top of page

Why: Rise to Greatness On and Off the Court

At Driven Dragons Volleyball Academy, we believe true victory lies in growth. We build champions and leaders through a clear, consistent philosophy rooted in development, accountability, and excellence. We communicate our purpose first because we want to connect with families who value not just athletic performance, but holistic personal evolution. Following Positive Coaching Alliance principles and our ELM Tree Mindset (Effort, Learning, and Mistakes are OK), we intentionally seek challenging competition because that is where real character is forged.

Every athlete deserves an environment that fosters confidence, mental resilience, and an unshakable self-belief. We live our four core Leadership Values every day to shape our culture beyond the court:

  • Enthusiasm: Bringing energy and positivity to everything we do.

  • Sportsmanship: Respecting teammates, opponents, and the game.

  • Drive: Working relentlessly and never settling.

  • Camaraderie: Lifting each other up and building real, lasting bonds.

How: Whole-Player Development Across Levels

We achieve our purpose through a comprehensive, Whole-Player Development approach that combines technical training, strength & conditioning, mental resilience work, and advanced video analysis. Our structured club divisions are tailored precisely to the developmental needs of each age group:

  • For Athletes Ages 14 & Under: We offer a multi-tiered development path. For our foundational teams, we focus on building strong mechanics, confidence, and a lifelong love for the game in a nurturing, progressive pathway that prioritizes fun and skill mastery. For our advanced athletes in this age bracket, our Select Division introduces a tougher, highly competitive atmosphere designed to push their limits, accelerate elite technical development, and expose them to national-caliber competition.

  • For Athletes Ages 15 & Over: We provide pathways tailored to your athlete's ultimate goals. For our elite track, the National Division (Diamond) delivers a rigorous, highly selective, and super serious environment built for maximum collegiate exposure and intense multi-state competition. For athletes seeking high-level growth without the extreme travel pressure, our Regional Division (Sapphire) offers a competitive, driven training environment focused on sharp instincts and a growth mindset, while maintaining a balanced, family-friendly schedule.

 

What: The 2026-2027 Club Divisions & Teams

Important Note: Competitive evaluations and tryouts are strictly required for placement in all divisions and teams across the academy, with the sole exception of our introductory Pilot Division.

Girls 15 & Older

  • National Division (Team: Diamond): Highly competitive teams with extensive travel to premier tournaments. Designed for maximum exposure, elite competition, and visibility with college coaches—ideal for athletes aspiring to play at the next level. (Tryout Required)

  • Regional Division (Team: Sapphire): Strong regional competition with a local travel schedule. Balances high-level skill development with a family-friendly commitment, plus the option to compete at AAU Nationals in Orlando, Florida in June. (Tryout Required)

Girls 14 & Younger

  • Select Division (Team: Sapphire): Elevated regional competition, including a premier national qualifier and a select out-of-state tournament. Delivers meaningful exposure to national-caliber competition. Includes the option to compete at AAU Nationals in Orlando. (Tryout Required)

  • Regional Division (Teams: Ruby, Emerald): A well-balanced regional schedule with primarily local travel. The perfect blend of competitive development and family-friendly scheduling to focus on steady improvement. (Tryout Required)

  • Pilot Division (Team: Topaz): A shorter, introductory-level commitment designed for younger or newer athletes. Emphasizes fun, fundamental skill development, and low-pressure play with one season-ending tournament. (No Tryout Required – Open Registration)

Boys 14 & Younger

  • Developmental Division (Team: Onyx): Focuses on building strong fundamentals and gaining competitive experience in a lower-pressure environment. Features local tournaments and bridges the gap between introductory and regional play. (Tryout Required)

 

Ready to Tryout for the Dragons?

