best the world has to offer.
After her stint overseas, Rachel returned and was hired as the Graduate Assistant Coach at Samford University, in Birmingham AL. After coaching the Bulldogs for a season, she was then hired as the first Assistant coach at Winthrop University under head coach, Joel McCartney, the winningest coach in Winthrop’s history and the current head coach at the University of Georgia. While in Rock Hill, Rachel met her husband and decided to slow down life’s pace a bit. She now teaches and coaches at Southlake Christian academy, the 2008 MAC conference champs. Currently, Rachel travels the east coast playing beach volleyball competitively for tours such as the EVP and Pro Beach East. Rachel brings an impressive resume to this coaching staff and both her playing and coaching experience will certainly be an invaluable asset.

Matt Noreika
Matt was first introduced to volleyball as a high school student in his home state of New York. He played one season at Maine Endwell High School before his family moved to Davidson, North Carolina. After graduating, Matt attended and played volleyball for NC State University his freshman and sophomore years. He then transferred to UNCC where he continued to play and also functioned as a coach for the team his junior and senior years.
Currently, Matt plays for a men’s indoor USAV club team out of Greensboro and travels the east coast playing competitive beach and grass volleyball. He has worked several volleyball camps over the years, including CJV and UNCC, and will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to this year’s 16 team.

Coaching History
Coaches Rachel and Matt both are beginning their 1st year with LNVB. Rachel has coached the following teams:
Liberty University (grad assistant)
Samford University (grad assistant)
Winthrop University (assistant coach)
Southlake Christian Academy (head coach)