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Front Office

We aim to empower your daughter with the resilience to navigate challenges and foster her ability so she can succeed both on and off the court.

Our primary goal is to provide her with an opportunity to grow as a volleyball player and as a person. We are committed to guiding her on her individual journey so she can unlock her true potential.

Our philosophy extends beyond the physical aspects of the game so that your daughter can take ownership of her career. We work to instill the values of tenacity and disciplined focus, cultivating leadership qualities and fostering a collaborative team spirit. We teach your daughter how to problem-solve and emphasize the importance of treating everyone with respect, both on and off the court. Through these principles, we aim to leave a lasting, positive impact on your daughter, preparing her for the challenges that lie ahead.


Our Facility

We own our current facility which is 16,000 sq ft with AC, 4 courts, and a fan viewing area on the second level.

However, we will be renovating the facility and adding on 8,000 sq ft of space that will give us a grand lobby entrance, 3,500 sq ft state-of-the-art weight room, players lounge, coaches lounge, upstairs bathrooms, offices, as well as a larger and more comfortable fan viewing area.

Our facility is centrally located in the Phoenix area just east of the I-17 between Cactus and Peoria, making it easily accessible no matter what part of the valley you are coming from.

Get Directions

11410 N 19th Avenue Phoenix, Arizona 85029


Our Team

Julia Larish

Julia Larish

Owner / Academy Director

Julia has an extensive background in volleyball as a player and coach.

She was an All-American at Scottsdale Community College (NJCAA) and went on to play at the University of Texas at San Antonio (D1). In addition to this, she was an All-State and All-Region outside hitter at Centennial High School (Peoria, AZ).

Julia is the current 2019 NJCAA Volleyball National Champion Scottsdale Community College assistant coach, as well as a National qualifying coach with AZ Sky. She has been coaching volleyball at the high school, collegiate, and club level since 2006.

She also earned a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. She spent 3 years as an assistant chef and performance intern at EXOS. Julia is a CrossFit Level 2 Coach and a certified USA Weightlifting Level 1 Sports Performance Coach.


Jeff Larish

Jeff Larish

Owner / Business Director

Jeff is a former Major League Baseball player with the Detroit Tigers & Oakland A’s. He was an All-American at Arizona State University (D1), where he became one of three players in College World Series history to hit three home runs in a game and was later voted one of the top 30 players in ASU history. While at ASU, Jeff was a Member of Team USA Baseball. He was also an All-State and All-Region infielder at McClintock High School (Tempe, AZ).

He earned a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from Arizona State. He is a CrossFit Level 1 Coach, certified USA Weightlifting Level 1 Sports Performance Coach, and a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association.


Dennis Alexander

Dennis Alexander

Operations Director

Dennis has been with Arizona Sky since 2013 and is in his 3rd year as Director.

He is committed to helping every player at every level no matter their skill level. Dennis brings a unique understanding to his role, having been a volleyball parent, Coach and Director. He has coached at all levels of club volleyball, with much time spent on our 12, 13 and 16 Gold teams.

Dennis and his wife Renee have two daughters in college, both of whom played for Arizona Sky from 12’s through 16’s.

With a background in corporate Training, Communication and Operations within the restaurant and Hospitality world, Dennis has operated his hospitality consulting business for the past 25 years.


Jen Lenhart

Jen Lenhart

Recruiting Director

Jen has been at AZ Sky since 2014 and has been the Recruiting Director since 2016. She is a former head coach at Mountain Ridge High School where she won the West Valley and Region Coach of the Year while winning back to back region championships.

She was an All American Libero at Manhattan Christian College (DII) where she was named the 2010 National Libero of the Year. She was a 2 time Conference and Region MVP as well. During her freshman year, she was the starting Libero for Hope International University (NAIA) and finished fourth at Nationals.

Jen was the 2005 and 2006 High School Defensive Player of the Year at Mountain Ridge High School (Glendale, AZ). In 2004, she was a Libero / DS when they won the 2004 5A Volleyball State Champions.

She earned her bachelor's degree in Family Ministry with an emphasis in counseling from Manhattan Christian College.


Emily Friesen

Emily Friesen

Information Director

Emily spent 5 years as an assistant coach for the University of Arizona's beach volleyball program. She helped guide U of A to a 96-38 record, as well as helped multiple pairs earn AVCA Top Flight awards.

She played at the U of A in both indoor and beach from 2012-2015, as well as played indoor for Sacramento State from 2010-2012.

Emily earned a bachelor's degree in General Studies from the University of Arizona.

She grew up in Golden, Colorado and played club at Juggernaut.


Arizona Sky Volleyball Academy Partners and Affiliates

Interested in becoming a sponsor of Arizona Sky Volleyball Academy? 

Email us at info@azskyacademy.com
Sponsored by The DRC

The DRC

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The DRC provides volleyball specific training for athletes of all ages and focuses on teaching players how to gain control of their bodies to become stronger, jump higher, move quicker, and reduce injury risk.

Sponsored by Nike

Nike

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Our purpose is to move the world forward through the power of sport. Worldwide, we’re leveling the playing field, doing our part to protect our collective playground, and expanding access to sport for everyone.