​

​

​​

​

​​

​

Leadership Team

Coach Jaime Bio Coach Jaime Lizarazu, the driving force behind Driven Dragons Volleyball Academy, is a visionary leader with an unmatched passion for volleyball and an unrelenting commitment to excellence. With over 20 years of experience in quality and continuous improvement, Jaime has transitioned her career from refining the highest quality IT systems to manufacture life-saving drugs to applying those same skills to build the most sought-after, high-quality volleyball training academy. Her mission is clear: to deliver the world’s premier volleyball training experience by refining the academy’s program year after year, implementing the latest cutting-edge training techniques, and hand-selecting and retaining the best coaches—each with competitive playing and or coaching experience through clubs and/or college at Division I, II, or III universities and coaching expertise honed in university, club, or school settings, continually refining their skills. Jaime’s volleyball journey began as a high school freshman when she was recruited for Club Volleyball, training for four years under Villanova’s esteemed coaching staff. Her talent and tenacity earned her walk-on spots at Drexel and Temple Universities, both Division I programs, where she honed her skills and deepened her love for the game. A dynamic beach volleyball player, Jaime shares her passion with her husband and children, creating lasting family memories on the sand. A Drexel University graduate, Jaime’s pursuit of quality extended beyond the court into her professional career as an IT Quality Engineer. She spent two impactful years in Switzerland validating pharmaceutical systems that produce life-saving medicines, sharpening her expertise in precision and continuous improvement. This same drive fuels her work at Driven Dragons, where she has built a legacy of excellence. Starting her coaching career at St. Basil's Academy High School in Cheltenham PA, Jaime now leads the academy’s staff with a focus on training coaches to inspire and elevate their athletes. Her hands-on approach ensures every coach embodies her commitment to quality, fostering a culture of passion, respect, and empowerment. Jaime’s specialty lies in her ability to create a program that evolves annually, incorporating the latest volleyball methodologies and cultivating a coaching staff that is second to none. Parents and athletes can trust that under Jaime’s leadership, Driven Dragons Volleyball Academy delivers an unparalleled experience, designed to unlock every player’s potential and ignite a lifelong spark for the sport. Join Jaime and her team to experience volleyball training at its finest, led by a coach who lives and breathes excellence. Key Accomplishments Over 20 years of experience in quality and continuous improvement, transitioned from IT systems for life-saving pharmaceuticals to building the most sought-after volleyball training academy. Selected as a walk-on volleyball player at Drexel and Temple Universities, Division I schools, after excelling in Club Volleyball under Villanova’s coaching staff. Played doubles beach volleyball with family, passing her passion for the sport to the next generation. Contributed to global healthcare by validating pharmaceutical systems in Switzerland for two years, honing expertise in precision and quality. Leads Driven Dragons Volleyball Academy, continuously refining the program, training top-tier coaches, and implementing cutting-edge techniques to deliver the world’s best volleyball training experience.

Coach Christian Bio Coach Christian, head coach and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Driven Dragons Volleyball Academy, began coaching in 2018, inspired by his wife and a desire to teach his daughter new skills. As CTO, he has revolutionized the academy’s operations by implementing TeamSnap for seamless scheduling, registrations, and communication, enhancing efficiency for coaches, players, and families. He also secured transformative partnerships with Balltime.ai and Hudl, equipping athletes with AI-powered video analytics and highlight tools to elevate player development and recruitment. Additionally, Christian serves as a vital floater coach, stepping in with expertise and enthusiasm to support other coaches during absences, ensuring consistent, high-quality training for all teams. Key Accomplishments Coached our Pilot and Regional teams to tournament victories, fosters confidence and teamwork. Developed players into skilled athletes and confident leaders on and off the court. Implemented TeamSnap to streamline academy operations and improve communication. Forged partnerships with Balltime.ai and Hudl, empowering athletes with professional-grade analytics and recruiting tools.

Coaching Team
Matthew Rukunga
Zoe Krause
James Nyugen
Heather Flanagan
Candice Brown
Nicole Walker
Grace Ward
Grace Egan
Jada Horblinski
Jaime Lizarazu
Christian Lizarazu
Coaching ELITE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

Pennsylvania Location:

United Sports:

1426 Marshallton Thorndale Rd.

Downingtown, PA 19335

bottom of page