OUR MISSION AT IMPACT

At Impact Volleyball Club, our mission is to make an IMPACT both on and off the court—by developing skilled, confident athletes who lead with integrity, work hard, and uplift those around them. We strive to create a positive, empowering environment where players grow not only as competitors, but also as teammates, leaders, and individuals committed to excellence in every area of life.

LEADERSHIP

Impact Volleyball Club Leadership Team is comprised of experienced coaches and players of club volleyball who have the drive and passion of seeing Impact players thrive in the sport of volleyball.

MATTHEW DAYTE

Co-OWNER & co-founder

Matthew brings eight years of combined coaching and playing experience, including competing with the Cannon Air Force Base volleyball team. Matthew’s mission is for every athlete to not only love the sport as much as his do, but to also gain valuable life lessons through volleyball that help them succeed beyond the court.

What motivates Matthew is guiding athletes through the challenges the game presents - building teamwork, leadership, self-reflection, and resilience. He places a strong emphasis on the mental side of the game, believing that attitude and response to adversity are what ultimately shape confident, successful athletes.

Matthew’s volleyball journey began as backyard, no-rules play and later evolved into organized competition as an adult - an experience that deepened their passion for the sport. What keeps him inspired is volleyball’s constant evolution and the unique challenges each athlete brings, making every season a new opportunity to learn and grow.

Outside of volleyball, Matthew has over ten years of leadership experience in the service industry, enjoys game nights and traveling.

CASSIDY BUCKELEW

Co-OWNER & co-founder

Cassidy brings over six years of coaching experience and a lifelong love for volleyball, having played both indoor and beach volleyball from elementary school through the collegiate level. She competed at Vernon College, Oklahoma City University, and later earned a degree in Kinesiology from Texas Tech University.

Her coaching philosophy centers on helping athletes grow, build confidence, and truly love the game. She is especially passionate about creating opportunities for young athletes to reach their full potential while knowing they belong and are supported.

One of her proudest coaching moments came when her 14s team earned 9th place at the Lone Star Classic. Above all, she strives to be not just a coach, but a mentor.

Outside the gym, she enjoys playing co-ed volleyball, working out, reading, spending time with friends, and life with her two fur babies.

ELI CRUZ

Co-OWNER & co-founder

Eli brings nine years of volleyball experience and a passion for developing athletes both on and off the court. His coaching philosophy focuses on building strong fundamentals while emphasizing teamwork, respect, discipline, effort, and a growth mindset. Above all, Eli wants every athlete to enjoy the process, stay passionate about the game, and have fun while learning and improving.

What motivates Eli the most is seeing hard work pay off. From the energy and smiles at practice to the excitement of competition, helping athletes thrive in a sport they love is what drives his leadership.

Eli began playing volleyball as a freshman in high school and quickly fell in love with the game. One of their proudest coaching moments came when their 14s team won the River City Showdown in San Antonio, overcoming multiple injuries throughout the season and never giving up—an experience that highlighted the power of perseverance and teamwork.

In addition to coaching, Eli proudly served four years in the United States Air Force as a CV-22 mechanic from 2020–2024 and competed with the Cannon Air Force Base volleyball team.

BLAKE BUCKELEW

Co-OWNER & co-founder

Blake brings five years of volleyball coaching experience and has played a key role in growing the sport locally, helping run a beach volleyball club in Amarillo and co-founding a beach club in Lubbock.

His coaching mission is centered on developing confident, disciplined young women while helping them grow as both players and people through the game of volleyball.

Blake’s volleyball journey began by helping his wife prepare for her collegiate seasons, which led to meaningful mentorships in Amarillo that helped shape his coaching style and leadership approach. A former collegiate athlete, Blake brings a competitive mindset to the gym and a strong desire to help athletes succeed.

Blake attended Eastern New Mexico University, where he played football, before transferring to Texas Tech University to earn his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. He is currently pursuing his CSCS certification. Outside of volleyball, he also coaches football and basketball, enjoys life with his wife and two dogs, and brings the same passion to everything he does.