Christy Burnett

Christy Burnett Poia has been coaching and developing young volleyball players for the last decade. In the 2018 season at Forza1 she head coached the 15 National team. In 2016 and 2017, Christy lead the Forza1 Beach Program and continues to get players interested in training and competing on the sand! In 2015, Christy was the head coach of our 15-1s team that finished 11th overall in SCVA. Her team was full of talent and raw potential and in just 1 year she took a new group of players all the way to a 3rd place finish at Regionals where they beat top ranked Wave 15-1s in 2 games. Every player on Christy’s team went on to make their varsity team and looks to be an impact player in the high school scene.

In 2014, Christy returned to the Temecula area (she grew up in Fallbrook) and was the assistant coach on Dana’s 18-1s, which she helped guide to a bronze medal at Junior Nationals.

Along with her team coaching duties, she also did level training for 12 local teams to help instill a consistent foundation in the club’s young developing players. In the past year, Christy has already made a big impact with local players and is considered a gifted teacher and technical trainer. She was JV coach at Murrieta Mesa High School, where she is currently taking a break to spend time with her baby girl.

Prior to Christy’s return to the area she was an integral member of Oregon’s club volleyball community and was a head technical trainer for younger age groups. She served as the director of coaching at YVBA in Oregon and as Head Coach at Lake Oswego High School. Christy further enjoyed serving as an 18’s head coach in one of the top club programs in Oregon. Before that time Christy taught abroad in the Dominican Republic and was a youth advisor.

Christy began playing volleyball in the 7th grade after watching her parents play for years. As a three-sport athlete Christy’s love for volleyball in her youth career prevailed and she chose to further her career by accepting a full scholarship to Fresno State University. She started for the Bulldogs all four years and enjoyed success as a six rotation outside hitter. She ranks among the school’s career leaders in kills, digs and total attempts including over 35 double-doubles. A two-time All-WAC player, Christy was grateful for her excellent coaches and the wealth of knowledge gained from them. She also played competitvely on the beach throughout her career and simply enjoys the game in every facet.

Her passion for the sport is contagious and her desire to see each player raise their bar of excellence is at the root of why she coaches. Both as a dynamic player and a motivating coach, Christy’s appreciation for how the game is played are clearly noticeable to all who interact with her. Christy and her husband Poyer Poia whom also coaches with Forza1 both look forward to growing the game.