Our Team
Julie Bigger
Club Director
Julie Bigger serves as the Club Director and brings more than 30 years of coaching experience at the club, high school, and collegiate levels. A graduate of University of Vermont, Julie has built a distinguished coaching career focused on athlete development, competitive excellence, and fostering a love for the game.
Most recently, Julie led the Rising Tide 15 Breakers team during the 2024–25 season to multiple top finishes, including championships at the Liberty Classic, Coastal Classic, and the Palmetto Region Championship. During the 2023–24 season, she coached the 14 National team to another Palmetto Region Championship, along with several runner-up finishes and a 5th-place finish at AAU Nationals in the Aspire Division.
At the collegiate level, Julie served as Head Coach at Carnegie Mellon University from 1996–2004, compiling an impressive 215–115 overall record. During her tenure, her teams earned five ECAC Tournament titles, one NCAA Tournament appearance, and consistently ranked among the nation’s top 25 programs. She was named UAA Coach of the Year three times and coached numerous All-Conference athletes, two UAA Players of the Year, and an All-American. Her coaching experience also includes positions at Hamilton College, Morrisville-Eaton High School, Sherburne-Earlville High School, and Hilton Head Island High School. Julie also founded and directed KODA Volleyball Club from 2017–2020, helping athletes develop both on and off the court. As Club Director and coach, Julie is passionate about creating a positive, competitive environment where athletes can grow their skills, build confidence, and reach their full potential. Her commitment to player development, leadership, and excellence continues to help Rising Tide athletes succeed at every level of the game.
Maria Cook
Head Coach
Coach Maria brings a lifelong passion for volleyball and years of experience to the Rising Tide coaching staff. She played as a libero and defensive specialist in recreational volleyball from 1993–1998 before beginning her coaching career as an assistant coach for a 14s team in North Augusta from 2000–2003. Since 2016, Maria has remained actively involved in the sport as a dedicated volleyball mom, supporting and encouraging athletes both on and off the court. Maria served as the Head Coach of Rising Tide Deep Blue during the 2024–25 season and returned as the Head Coach for the Rising Tide 16/17 Deep Blue team. She is committed to helping athletes grow their skills, confidence, and love for the game while creating a positive and competitive team environment.
Jodi Krepfle
Head Coach
Jodi Krepfle serves as the Assistant Coach for the Rising Tide 15s Force team. A former setter on an Iowa state championship high school team, Jodi brings valuable playing experience and a passion for athlete development. She has coached middle school volleyball at St. Francis for three years and has spent three seasons coaching club volleyball with Seaside and Rising Tide. Jodi also served as Assistant Coach for Rising Tide's 14 National team during the 2023–24 season and our 18s team last year. As a dedicated volleyball parent for six years, she understands the commitment and support needed for athletes to succeed both on and off the court. Jodi is committed to helping players build confidence, develop their skills, and grow their love for the game.
Kari Canfield
Head Coach
Kari Canfield brings a strong volleyball background as both a player and coach. She played at West Hills College from 2008–2009 as a right-side hitter and setter, earning First Team All-Central Valley Conference honors in 2009 and Second Team honors in 2008. Prior to college, she competed at Kelly Walsh High School in Casper, Wyoming. Kari's coaching experience includes serving as Head Coach for The Complete Student, JV Head Coach at Sierra Pacific High School, and Assistant Coach for Dig It Volleyball Club. Outside of volleyball, she is a graduate of MUSC and works as a Physical Therapist Assistant, Instructor, and Clinical Coordinator for the Technical College of the Lowcountry Physical Therapist Assistant Program. As a volleyball mom and military spouse, Kari is passionate about helping athletes develop confidence, skills, and a lifelong love for the game.
Madeline Cooke
Head Coach
Coach Madeline brings a strong background in both playing and coaching volleyball. A former libero and defensive specialist, she played for Bridges Preparatory School from 2016–2023, helping lead the program to a SCHSL State Runner-Up finish in 2023. She also competed for Beaufort Elite Volleyball Club from 2016–2022, where she developed her defensive skills and passion for the game. Following her playing career, she transitioned into coaching, serving as Assistant Coach for Rising Tide 14 Power during the 2023–24 season and Assistant Coach for Rising Tide 12 Blacktips during the 2024–25 season. In addition to her club experience, she has served as Head Coach for Bridges Middle School Volleyball and as an Assistant Coach for the Bridges JV and Varsity programs. Her experience as both a player and coach allows her to connect with athletes while helping them develop their skills, confidence, and love for volleyball.
