Meet our Staff
Director - Amanda Zima
Amanda brings over 20 years of coaching experience, primarily in volleyball, complemented by a background in high school basketball coaching at various middle schools, high schools, club teams, and colleges. Currently, she serves as the head coach for the Michigan State Women’s Club Volleyball Team.
Passionate about fostering athletes’ skills and confidence, Amanda emphasizes a coaching philosophy rooted in structure, constructive feedback, and encouragement. Throughout her coaching career, she has celebrated numerous highlights, including leading teams to several open division championships and securing many runner-up and third place finishes in regional and national tournaments at top levels. Additionally, she has guided her school teams to achieve undefeated seasons.
Amanda’s accolades include the Coaches and MVP Award from Forsyth Tech and the All-Region Player Award from the North Carolina Tarheel Conference. She holds the North Carolina Regional Volleyball Coaches Certification and SafeSport certification and maintains active memberships in several prestigious organizations, including AAU, AVCA, USAVB, JVA, and MJVBA.
Zima is excited to keep offering opportunities through Midwest Select Sports, where she can’t wait to share her passion for volleyball and various other sports while helping to foster the growth of local youth in athletics.
Associate Director Sarah Palmer
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Sarah Palmer is passionate about developing young athletes through strong fundamentals, teamwork, and a growth mindset. She holds a degree in Physical Education and Health Sciences from Western Michigan University and co-founded Midwest Select Volleyball to expand youth sports opportunities within the community.
With more than 25 years of volleyball experience as both a player and coach, Sarah competed at Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Western Michigan University’s club program. She currently coaches within Midwest Select Volleyball, serves as the MWS Home Host Tournament Director, and is the Head Varsity Softball Coach at Harper Creek High School.
Over two decades of coaching at the club, school, and community levels have shaped Sarah’s athlete-first philosophy. She believes youth sports provide lifelong lessons in hard work, accountability, resilience, confidence, and teamwork. Her focus is on teaching fundamentals, building strong habits, and helping athletes grow both on and off the court.
Sarah’s greatest joy in coaching comes from seeing athletes gain confidence, master new skills, and experience the breakthrough moments that inspire continued growth and success.