WWVA Board Information
Kay Hanson - President
WWVA Board Members
Hi, my name is Kay Hanson and my tenure as President started in May of 2024. Prior to that I was a member at large for just under a year. I joined the WWVA with the main goal of improving volleyball in New Richmond and surrounding communities. I have played volleyball my entire life and come from a family of volleyball players and coaches. My volleyball philosophy starts with teaching fundamental skills as well as emotional intelligence at an early age. I believe finding coaches that have a passion for coaching, a good work ethic and high expectations for themselves as well as their athletes is key to continually improving a program. I can see the potential athletes have and believe a good coach can make all the difference. I want to elevate the program to the next level. My philosophy also includes laying the groundwork for a program to improve every year. I believe collaboration, advertising the program, communication and transparency are key to its success. I have worked in a professional medical setting for 20 years following graduating from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. I have worked on many teams in my sports and professional career and have a drive for action as well as compliance and accountability. I have coached spring league volleyball for the last two years and live in the community with my husband and daughter who plays volleyball and softball. I love to watch college volleyball (Go Badgers!) and professional women’s volleyball whenever I get the chance.
Becky Anderson - Vice President
Hello! I'm thrilled to serve as the Vice President of WWVA. My dedication to fostering growth and enhancing our community drives me to make a positive impact in our surrounding areas. Since 2014, I have been working with youth in volleyball, promoting the sport and fostering community spirit. I also love playing volleyball myself.
Before becoming Vice President, I served as Secretary for a year and a half. As a stay-at-home mom of five, I also fill in where needed, subbing at schools, styling hair at a salon in Amery, and serving as President of our county 4-H Horse Project. I've been playing, coaching, and occasionally reffing volleyball off and on nearly my entire adult life.
I bring great communication skills to my role, ensuring transparent dialogue with all members. My goal is to create an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone feels heard and valued.
Whether organizing events, coordinating teams, or strategizing for future growth, I am dedicated to achieving our shared goals and elevating our volleyball programs to new heights. Let's work together to build a vibrant and thriving community!
Feel free to reach out—I’m always open to new ideas, feedback, and conversations. Let's make great things happen!
Courtney Kappos - Secretary
Hello and welcome! I am thrilled to be a part of the WWVA board and can't wait to bring fresh ideas and excellent communication skills to the team. With years of experience as an administrative assistant I feel the secretary position was a good fit for me on the board. I am dedicated to keeping everyone informed and engaged. I am eager to take on the challenge and revamp our social media presence and ensure all members have the latest information on games and practices. My top priority is keeping the lines of communication wide open, so don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments through Facebook or our webpage. Let's make this a fantastic season together!
Sarah Jackson - Treasurer
Info coming soon…
Travis Gibson - Community Outreach Director
Hello, my name is Travis Gibson, and I am honored to serve as the Community Outreach Director for the Western Wisconsin Volleyball Association (WWVA). My primary goal on the board is to assist with community support and fundraising. I believe that the increasing financial demands of sports can negatively impact a child's ability to participate in youth sports. My mission is to use my skills and experience to help reduce the financial burden on families and create more opportunities for girls in volleyball.
I bring 15 years of experience teaching high school and coaching 11 different youth sports. Additionally, I served as the President of the New Richmond Coaches Association, where I helped raise over $150,000 in my nine year term. I have also been actively involved in several community boards, furthering my commitment to community service and support.
I played college football at Augustana University on a full-ride scholarship, where I double-majored in Biology and Education. Currently, I am the Vice President in charge of Sales at Lindus Construction. I am also a proud father of two daughters, Kiki and Koko, who both have been involved in the WWVA.
I am passionate about making a positive impact in our community and look forward to contributing to the success of the WWVA.
Trent Simonton - Voting member at large
Hi, my name is Trent Simonton. I am a voting member at large for the WWVA. I have been a part of the board since 2022. I graduated from Somerset High school and have lived in New Richmond since 2004. Outside of the board I am a union electrician out of St. Paul. I have a daughter and son, and my daughter has a passion for volleyball which is why I originally joined the board. My volleyball philosophy is to help develop each player's skill set to their highest potential. In addition to serving on the WWVA, I have also been coaching my son's baseball team since 2022.
Julianna Cain - District Volleyball Liaison
Hi! I’m Julianna Cain. I am the new Head Volleyball Coach for New Richmond and the District Volleyball Liaison for the Western Wisconsin Volleyball Association. Before coaching in New Richmond, I was the Head Volleyball Coach in Clear Lake for two years and an assistant coach for the two years prior to that. I graduated from Clear Lake High School where I was a four-year varsity starter in volleyball, basketball, and softball. After graduating and having the opportunity to volunteer as a coach, I realized that it was my passion and decided to pursue coaching instead of collegiate athletics. I began coaching while earning my degree in accounting. Coaching continues to be one of my biggest passions in life. I live in the area with my husband Marshall and our dog and horses. I currently work at a local, family business. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, playing competitive volleyball, working out, riding horses, and reading.
