Merilee Snyder

About

Merilee comes from a family of 8. Family is the most important part of her life and Viper is an extension of her family. Her older sister Kim, was a big part of our volleyball community, “Kim influenced me at a very young age, with her strength, confidence and ability to reach people in a lasting way, I strive to teach young players and impact their lives because of her”. The Kim Horton Scholarship Foundation was set up to honor of her, after losing her battle with colon cancer.

Merilee attended Big Bear High School where she shared league MVP honors with her setter and was ALL CIF. Her High School coach taught her about the importance of the human connection that a coach and a team can share. Merilee played at USIU in San Diego for 4 years and was a Grad Assistant her 5th year, beginning her passion for coaching.

Merilee continued to play competitive Beach and Grass Volleyball after college and started coaching at a High School level. She married her husband Michael (a former SDSU and Pro Beach Player) and after starting a family of their own (Jake now 19), the Snyder’s found a home nearer her Father, her Mom (her greatest friend, who taught her to be herself, give of herself and love others), siblings and many nephews and nieces, (6 of them current/alumni Viper players). Here is where she continued her coaching career and is now entering her 11th year at Viper. Over the years her teams have placed in divisions 1 & 2 in the SCVA, where they have competed against the top teams in Southern California. After a 3-year coaching break to watch her son compete in Water Polo and Volleyball during his High Schools years, she came back to Viper and finished in Division 1 in SCVA these past 2 years. She is happy to continue her coaching career at Temecula Volleyball Club ‘Viper’ because they are part of her ‘family’.

My Greatest Memory as a Player?

It’s been a long time to pin point, but I can say that the domination of the Brian Passman Grass League Co-eds with my husband was pretty awesome, seriously though my friendships that remain from my Volleyball years that will last a lifetime.

My Favorite Memories as a Coach?

My players have made my life richer and happier and my memories are too vast to choose just one, though I can say that those memories with my players have included much Laughter, Reflection, Joy, and Determination.