Want to know more about some of Centreville/Clifton area’s best volleyball coaches? Read on!
Meet Gill – SYA Volleyball Commissioner, Mentor, Senior IT Professional
Coach Gill is currently serving as the Volleyball Commissioner for SYA and is passionately guiding volleyball programs across all levels – from House and Travel to Club and Clinics. His dedication to developing young athletes runs deep: he started playing volleyball at just age 10, went on to represent India’s national team during his teens, competed in USVBA club volleyball, and was named Chesapeake Region HS MVP for USVBA. He continued his game at the Division I collegiate level, honing his skills and deepening his love for the sport. In addition to volleyball, Coach Gill excelled in high school Track & Field, competing for four years and being named the school’s HS Track & Field MVP.
Transitioning to coaching, he served at James Madison High School, bringing his well-rounded athletic experience to the court and fostering growth in student-athletes. As a coach, Gill brings a holistic philosophy that emphasizes fundamentals, game IQ, situational skills, confidence, attitude, and hard work. He demands ultimate effort from his athletes, believes strongly in team camaraderie, and strives to foster a lifelong love for the sport. He values the power of 1-on-1 coaching, particularly in refining hitting, setting, passing, and defensive skills, offering each player the focused attention they need to excel.
Beyond the court, Coach Gill is also an accomplished senior Information Technology professional, holding a Masters’ degree from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree from George Mason University. At home, he and his spouse raise two children in a household fueled by sports passion and shared enthusiasm for academics and athletic excellence.
Kandipan Sivanandhan
Coach Kandipan first discovered volleyball in 6th grade while growing up in India, and it quickly became more than just a game—it was a passion. He played actively and competitively until 2005, when he moved to the U.S. for work. After a brief break, he was reintroduced to the sport in 2016 and has been playing consistently ever since, averaging 2–3 sessions a week. Volleyball has remained a constant source of energy, discipline, and joy in his life.
Since 2018, he’s been coaching with Southwestern Youth Association (SYA), where he’s had the privilege of working with athletes across middle and high school levels. His coaching resume includes:
He focuses on developing well-rounded athletes – helping each player grow in skill, confidence, and character. Whether it’s refining technique or building mental toughness, Coach Kandipan strives to make a meaningful impact both on and off the court.
Coach Kandipan believes volleyball is more than just a sport – it’s a platform for growth, teamwork, and leadership. His approach blends technical precision with mentorship, creating an environment where athletes feel empowered to push their limits and support one another.
Certifications
• Art of Coaching Volleyball – Head Coach Level One (Will be by end of this month)
• Art of Coaching Volleyball – Setter Coach Level One (Completed)
• USAV IMPACT Certified
Keo Kelly
Keo’s love for volleyball began in 1991 at Virginia Tech, where he spent countless hours playing on the sand courts outside Vawter Hall. That passion carried through the years, playing in grass doubles tournaments and continuing into indoor competition with CVC in the Centreville/Chantilly area. He primarily plays as a setter—a role that allows him to lead the court and maximize his team’s efficiency.
His coaching journey began over eight years ago with SYA, where he started mentoring young athletes as his sons transitioned from soccer to volleyball. He expanded his coaching involvement, volunteering with CYA and assisting high school boys’ programs at CVC. His commitment to the sport grew even stronger when his daughter took an interest in volleyball, leading him to coach her team and push players to consistently challenge themselves by competing at higher levels. Most recently, he has helped relaunch the SYA Club program for the 2024–2025 season, where he led SYA’s u14 team through an overwhelmingly successful season.
As both a player and a coach, Keo prioritizes fundamentals, discipline, and teamwork. He instills the importance of serving and passing—cornerstone skills that define the pace and success of a game. His coaching philosophy focuses on playing hard, hustling, and building strong game awareness, ensuring each athlete not only understands how to play each position but also embraces the collective spirit of volleyball. A firm believer in team culture over individual talent, Keo fosters an environment where players support each other, work collaboratively, and play with humility.
Through his passion for the game and his commitment to mentorship, Keo continues to make a lasting impact on his athletes—helping them develop skills, confidence, and a deep love for volleyball.
Danny Zambito
Coach Danny is going into his 4th season with SYA volleyball. In addition to coaching, Danny is the league Director for the Dave Lacey Travel League and helps coordinate numerous activities and events for the program, including camps and skills clinics. He has over 2 decades of progressive leadership and team building experience, with a particular focus on getting individuals to work together cohesively as a team. He coaches through positive reinforcement and fosters a team culture where his players love the game, love their teammates, and have fun while striving to perform their best for each other. He is most passionate about helping players overcome obstacles that have held them back and watching the excitement and pride they display when their game reaches new heights.
Outside of SYA, Danny volunteers for the Centreville High School Volleyball program, where you will find him on the microphone cheering on the Wildcats. He has also coached at Manassas Volleyball Club, where he most recently was an assistant coach on their 16u club team.
Outside of volleyball, Danny is a senior executive in the Legal Technology industry and is married with two children, including his daughter who is a collegiate volleyball player, a coach, and is the person who inspired his love of the game.
