ADVISORY COACHES
Our Advisory Coaches are world-class leaders in sports and academics who bring unmatched expertise to Empower. From Olympic-level coaching to innovative teaching methods, they guide the development of our athletes both on and off the court. Their mentorship ensures that every girl at Empower has access to the highest standards of training, education, and character-building.
Daniel Cabrera
Head Coach, Olivet Nazarene University & Warhawk Women’s Volleyball Advisor
Daniel Cabrera brings extensive experience as a head coach, program director, and player developer. At Olivet Nazarene University, he led the women’s volleyball team to a 20–2 overall record and 17–1 conference record in 2020, capturing both the season and conference tournament championships and earning a national tournament berth. He was named Chicagoland Conference Coach of the Year in his first season.
Cabrera also founded ONU’s men’s volleyball program, ranking Top 20 nationally in 2022 and finishing as runner-up in the NCCAA Tournament. Over three seasons, his athletes earned two NAIA All-American honors and 16 all-conference selections.
Previously, Cabrera coached at Culver-Stockton College and served under three-time Olympian Caren Kemner. He has also led club teams, including Chicago Elite VBC 15-U and Iowa High Performance Program, and played professionally for the Great Lakes Lightning. A native of Chicago, he was a four-sport high school athlete and helped his team earn an ESPN Top 50 national ranking.
Donny Hui
Founder, Elevate Yourself | Volleyball Coach & Educator
Donny Hui, widely known as Coach Donny, is the founder of Elevate Yourself, a volleyball training and education platform inspiring athletes worldwide. With nearly 20 years of coaching experience, he has guided high school and college teams while staying at the forefront of modern volleyball techniques.
As a semi-professional Outside Hitter competing in the U.S., Donny combines coaching and playing experience to deliver impactful, up-to-date training. His mission is to share the discipline, joy, and lifelong lessons volleyball provides with aspiring athletes globally.
Alessandra Campedelli
Head Coach, Italian Deaf National Team | Former Women’s National Teams of Iran & Pakistan
Alessandra Campedelli is an internationally recognized coach with a focus on inclusive sports and women’s empowerment. She led the Italian Deaf National Team to five international medals and has coached the women’s national teams of Iran and Pakistan, blending athletic excellence with cultural advocacy.
Campedelli has coached in Italy’s men’s Superlega, achieving results in traditionally male-dominated environments, and has won multiple youth championships, fostering athlete development. In 2025, she was awarded the Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, one of Italy’s highest honors, for her contributions to sport and society.
ERIC BALLELOS
Volleyball & Sport Psychology Coach | Menlo College, UC Riverside, Western Colorado University
Eric Ballelos has over 15 years of experience in athletics, higher education, and student affairs. He specializes in sport psychology, mental performance, and leadership development, holding a B.A. in English Literature and pursuing an M.A. in Sport & Performance Psychology at Menlo College.
Eric has coached volleyball at Menlo College, UC Riverside, and Western Colorado University, achieving record wins and improving athlete performance. He develops mental performance programs, researches team flow, and volunteers as a Crisis Counselor, reflecting his holistic approach to athlete development. He is an active member of AASP, APA, and AAPA.
Tim Kelly
Founder, Bring It Promotions | International Volleyball Tours & Player Placement
Tim Kelly founded Bring It Promotions (BIP) in 1996 to provide global opportunities for volleyball athletes. Since then, he has grown BIP’s International Tours program to over 20 tours annually, including university, exposure, and recruiting events.
A former UCLA middle blocker and five-year European professional, Kelly has served as Head of Delegation for Champions League and South American Championship teams, and as part of USA Volleyball delegations. His decades of experience enable him to guide players through international pathways, combining practical expertise with strategic mentorship.
