Head Coach

Jeff Wanderer
Head Volleyball Coach
Office:  (559) 934-2606
jeffreywanderer@whccd.edu

HIGH SCHOOL and COLLEGIATE EXPERIENCE
A San Jose, CA native, Coach Wanderer began a career in volleyball by becoming a member of the men’s volleyball team at San Jose State. In 1989, he began coaching at Independence High School (San Jose) where his teams vied for league championships and qualified for postseason play in each year he was there.  Leaving high school volleyball for Division I volleyball, Wanderer accepted a position with the women’s team at San Jose State. While at San Jose State, Wanderer helped turn around a slumping program to back-to-back 20+ win seasons. In 1996, Wanderer moved to Fresno to assist the women’s team at Fresno State (a perennial top 30 program). While serving as an assistant, Fresno State went on to record the most wins (24) and the fewest loses (9) in a season. Fresno State also went on to enjoy three 20+ win seasons while Wanderer was there.

CLUB EXPERIENCE
On the club level, Coach Wanderer has enjoyed much success. He was the 18’s coach and later executive director of the South Valley Volleyball Club. Leaving South Valley, Wanderer began coaching the 18’s team with Team O’Neil (later becoming Team Mizuno). In 1995, Wanderer helped guide Team Mizuno to a 99-4 season and a National Championship. Since moving to Fresno, he has coached with Central Cal Volleyball Club and continues to reach the National Championships regularly.  

REGIONAL HIGH PERFORMANCE
Coach Wanderer remains involved in junior volleyball at the national level as well as club. Regionally, Coach Wanderer has been the Head Coach for the Northern California High Performance Team – a team composed of some of the best athletes in Northern California and competes with the best teams representing other regions of the country and Europe.

USA HIGH PERFORMANCE PIPELINE
The HP Program at USA Volleyball is the “pipleline” for volleyball athletes who aspire to reach the elite level of their sport and is intended to grow the pool of talented young players who may someday compete for a spot on the USA National and Olympic Teams. Wanderer has and currently serves as the head coach for numerous summer and winter programs including The Select A1, the US Junior National A2 Team, the US Youth National A3 Team. Wanderer has been involved with the Pipeline since 2002.

Q & A WITH COACH:

Why did you come to West Hills?

I would have to say it came down to three primary reasons. Firstly, West Hills presented an opportunity to develop a program that is all my own. I didn't’t have to follow in the footsteps of someone else. Second, I saw a college that was going somewhere. I saw a president that was an energetic and visionary leader. Lastly, I saw a college that was extremely supportive. The administration and the faculty were very friendly and supportive of not only the athletic teams but of the athletes as well. That is rare in college athletics.

What was the transition like going from a successful Division I program to building a Junior College Program?

That first season was perhaps the hardest season I ever experienced.  It was hard to swallow. There were several matches that I didn’t even call a single time out, because I knew that it wouldn’t make a difference. What really kept me going was knowing that things would change. I had to keep everything in perspective. I had to stick to my vision.

What’s your plan for the program?

Our first priority is to recruit quality athletes. Treat them with dignity and respect. This is a first class program. We need to treat the athletes like first class people. What you put in is directly related to what you get out.

What is it that you look for in an athlete?

I look at many things: Attitude, heart, intensity, potential, overall skill, coachability, and have goals. There are many factors, but I would rather have a 5’5 player who plays hard than a 6’3 player that doesn’t. Skills are big factor, but I can train players. I look mostly for the fighter.

What do you like most about being at West Hills?

The people. Without a doubt the people make all the difference. Ivy covered buildings are nice to look at, but they’re not going to help you when struggling through a math class. The people here genuinely care about the students.  

How did you get started in coaching?

A good friend of mine asked me to help him with his high school team. I was playing for San Jose State at the time, and he needed a JV coach. I took the job, loved being help to help the young athletes, and never looked back.

What was your greatest thrill in volleyball?

I’ve had many fond memories from coaching. Every team has a special place in my heart.  I think perhaps the best time of my life was when our club team won the National Championship at the Junior Olympics and two days later my daughter was born. That was the best week of my life.

Do you have any other goals?

I want all of my players to become successful people. Successful in volleyball, of course, but also successful in their life’s ambitions. I think players can learn to be successful in life, by being successful on the court. My real rewards come from seeing players I’ve coached go on to become successful people.

Assistant Coaches

Kevin Wilds
Assistant Volleyball Coach

Office:  (559) 934-2765

email

Melinda Vierhus
Assistant Volleyball Coach

Office:  (559) 934-2606

Kevin Wilds joined the Falcon Volleyball staff in 2006. Coach Wilds began playing volleyball at Hanford High School in Hanford, CA as a defensive specialist. During his time there, Hanford High School enjoyed four stellar years of league domination and a trip to the Central Section championship match. Coach Wilds was known for his tough degensive style of play which gained him league recognition.

Coach Wilds’ primary duties include recruiting, on-court coaching, and match preparation. Coach Wilds also teaches Political Science at all three West Hills College campuses. Coach Wilds also coaches club in the Hanford/Lemoore area. He is married and has one child and currently resides in Lemoore.

Melinda Vierhus has been an assistant coach with the Falcons since 1999. A Coalinga High School Grad, Coach Vierhus was a five-sport athlete competing in volleyball, softball, basketball, swimming, and track. As team captain and setter, Vierhus guided her volleyball team to a league championship her senior year. Then, while captaining her softball team, she helped lead her team to the Central Section Championship, and a state playoff spot. Following a stellar career at Coalinga High School, Coach Vierhus brought her talents to West Hills College where she was captain and setter of the volleyball team once more.
                                                          
Coach Vierhus is back at West Hills and has been active in many areas on campus. In addition to being the Assistant Volleyball Coach, she has served as a Tutorial Specialist with the Year-Round Youth Program. She has also served as Stage Manager/Video Production Assistant in the theater department and has been involved in over a dozen performances. She produced the performance, My Servant Joseph by Kenneth Cope, and was the Co-Director for College Me. Melinda currently resides in Coalinga.

Support Staff

TBA
Team Manager
Office:  (559) 934-2606