Hey there, welcome to RÄKI VB!
Where we're passionate about the sport and dedicated to providing the best volleyball experience for players of all levels. Our mission is to promote teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth through the game of volleyball through private coaching and mentorship. With a focus on skill development and competitive play, we strive to create a positive and inclusive environment for all our athletes. Let's get you in the gym and take your volleyball skills to the next level!
Meet the Owner: Ashley Lee-Maldonado
Growing up, I was always short. I was 5’0” during my freshman year of high school and currently, I'm 5’8”... with shoes! Everyone always told me "NO."
At 15 years old, I had already heard enough NO's to crush all my dreams.
NO you will never play Division 1. But I did!
NO you will not be good at volleyball. But I am!
NO you cannot make the team. Yet I went pro!
I never took NO for an answer and it led me to starting RÄKI Volleyball at 17 years old as a side job! I started with 1 lesson per week and am so proud to look at the family RÄKI has grown. My determination started when I was 15 and Hall of Fame Honoree, Gene Selznick took me under his wing, gave me a chance, and taught me a whole new level of volleyball.
USA Volleyball says, “Gene Selznick was one of the most talented volleyball players on both the indoor and beach courts... he was the All-Time Great Male Player.” And this he was! He showed me what it felt like to have a volleyball mentor and someone who really cared despite of what I looked like.
​​With the great mentors in my life, it led me to playing for two Division 1 colleges, Long Beach State and The University of Hawaii (Beach Volleyball). I then went on to play professionally in Switzerland for NUC Volleyball. I coached collegiately for the Beach Volleyball team at Concordia University while achieving a Masters degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration.
Through RÄKI Volleyball, I want to continue on the legacy and give athletes a chance. Here, we believe that everyone is different and that is something to be celebrated. Every athlete will bring their own personality and skill set. We hand pick our coaches and train them to adjust to the athletes skill sets. RÄKI is a safe space to learn new skills, enhance prior skills, and to mentor athletes to shine with confidence whichever season they're in.
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I absolutely love my job-- from the coaches I work with to working with athletes and their parents!! Everyday I look forward to seeing my athletes smile, especially when it’s about volleyball, school, or life. I hope you find a family at RÄKI Volleyball. We can't wait to see you in our gym!
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XOXO, Ashley Lee-Maldonado
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