ABOUT US.
Locally founded and owned, Elevate Volleyball was created to bring high level coaching and structured opportunities to athletes in the Lakeland. Our goal is simple, to develop competitive teams and stronger people while giving small town athletes the same access and standards found in larger centres.
ELEVATE TRAINING is the core of our program. Through private sessions, small groups, clinics, and camps, athletes learn how to think the game, not just play it. Training builds confidence, sharpens habits, and gives athletes the tools they need to compete. It is where athletes of every level can start their journey and where they return to keep building.
ELEVATE VOLLEYBALL CLUB is where training turns into competition. Our Elite teams push athletes to play at the highest level, while our Development teams provide a supportive local pathway to grow and learn. Every team follows the same system of connection, accountability, and consistency, so athletes know what to expect and how to improve.
At Elevate, we coach through connection and standards, not shortcuts. Athletes are taught to communicate, to take ownership, and to compete with confidence. Our mission is to build athletes who are prepared for the game and stronger for life.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
WHEN ARE TRYOUTS?
Tryouts for the 2025–26 season begin in September. Exact dates and registration details are posted each summer on our website and social media.
WHAT DOES IT COST?
Elite teams: $1,500–$2,000 depending on age and travel.
Development teams: $400–$800.
Training sessions, clinics, and camps are priced individually and listed under Elevate Training.
WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?
Elite: 2–3 practices per week plus tournaments.
Development: 1–2 practices per week with local play.
Training: Athletes can book private sessions, small groups, and clinics year-round.
HOW DOES PLAYING TIME WORK?
Development teams emphasize equal opportunities. Elite teams follow a performance-based model where effort, attendance, and coachability earn roles and playing time.
WHAT ARE PARENT EXPECTATIONS?
Parents are expected to be supportive, volunteer when needed, and help with scorekeeping during tournaments. Positive sideline behavior is important for team culture, and coaching from the stands is not permitted.
DO YOU OFFER TRAINING YEAR ROUND?
Yes. Elevate Training runs year round with private sessions, camps, and position specific clinics. Open to athletes from any club, training is the foundation of what we do. Private lessons build individual skills, small groups provide focused feedback with high reps, and clinics give athletes game-like competition to sharpen decision making. Every athlete leaves training more confident, prepared, and ready to compete.
DO WE NEED SPECIAL GEAR?
Yes. Athletes wear Elevate uniforms and gear packages, which are ordered through the club. Training athletes are encouraged to bring proper shoes, knee pads, and water to every session.
ARE THERE DISCOUNTS OR PERKS FOR CLUB ATHLETES?
Yes. Club athletes receive discounted rates on private training, clinics, and summer camps. They also get priority access to Elevate Training sessions.
WHAT MAKES ELEVATE DIFFERENT?
We are training first. Every athlete, whether in a one on one session or on a team, follows the same clear system built on connection, accountability, and consistency. Locally founded and owned, Elevate was created to give small town athletes the same opportunities found in big city programs.
WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY?
Club fees are non refundable once teams are finalized, as costs are set for the season. Training sessions and camps follow a separate cancellation policy listed during registration.
WHO CAN JOIN ELEVATE TRAINING?
Any athlete. Training is open to all players regardless of what club they play for during the season.
WHAT IS YOUR COACHING STYLE?
Our coaching is direct, consistent, and connection driven. Athletes are challenged with high standards, given clear feedback, and taught how to think the game.
HOW DO WE REGISTER?
All tryout, team, and training registrations are completed online through our website. Use the button below to get started.
ELEVATE COACHING TEAM
-
Alley Theroux
FOUNDER & CLUB DIRECTOR
14-1 ELITE ASSISTANT COACHA Cold Lake local and the founder of A Cold Lake local and the founder of Elevate Volleyball, Alley brings over 20 years of experience as a player and coach. She played four years at Valley City State University (NAIA) as an outside hitter, earning All Conference honors, serving as captain, and finishing top ten in career kills, along with winning a 3A Provincial Championship with Cold Lake High School. Over the past five years she has coached U13, U14, and U17, volunteered with local programs, and developed Elevate to provide small town athletes with structured, high level coaching. Known for being direct, consistent, and connection driven, Alley builds confident athletes by setting high standards and preparing them to compete.
-
Adam Mischuk
CO-FOUNDER
Adam was a competitive club and high-school athlete who continued his volleyball career at NAIT, playing two years as a middle. He has a strong understanding of the game with a focus on blocking, and continues to play competitively in adult leagues and tournaments. Known for his calm presence and sense of humor, Adam connects easily with athletes and brings technical detail to his work in camps and one on one sessions. Off the court, he manages the behind the scenes work that keeps Elevate running smoothly, from equipment and court maintenance to planning and support.
-
Halle Blocha
SUMMER PROGRAM LEAD
Halle is the other half of Alley’s brain when it comes to Elevate summers. She helps run our summer camps and handles most of our one on one sessions and clients throughout the summer, making her a vital part of how athletes train in the off season. A left side at Ambrose University, Halle is a 2A Provincial Champion with Notre Dame and a former Team Alberta athlete. She was part of Ambrose’s best ever finish with a 2nd place in the ACAC and brings unmatched energy and accountability into every session. Halle has a knack for fundamentals and for developing and connecting with young athletes. She is one of the most loved coaches in our program, and for good reason.