Kayla Braxton
Assistant Coach
Kayla Braxton brings both playing and coaching experience to the Rising Tide coaching staff. She played middle hitter and outside hitter in high school in Columbia and competed for club volleyball teams throughout the area, developing a strong foundation and passion for the sport. Kayla previously served as an Assistant Coach for Magnum Volleyball's 15s team and was an Assistant Coach for Rising Tide Deep Blue during the 2024–25 season. She is dedicated to helping athletes build their skills, confidence, and love for the game while creating a positive and encouraging team environment.
Katie Constantine
Assistant Coach
Katie Constantine brings a lifelong passion for volleyball and a strong commitment to athlete development. She played volleyball all four years of high school as a middle hitter and outside hitter in the Chicagoland area and competed in club volleyball for four years. She continued her love for the game by participating in recreational volleyball throughout college and beyond. Katie has served as an Assistant Varsity Coach at JPII and currently leads the JP2 Middle School volleyball program as Head Coach. She is dedicated to helping athletes build confidence, develop their skills, and foster a lasting love for the sport in a positive and supportive environment.
Mollie Goen
Head Coach/Youth Camp Coordinator
Mollie brings nearly a decade of coaching experience and a passion for developing athletes both on and off the court. She began coaching club volleyball in 2016 at a small club in Atlanta and later coached with A5 South in 2018. As a player, Mollie competed for four years at Point University and gained additional coaching experience as an assistant coach at volleyball camps hosted by Auburn and the University of West Florida. She graduated from Point University in 2022 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Mollie has also served as Assistant Varsity Coach for May River Boys Volleyball from 2022–2024 and was the Head Coach of the May River JV Boys team in 2024. She is dedicated to helping athletes grow their skills, confidence, and love for the game in a positive and competitive environment.
Hope Hamilton
Head Coach
Born and raised in Bluffton, Hope has a strong passion for volleyball and developing young athletes. She played volleyball for six years at Saint Gregory the Great and John Paul II and competed at the club level with Low Country Volleyball Club (2016–2017) and Seaside Volleyball Club (2019–2020). Hope also coached two youth volleyball camps during high school and continued her playing career for one year at Point University. During the 2024–25 season, she served as Head Coach for the Rising Tide 14 Waves team. Hope is dedicated to creating a positive environment where athletes can build confidence, improve their skills, and develop a lifelong love for the game.
Chase Grasser
Head Coach
Coach Grasser serves as the Head Coach of Rising Tide 16 Power and brings a wealth of experience as both a player and coach. She is currently the Head Varsity Volleyball Coach at John Paul II Catholic School, a position she has held since 2025. Her coaching background also includes serving as a Sports Camp Leader at Young Harris College Recruiting Camps from 2021–2024, Summer Coach at Beaufort Academy from 2021–2023, Assistant Conditioning Coach at Beaufort Academy from 2019–2022, and Coaching Assistant with Beaufort Select Volleyball Club from 2019–2021. During the extended 2024–25 club season, she stepped into the role of Head Coach for the Rising Tide Sandstormers, demonstrating her leadership, adaptability, and commitment to athlete development.
As a player, Coach Grasser enjoyed an outstanding career as a four-year collegiate volleyball player and team captain from 2021–2024. Prior to college, she earned numerous accolades, including SCISA Player of the Year in 2020, SCISA Offensive Player of the Year in 2019, SCISA All-Star honors in 2019 and 2020, and was a member of the 2019 SCISA State Championship team. She was also recognized as a Palmetto All-Region selection from 2016–2021, a 4A All-Region player in 2018, Beaufort High School Defensive Player of the Year in 2018, and captain of her Select Volleyball 18U team from 2018–2021. Her extensive playing experience, combined with her passion for coaching, allows her to inspire athletes while helping them develop their skills, confidence, leadership, and love for the game.
Hali Lookabaugh
Assistant Coach
Hali brings both playing and coaching experience to the Rising Tide coaching staff. As a middle and outside hitter, she played volleyball throughout high school and continued competing at the college club level in Ohio. In addition to her playing background, Hali has been a dedicated club volleyball parent for two years, giving her a unique perspective on athlete development and team culture. During the 2024–25 season, she served as Assistant Coach for the Rising Tide Ripples and Currents teams. Hali is passionate about helping athletes build confidence, strengthen their skills, and develop a love for the game in a positive and supportive environment.
Stacy Martinez
Assistant Coach
Coach Stacey has been a valued member of the Rising Tide coaching staff for the past two seasons. In addition to coaching volleyball, she operates Savannah Apex, a homeschool program based in Savannah, Georgia. Stacey is passionate about helping young athletes develop both on and off the court while fostering a positive and supportive team environment. She is also a proud volleyball mom, with her two daughters, Kennedy and Reagan, actively participating in the club. Her dedication to youth development and love for the game make her a wonderful asset to the Rising Tide family.
