Check out Coach Fiona talk about
Elevate Volleyball Academy!
ABOUT US
Elevate Volleyball Academy
Helps volleyball athletes build stronger skills, confidence, and ownership through personalized development, mentorship, and recruiting guidance.
Our Mission
Is to help young athletes grow through volleyball with purposeful coaching, honest guidance, and the tools to lead on the court, in the classroom, and beyond.
Why Elevate?
Coach Fiona brings experience as a national championship setter, college coach, educator, and player development coach. Athletes receive a plan built around their current stage and goals.
Meet Coach Fiona



Coach Fiona Fonoti is the founder of Elevate Volleyball Academy. She helps young volleyball athletes develop their skills, confidence, and ability to own their journeys.
Origin Story: Grew up in Hawai‘i as a young Polynesian girl with big dreams. Found opportunities and lifelong lessons through volleyball. Founded Elevate Volleyball Academy to pass those lessons on with a servant heart.
“Volleyball opened doors for me that I once only dreamed about. Elevate is my way of teaching through the sport I love and helping the next generation of young athletes dream bigger.”
Playing Experience:
Setter at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln from 1995 to 1998.
Member of Nebraska’s 1995 national championship team.
Three-time All-American setter and three-year team captain.
Three-time All Big 12 First Team.
1998 Big 12 Player of the Year.
All-Time Nebraska Single Season Record.
Teaching and Coaching Experience:
Fifteen years teaching High School and Middle School Math in Hawaii.
Nine years coaching college volleyball across the Big 12 and Big Ten Conference.
Held assistant coach, recruiting coordinator, and offensive coordinator roles.
Supported student-athletes with academics, admissions, and recruiting compliance.
Coached high school and youth athletes and provided private volleyball training.
“I created Elevate Volleyball Academy because an athlete needs more than drills. Each athlete needs honest guidance, a clear development plan, and someone who believes they can grow as both a player and a person. My goal is to help each young athlete become confident, capable, and prepared to lead.”
Ready to elevate your game?
Tell Coach Fiona about your athlete and the support you’re looking for.
WHAT DO YOU OFFER?
We offer coaching built around your athlete’s next step. Work with Coach Fiona through online recruiting consultation, online player development or in person at
NE One Volleyball Club until October 25, 2026 to elevate your game.
ELEVATE30 Recruit- Virtual 30-Day Recruiting Consultation.
ELEVATE30 PD-
Virtual 30-Day Player Development Consultation.
ELEVATE30 Recruit
$1000 (VIRTUAL)
RECRUITING CONSULTATION
INCLUDED:
Know
the Process.
Build Your Plan.
Own Your Recruiting Journey.
*Flexible payment options available. Details provided upon enrollment.
ELEVATE30 PD
$1850 (VIRTUAL)
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
INCLUDED:
Train with Purpose.
Build Confidence.
Elevate Your Game.
*Flexible payment options available. Details provided upon enrollment.
ELEVATE30 PDRH
$2450 (VIRTUAL)
COMBO PACKAGE:
ELEVATE30 PD+
ELEVATE30 Recruit
Develop the Player.
Prepare the Recruit.
Elevate the Whole Athlete.
*Flexible payment options available. Details provided upon enrollment.
ELEVATE YOUR GAME. OWN YOUR JOURNEY.
NEWS
TESTIMONIALS
"Working with Fiona always puts a smile on my face. She is so good at cultivating a relationship with her players while also teaching technique at a high level. I owe a lot of my success to Fiona!"
Ava LeGrand-Swanson (Setter) Kansas State University
"Coach Fi’s deep love for the game is contagious, and her drive to be the best coach she can possibly be inspires everyone around her. She held me to the highest standards and pushed my limits, but always made sure I knew she cared for me on and off of the court."
Kamiah Gibson (Setter) Ohio State University / West Virginia University
"Thanks for all your help so far. We really don't know what we don't know. You were able to figure out what we needed to work on right away. Helping my daughter develop the confidence to take more court on serve receive was huge. Earlier in the school season our outside hitter sprained her left pinky finger on the ball cart in warmups right before the game started. It was evident about half way through the first set that this hitter's wrist and arm was in pain. She couldn't pass at all, she could still hit, but passing hurt.