-
Izzy Hamel
HEAD COACH, U14-1 ELITE
Izzy is a former club athlete with experience competing at local, provincial, and national levels, now stepping in as the head coach of our U14-1 Elite team. She has coached across multiple Elevate camps and programs, building a reputation for her ability to connect with athletes while pushing them to perform. With a background playing multiple positions and a specialty in left side and middle training, Izzy brings both technical precision and relatable leadership to the gym. She knows what this level demands and is committed to developing athletes who are confident, prepared, and ready to compete.
-
Val Bernier
COACH
Val brings experience as a versatile former right side, left side, and setter with the Plamondon Volleyball Club (PVC). She also represented Team Alberta at the Francophone Games in Moncton, competing at a high level against national and international talent. Val is passionate about teaching athletes the value of teamwork and helping them build confidence in themselves. Her coaching style is supportive but driven, focused on pushing athletes to grow while creating an environment where they feel seen, capable, and motivated to compete.
-
Jaz Sturrock
COACH
Jaz is a four year varsity setter from the Royal Military College of Canada and now competes internationally with Team Canada’s CISM military team. Her experience at both varsity and international levels has given her elite knowledge of the game, with a specialty in setter training, decision making, and running an offense. At Elevate, she assists with the U17-1 Elite team and supports Coach Alley with administration, family communication, and athlete development, bringing professionalism and detail on and off the court. A certified referee, Jaz adds valuable technical expertise with rules and rotations, and is known for her steady presence, clear communication, and ability to guide athletes through high level training and competition.
OUR STORY
Elevate Volleyball was created with one purpose: to give small town athletes the same opportunities, systems, and coaching as athletes in big city programs. Founded by former college athlete and coach Alley Theroux, Elevate was built to provide structure, accountability, and a clear path for athletes to grow and compete with confidence.
Alley grew up in the Lakeland, attending Ardmore School before graduating from Cold Lake High. In grade twelve she helped lead her team to a 3A Provincial Championship, one of her proudest moments. She had supportive coaches but not the consistent reps, high level training, or access to the systems available in larger centres. She had to figure it out, and she did.
That work earned her a scholarship to Valley City State University in the United States, where she played four years of varsity volleyball in the NAIA. Her senior year set the standard she now brings into every Elevate session. She was team captain, earned First Team All Conference, and finished her career with 788 kills, ranking top ten in program history. She was twice named Player of the Week, recognized as the program’s most decorated athlete that year, and also made the Dean’s List while balancing school, training, and leadership.
After graduating, Alley carried the same commitment into her career. As manager of the Cold Lake Starbucks, she led her store to a top three national ranking, earned nominations for Manager of the Quarter, and became known for building strong and consistent teams. She was named Student of the Year in Marketing, completed her business degree, and has since launched and grown two small businesses rooted in structure, accountability, and purpose.
Elevate is the result of that journey. It comes from the little girl in the Ardmore gym. From the captain grinding through NAIA road trips. From the founder who knows how to coach people, not just players. Every session is intentional. Groups stay small to ensure real feedback and real results. Athletes learn how to move, how to think, and how to compete with confidence.
In August 2025, Elevate was officially sanctioned as a Volleyball Alberta club. This milestone marked the beginning of a new chapter — bringing Elite and Development teams under the same training-first system and creating more opportunities for athletes across the Lakeland to grow, compete, and lead.
Character and Coaching References
“I had the privilege of coaching Alley during her senior year at Valley City State University and only wish I could have coached her longer! Alley showed tremendous growth as a player and person in the short time she played for me. Over the years, we’ve stayed in touch, and I’ve always admired her dedication and work ethic. Her experience, passion for volleyball, and positive attitude will undoubtedly lead Elevate Volleyball to success. I highly endorse Alley and her program.”
— Adam Longmore, Former Head Volleyball Coach, Valley City State University. Head Volleyball Coach, Maple Mountain High School, Utah
“Alley was an absolute joy to work with during her time in university. She was personable, hardworking, and always eager to support her team. Her ability to balance the demanding schedule of collegiate athletics and academics demonstrated her discipline and resilience. Alley’s passion for volleyball and life shines through in everything she does, and I’m confident she’ll continue to make a meaningful impact through Elevate Volleyball.”
— Nicole Solum-Mitchell, Head Coach, Women’s Volleyball, Southeastern Oklahoma State University
“I had the pleasure of working closely with Alley as her academic advisor and instructor in multiple business courses. She consistently demonstrated strong leadership skills and a positive influence on her peers. Alley’s dedication to her collegiate volleyball team and her academic projects highlighted her professionalism, compassion, and drive. I’m confident that her character and leadership will contribute greatly to the success of Elevate Volleyball.”
— Brenda Finger, Business Administration Department, Valley City State University
