Meet Our Elite Coaching Team
Expertise, safety, and inclusive development. Our certified coaches provide professional training for every skill level, ensuring a premium environment where talent thrives at the heart of Irish volleyball.
Paulo Thomaz
CLUB Coach
Over four decades in volleyball, from Brazil's top clubs to coaching at university level. Believes the sport is for everyone — all you need is a ball and the will to keep it in the air.
Daniel Santos
CLUB Coach
With 12 years in volleyball as both player and coach across top Brazilian clubs, Daniel has seen firsthand how sport can open doors—from education to travel. He believes in volleyball’s power to change lives and brings that passion and experience to every IVI session.
Thacila Santiago
Junior Coach
Thacila has been playing volleyball since she was 10 years old and has supported younger children in Brazil as an assistant coach. After moving to Ireland, she pursued a formal coaching qualification and is now part of the club as a junior coach. She is excited to contribute to the growth of the sport and the development of the next generation of players.
Lucio Costa
Partner Coach
Volleyball runs in the family — literally. With 25 years as a player and 20 years coaching across Dublin's top clubs, he brings Brazilian passion and deep competitive experience to every session.
Fatma Youssef
junior Coach
With professional training in Tunisia and several years of experience playing with the junior national volleyball team, I am passionate about developing the next generation of athletes. I provide a positive, friendly, and focused training environment where players can build confidence, sharpen their technical skills, and take their volleyball game to the next level.
Sophie Doolan
CLUB Coach
Sophie is an experienced volleyball coach and sports development professional with a strong background in athlete development, inclusion, and leadership. She is passionate about creating positive environments where everyone can thrive and feel supported to succeed. She also works with Special Olympics Ireland to support inclusive opportunities in sport for athletes of all abilities.
Guilherme T.
Club Coach
With Brazilian roots and a lifelong passion for volleyball, Guido is transitioning from player to coach. He builds a positive, team-first environment where athletes grow their skills, build strong connections, and enjoy improving together on and off the court.
Sandra Skalbe
Junior Coach
Sandra has been playing volleyball since she was 13 and has loved the sport ever since. She is passionate about working with children and helping young players grow in confidence, build friendships, and enjoy the game. For Sandra, volleyball is about more than skills—it builds teamwork, resilience, kindness, and respect in a positive, welcoming team.
Renato Avelar
Partner Coach
Renato fosters a warm, inclusive space where everyone feels welcome, valued, and encouraged to grow. With a strong focus on teamwork, respect, and player wellbeing, he helps athletes build confidence on and off the court. Renato believes volleyball should be fun, challenging, and open to all, and he works hard to make sure every player feels supported, included, and proud to be part of the IVI community.
Junior Ribeiro
Club Coach
With over 20 years in volleyball, Junior has played and coached with clubs like VZPTC, Tallaght Rockets and Santry Fusion. He brings a calm, supportive and high‑standard approach to every session.
Dimitra Palla
junior Coach
An inspiring guide and coach, Dimitra prioritizes skill development and personal progress. She strives to maintain a welcoming, inclusive, and secure space where every athlete is celebrated and empowered to thrive, regardless of their background or identity on the court.
Joanna Krzetowska
junior Coach
With professional training in Tunisia and several years of experience playing with the junior national volleyball team, I am passionate about developing the next generation of athletes. I provide a positive, friendly, and focused training environment where players can build confidence, sharpen their technical skills, and take their volleyball game to the next level.