16s Girls Travel Assistant Coach: Angelica Maldonado
Coach Angelica Maldonado-Rivera, of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, has been playing volleyball since 2015 through elementary, middle, and high school, plus 3 travel clubs: Borinquen in Puerto Rico, Outbreak in Portsmouth, VA, and St. James in Springfield, VA. A former Libero/DS, she started coaching in 2024 and has been active ever since.
Coaching Experience and Specialization
- Coaching since 2024; playing since 2015 across 3 travel clubs
- Position played: Libero/DS
- Top skills: passing, angles, and platform
- Builds team culture through bonds on the court and as friends outside the gym
Career Highlights and Achievements
- At her very first coaching job, parents told her how much of an impact she'd made in their kids' lives through the sport
- Proud of staying involved in volleyball even after getting injured
Why She Loves Volleyball and Coaching Philosophy
What started as a fun hobby quickly became Angelica's passion — the thrill of rallies and getting better keeps her hooked. After aging out of club play, she reached out to No Panic looking to stay involved, which led to a coaching opportunity. Her philosophy: “If you get it wrong, get up and do it again, and again, and again, and again.”
Vision for the Season
Angelica's goal is to see her players grow — not just in skill, but in their love for the game. Her go-to advice: be loud, ask questions, take up space.
Personal Interests and Fun Fact
Outside volleyball, Angelica enjoys playing billiards and working out.
Fun Fact: Angelica was a competitive gymnast for 6 years before playing volleyball.