Deirdre grew up in Upstate New York where she played soccer and volleyball at Massena Central High School for four years.  She received league MVP and First Team All Northern two years in a row for volleyball.  Deirdre was also recognized as Female Athlete of the Year (1993).  Deirdre received her undergraduate degree from Evangel University in 1999 and a master’s degree from SMSU in 2004.  She played volleyball at Evangel for two years – receiving the most improved player award her freshman year.  Deirdre is a physical education teacher at Reed Middle School in Springfield and has been coaching the 8th grade volleyball team at Reed for eight years.  This is her 7th year coaching club volleyball.  She has coached for both King Snake and Club Bear.  Deirdre recently received her USAVB CAP I certification for coaches.  Her husband, Chris, has served as Deirdre’s assistant coach since she started coaching club ball.