My daughter had the confidence to easily shift over and take that hitter's serve receive like it was no big deal. It's the little details that really make a difference. Every lesson we've done, I feel, we've learned something." Parent of M.W.
"The warmups, EDD’s and footwork have really helped her the most with her setting, specifically the shuffling drills on the corner of the court. She said learning the correct footwork helped her get to the ball faster so that she had proper time to get in the same rhythm every time she sets.
Personally, I've noticed she’s been moving around the court more fluidly and confidently. What she has worked with you on like reading the blocker, and options to set on a tight pass and learning where she is on the court in comparison to her target I have seen her execute in game situations.
We are so thankful for you and everything you have shown her thus far!" - Parent of T.D.
"Coach Fiona taught me that it is okay to make mistakes because that’s how you learn and get better. She was patient with me as I learned new skills and never made me feel overwhelmed or stressed. She took the time to teach me the fundamentals and helped me build the confidence I needed to keep improving. Now I feel comfortable making mistakes, asking questions, and challenging myself. Because of her coaching, I feel confident in my abilities and excited to keep growing as a volleyball player. I’m grateful for the time she invested in me and for the way she helped me grow both on and off the court." Player R.E
"When my daughter first started learning volleyball, she struggled to keep up with peers who had been playing for years. What should have been an exciting experience often ended in frustration, self-doubt, and tears. It was hard as a parent to watch her struggle with something she wanted so badly to learn. Then we met Coach Fiona.
From the beginning, Fiona showed incredible patience, encouragement, and understanding. She took the time to teach my daughter the fundamentals, break down new skills, and help her learn at her own pace. She created an environment where my daughter felt comfortable making mistakes, asking questions, and continuing to try, even when things felt difficult.
One of the things that has meant so much to me as a parent is that before every game, I find myself reminding my daughter of a skill Coach Fiona taught her. Those lessons stay with us long after we leave the court, and it is so rewarding to see her put them into practice. Fiona has helped my daughter build not only her volleyball skills, but also the confidence to trust what she has learned.
What I appreciate most about Fiona is that she teaches so much more than volleyball. She has helped my daughter begin to believe in herself, recognize her potential, and understand that progress takes time and that mistakes are a part of learning. Seeing her confidence grow has meant more to us than words can express.
Coach Fiona, thank you for your patience, encouragement, and the time and care you have invested in my daughter. Thank you for teaching her the skills she needs, but even more importantly, for helping her believe in herself and reminding her not to give up when things get hard. Your impact goes far beyond that volleyball court, and we are truly grateful to have found you." Parent of Player R.E.
"Fiona has helped me so much. Even though we were only able to meet online because of the distance, she was able to point out exactly what I was doing wrong and helped me to correct it fast. She helped me with strategy and analyzing the game, giving me tips that helped my sets to be more consistent while also tricking the other team. She taught me about how to motivate my teammates and how to get my team into a rhythm and how to be a leader on and off the court. She is amazing and I 100% recommend her to anyone who needs help!" Player M.B.
"I’ve known Fiona since we played club volleyball together in Hawaii. She was an absolute baller! I later had the chance to compete against her at the highest level of college volleyball. As a top-ranked setter who won a national championship her freshman year and continued to lead her Nebraska team to multiple Final Four tournaments, she brings incredible experience to the game. She’s coached at the collegiate level and is now taking the next step into coaching a professional team.
What makes her special, though, is her ability to connect with young players and share that knowledge in a way they can understand and apply. She mentored my daughter this past summer leading up to Junior Nationals and offered valuable guidance on mindset, technique, and game strategy. She’s approachable, easy to talk to, and has so many tools to help players grow.
I would highly recommend Fiona to any family looking for a knowledgeable, supportive mentor and volleyball coach."
Parent of Player M.B.
Elevate Volleyball Academy 2026 x info@elitevbacademy.com