18-1
Eric Ballelos 18-1 Head Coach
Eric Ballelos is in his third year working with Peninsula Juniors. Eric is an extremely dedicated coach who simply can’t get enough of the game. Eric is currently the head varsity coach at Junipero Serra in San Mateo and this spring will be his fifth season with the Padres. Eric also serves Peninsula Juniors as the head coach to the 18 and under Peninsula Tribe boys team. He also serves as the assistant varsity coach at Mercy Burlingame. In addition, Eric coaches at San Francisco State University as an assistant coach, providing on-court training.
Before Eric fell in love with coaching, he enjoyed a successful playing career. A three-year varsity starter at St. Ignatius in San Francisco, Eric earned 1st Team All-WCAL honors in 1999. He continued after high school to play on the men's team at the University of California at Davis. His career with the Aggies included a DIII National Championship in 2001. Eric continues to play volleyball recreationally. Eric also serves as the Peninsula Tribe Coaches’ Representative to the Board of Directors.
Nicole Wickstrom 18-1 Assistant Coach
Nicole played for Peninsula Juniors for five years and is a proud graduate of Sacred Heart Prep. Nicole began coaching volleyball in 2003 and coached at the elementary school level for four years. In 2007, she coached the PJV 12 Gold team. Last year, Nicole worked as the assistant coach for the Burlingame Sports Center 13 and under team. Nicole is currently a junior at the University of San Francisco where she is majoring in English Literature and Education. After graduation, Nicole plans on becoming an elementary school teacher and coaching high school volleyball.
Dustyn Woropay 18-1 Assistant Coach
Dustyn is entering his first season as a coach with Peninsula Tribe, but previously played for and helped to found Tribe's inaugural team in 2003. Dustyn is also the Junior Varsity/Varsity Assistant with the Junipero Serra Padres, returning in 2009 after playing for three years, including earning two letters for the Padres in 2003 and 2004. While at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, he played a season for LMU's Division III club team before being forced to quit due to injury. Dustyn is hoping not only to develop volleyball skills and talent, but also to foster the same love for the game he developed through his experiences.
14-1
Ashley Combs 14-1 Head Coach
This is Ashley's second year with Peninsula Juniors. Ashley comes to PJV from Idaho, where she coached for Club Idaho's 16-1 team. She also coached for the North Idaho Volleyball Club, where she coached their 17 and under team. Ashley was also a coach for the Hang Ten Volleyball Club 13 and under and 16 and under teams, before Hang Ten closed its doors last year. In 2010, Ashley was the head coach for the PJV 16 White team and the Peninsula Tribe 14 and under boys team. Ashley is passionate about playing and coaching volleyball.
Tony Johnson 14-1 Assistant Coach
This is Tony's second year with Peninsula Juniors. Tony is a personal trainer, volleyball player, and coach who played volleyball in junior high school and high school. Tony also competed in track and field, where he was a three-time state champion in the high jump. Tony was also invited to try out for the 1996 Olympic trials, which he describes as the most exciting moment of his life. Tony competed in track and field at West Valley College, where he still holds the record for the high jump. Tony attended the National Academy of Sports Medicine where he earned his personal training certification, and has studied physical therapy and sports injury prevention and management. He has also coached track and field at Del Mar High School and works with the PJV players on their volleyball-specific strength and physical conditioning.
