About Coach Joey

Welcome to Joey's Beach Volleyball Academy (JBVA), where our founder, Joey McDonald, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the world of beach volleyball. With a background as a former semi-professional player, Joey's journey in the sport began during his time at the University of Louisville in the early 1990s. Drawn to the vibrant beach volleyball community, he quickly transitioned to the beach game.

  • hroughout his career spanning over 20 years, Joey's talent and dedication led him to claim victory in more than 75 open level doubles tournaments, including an impressive 60-match winning streak during his peak. As his playing days progressed, Joey discovered his true calling as a coach, beginning in 1994 at Male High School and KIVA. However, it was coaching beach volleyball that truly ignited his passion.

    Joey's coaching prowess shone through as he worked with students, other clubs, and guided a junior pair to a National Championship in 2019. Later, he served as a volunteer assistant beach volleyball coach at Jacksonville State University from 2019 to 2021, gaining invaluable experience and forging connections within the collegiate game. Mentored by renowned coaches and working alongside greats like gold medalist Todd Rogers at Beach Nation, Joey further honed his coaching skills.

    On May 10th, 2021, Joey's vision materialized with the launch of JBVA. Since then, JBVA has trained over 500 kids and adults, producing a 4-time National Beach Champion and empowering club players to achieve success in tournaments across the nation. Joey's coaching career has been marked by his dedication to guiding talented juniors and aspiring semi-professional beach volleyball players. From supporting local players in their pursuit of the AVP to sending numerous athletes to play both indoor and beach volleyball in the NCAA, Joey has made a lasting impact.

    With JBVA, Joey is committed to fostering a vibrant community of juniors and adults in the game that has shaped his life. His mission is clear: to provide the information, guidance, and coaching necessary to help you reach your beach volleyball goals. Join Joey's Beach Volleyball Academy and become part of a thriving community dedicated to the growth and success of this incredible sport.

    Off the court, Joey loves to spend time being outdoors with his wife Belinda and their two dogs, Rafa and Koko. He is the proud father of Josh McDonald, an excellent beach volleyball player.

  • "Joey cultivates an extremely motivated and talented group of players, while also instituting an engaging and fun environment."

    -Luke B.

  • "Joey has the knowledge, skill, and infectious sense of encouragement to push you to do better and be better as a player."

    -Lyndsay F.

  • "Joey is one of the greatest coaches I’ve had in my career. He is innovative, inclusive, patient, and so much fun!"

    -Grace P.

  • "Joey welcomed me as who I was and formed me into the player I am today. I have truly come to love the sport of beach volleyball and have made many memories and friendships along the way."

    -Rose S.

Caden Albert

Experienced as both a player and coach, Caden Albert recently finished working as a Graduate Assistant at Morehead State University, where he dedicated his expertise to both the indoor and beach programs throughout the Fall 2023 semester. Prior to relocating to Kentucky, Albert contributed as a Volunteer Assistant coach at the College of Charleston, where he not only supported the indoor team but also lent his skills to the beach volleyball program when required. Moreover, as a player, Albert made significant strides by founding the NCVF collegiate club volleyball program at his alma mater. His leadership saw the team blossom from a mere four players to a thriving roster of 30 individuals over four years. On the court, Albert's prowess as a setter shone through as he consistently topped the charts in assists and aces during his junior and senior years, all while serving as the program's President and Team Captain. In May of 2023, Albert proudly graduated from the College of Charleston with a Bachelor's degree in both English and Secondary Education, and now, he calls Winchester, Kentucky home as he pursues a Master's degree in Sports Management from MSU.