I could not be more excited to be part of the WWVA! I am a firm believer in the fact that a successful youth program is the key to a successful high school program. Creating a successful K-12 volleyball program is my goal. I want every female athlete in the community to have the opportunity to play the game of volleyball, grow to love the game, and be given the tools to be successful on and off the court. My hope is that every member of the volleyball program will leave with great experiences playing volleyball to their full potential that will prepare them for their future. I have a deep love and knowledge of the game and I am very excited to share it with the student athletes. I am excited to be a part of the WWVA as it moves forward to grow the game of volleyball and develop the players, coaches, and members alike.
Payton Lamont - Director of Coaching
Hi, I am Payton Lamont! I am the new Assistant Volleyball Coach for the School District of New Richmond and the Director of Coaching for the WWVA. I grew up in the Eau Claire/Altoona area where I played volleyball, softball, and hockey. I then played volleyball and softball in college before transferring to focus on a new career and coaching. I started coaching my freshman year of high school and continued to grow a passion for it and knew coaching is what I wanted to do long term. I currently coach volleyball and softball. I live in the area and work at a local business. I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends, golfing, working out, playing competitive volleyball, and reading.
My goal for the WWVA is to strengthen the level of coaching and athletes and contribute to the betterment of the sport of volleyball. I believe it is extremely important to start with the youth to create a better high school program not only volleyball skill wise but with teamwork, attitude, leadership, and the athlete’s love for the game. I am very excited for the direction WWVA is going and cannot wait to continue to assist in the improvement of it with my love and knowledge for the game!
Kirtin Mehls - co-chair of apparel committee
Hi, I am Kirstin Mehls. I am currently the co-chair of the apparel committee for the WWVA. My previous roles include most recently President but also Vice President and Secretary. My goal for the WWVA remains to expand and grow the volleyball program and sport in the New Richmond area. I believe teamwork, fairness and sportsmanship are an important part of the program. I have coached both spring league and Smash. I work in information technology, am married, have two children and four dogs. My daughter has played volleyball for many years with the WWVA. I enjoy baking, quilting and boating on the Mississippi.
Interested in becoming a board member?
Become a Leader in Volleyball Excellence
Are you passionate about volleyball and want to make a difference? Joining our Executive Board is your chance to be at the forefront of our sport's growth and success. We're looking for enthusiastic individuals who are ready to contribute their skills, ideas, and dedication to take New Richmond volleyball to new heights.
Why Join the Executive Board?
Shape the Future: Influence the direction and growth of volleyball within our community and beyond.
Leadership Opportunities: Develop valuable leadership and organizational skills that will benefit you in your personal and professional life.
Networking: Connect with like-minded individuals, industry experts, and passionate volleyball enthusiasts.
Contribute Your Expertise: Whether you're skilled in marketing, event planning, finance, or have a knack for innovation, we have a place for you to make a meaningful impact.
Roles and Responsibilities
As a board member, you'll have the opportunity to:
Participate in strategic planning and decision-making processes.
Organize and promote WWVA events, tournaments, and initiatives.
Collaborate with other board members to achieve our goals.
Represent our organization in public events, meetings, and discussions.
Who Can Join?
We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Whether you're a seasoned volleyball player, a dedicated parent, or someone new to the sport but eager to contribute, we encourage you to check it out!
Interested in joining our Executive Board?
Annual Meeting Election Procedure:
1. Nominations for officer positions may be submitted in advance to the WWVA or made from the floor during the annual meeting.
2. Nominees shall have the opportunity to deliver speeches in support of their nominations, and members present may raise objections. Nominees do not need to be present at the meeting; however, we need to accept the nomination.
3. Voting shall be conducted by voice vote or ballot vote among the voting members present at the elections meeting.
4. A majority vote of the voting members present shall determine the election outcome.
5. Newly elected officers shall assume their official duties immediately following the election, alongside the outgoing officers, and serve for a period of two months together, before serving independently.
Voting Rights and Code of Conduct:
a. All members of WWVA shall possess voting rights for elections.
b. Upon acceptance of a board position, each member shall be required to sign a code of conduct, which includes consent for a background screening.
c. Should any discrepancies arise from the background check, the board shall convene to discuss the matter and determine appropriate action.