Meet our directors
Amber Helms, Owner / Director
With over a decade of coaching experience, Coach Helms is the Owner/Director of South MS Volleyball Club. Her dedication to volleyball and commitment to developing young athletes are evident in her journey from coaching in the Gulfport School District to establishing South MS Volleyball Club (SMVC) in 2019 with Coach Vollmuth. Her coaching experience at both high school and middle school levels has provided her with valuable insights into the needs of players at different stages of development.
Under Coach Helms' leadership, her middle school volleyball program grew significantly, expanding from 25 girls with 2 teams to 48 girls and 4 teams.
Establishing SMVC, with the mission of training the whole player highlights Coach Helms' holistic approach to coaching. Recognizing the need for player development beyond school teams, she and Coach Vollmuth initiated SMVC, reaching over 800 athletes across the Gulf Coast. Their focus on inclusivity, offering opportunities for players of all skill levels, is commendable.
Her coaching philosophy centers on the core values of teamwork, trust, and hard work. Under her guidance, players not only acquire the skills of the game but also understand the significance of collaboration and dedication.
Her commitment to fostering a supportive and empowering environment sets South MS Volleyball Club apart.
Blair Vollmuth, Assitant Director
Coach Blair Vollmuth boasts an impressive 11-year tenure coaching volleyball. Her coaching journey commenced at Long Beach Middle School, where she honed her skills before transitioning to Bayou View Middle School. In 2017, she delved into club volleyball coaching, later playing a pivotal role in the establishment of Mini Hits Training Academy alongside Amber Helms. Subsequently, she contributed to the inception of SMVC, assuming the role of Assistant Director from the outset. Currently, she is embarking on her second season as Head Volleyball Coach at West Harrison High School.
In addition to her volleyball coaching endeavors, Blair has coached middle school basketball and softball teams for several years. Academically, she earned an Associate of Arts from MGCCC in 2007, where she was part of a State and Regional Championship softball team. Blair furthered her education by obtaining a bachelor's degree in History Licensure from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2011, followed by a master's degree in Educational Administration in 2015. Throughout the past 12 years, she has been dedicated to teaching in both middle and high school settings.
Blair's passion for coaching volleyball stems from the profound connections and relationships she has cultivated over the years. She acknowledges the significant impact her players have had on her life. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes intensity and love, believing that by instilling passion into her training methods, her players will emulate the same fervor on the court.
Outside of coaching, Blair enjoys CrossFit, quality time with her husband, indulging in reading, and retail therapy. Family holds paramount importance in their lives, and they prioritize their well-being above all else. Additionally, Blair and her husband actively participate in the community as members of St. John the Apostle Church in Gulfport, MS, regularly attending the 8:00 am Sunday mass.
