About Gabi Brown | Volleyball Coach & Psychology Graduate

About Gabi Brown

I’m Gabi Brown, a B.A. Psychology graduate from California State University, Long Beach, and a dedicated volleyball coach based in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. I specialize in both beach and indoor volleyball, drawing from my experience competing at the community college and Division I levels to support the next generation of athletes.

I currently serve as the Head Beach Volleyball Coach for the Junior Varsity girls team at Santa Margarita Catholic High School and as an assistant coach for the Junior Varsity and Varsity indoor teams. In these roles, I focus on building strong fundamentals, game IQ, and confidence so athletes can thrive in both competition and everyday life.

Beyond coaching, I work as a Social Media Coordinator at Santa Margarita Catholic High School, where I manage content strategy, storytelling, and engagement across multiple platforms. I create on-brand videos, photos, and captions that highlight team culture, athlete achievements, and the school community, using tools like CapCut, Canva, Buffer, TikTok, and Instagram.

Coaching philosophy

My coaching style is rooted in empathy, communication, and structure, shaped by my background in psychology and years of team experience. I design detailed training plans for both practices and clinics, incorporating technical skills, game scenarios, mental resilience, and injury prevention.

I believe athletes perform best when they feel heard, respected, and supported, so I hold regular one-on-one meetings to discuss goals, roles, and mindset. Whether I am leading a 30–60 player clinic or guiding a small group session, my goal is to create a positive environment where athletes can push their limits while still enjoying the game.

Experience on and off the court

At Tstreet Volleyball Club, I coach both advanced and beginner athletes, monitor performance through stats, and help run summer camps and advanced clinics. I also assist players navigating personal challenges, drawing on my psychology training to support their mental and emotional well-being.

Earlier in my career, I worked in customer service at Coldstone Creamery, where I developed strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. Those experiences taught me how to stay composed under pressure, connect quickly with people, and keep standards high in busy, demanding environments.

Education and background

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach, after completing my Associate of Arts in Psychology at Irvine Valley College. My academic work deepened my understanding of behavior, motivation, and learning—knowledge I apply daily in coaching and mentoring.

Originally from Boulder, Colorado, I grew up in New Zealand, which gave me a global perspective and appreciation for diverse cultures and communities. Now living in Rancho Santa Margarita, I continue to grow personally and professionally through coaching, education, and community involvement.

Beyond volleyball

Outside of the gym, I am passionate about reading, nutrition, health, cooking, and spending time with animals and in nature. These interests influence how I approach performance, recovery, and balance, and I often encourage athletes to think about their overall lifestyle—not just what happens at practice.

Whether I am planning a training cycle, editing a highlight video, or cheering from the sideline, I bring energy, positivity, and a genuine commitment to helping athletes reach their potential. If you’re interested in collaborating, connecting, or learning more, I’d love to be part of your volleyball journey.