Club Director Wendy Simmons

Wendy Simmons is the heart and soul of NC Intensity Volleyball Club. As the co-founder and current director, she brings over 30 years of experience to the court, shaping not only skilled athletes but a strong, family-centered culture that defines the Intensity way.

A former collegiate standout, Wendy was inducted into her college’s Athletic Hall of Fame and still holds multiple program records—an enduring testament to her dominance as a player. Her passion for the game quickly translated into coaching, where she built a legacy over 27 seasons as the head coach at Triton High School. During her time there, she led her teams to numerous conference titles, tournament championships, and three Eastern Regional Championships, firmly establishing Triton as a volleyball powerhouse.

More than just her accolades, Wendy is known for the way she leads—with passion, purpose, and deep love for every athlete who walks through the gym doors. Under her guidance, NC Intensity has grown into a club that feels like family, a place where players are developed on and off the court.

Wendy’s commitment to growing the game in our region and mentoring the next generation of athletes continues to inspire. Her legacy is not only in banners and trophies, but in the lives she’s impacted through the sport she loves.

Coach Ashley Gaines

Coach Ashley has been part of the NC Intensity family since she was 12 years old, playing through her senior year at Triton High School. She continued her volleyball career at Lenoir Community College, where she played as a setter and led her team in assists—finishing as one of the top five assist leaders in the conference.

After college, Coach Ashley returned home and quickly rejoined Intensity—this time as a coach. Now in her 12th year coaching with the program, she has worked with teams from 13U all the way to 18U. In addition to her club experience, Coach Ashley has coached at the high school level, serving as an assistant at Triton High before taking over as the Head JV and Varsity Coach at Harnett Central High School.

One of the things Coach Ashley loves most about NC Intensity is the strong sense of family. “Everyone knows everyone, cheers each other on at tournaments, and genuinely wants to see one another succeed.” Her passion for the game and dedication to her athletes make her a valued leader both on and off the court.

Coach Laina Moore

Coach Laina is entering her third season coaching with NC Intensity. Before stepping into a coaching role, she spent 10 years playing volleyball, beginning in recreational leagues and continuing through high school. During that time, she proudly played five seasons with NC Intensity. Returning as a coach has only deepened her love for both the game and the club community that helped shape her as a player.

In addition to coaching at NC Intensity, Coach Laina is starting her second year as the middle school volleyball coach at Cape Fear Christian Academy, where she also teaches elementary school. Last season, her team had an impressive undefeated record—winning every game and every set. This year, she will also serve as an assistant coach for the JV volleyball team while continuing to lead the middle school program.

Having experienced NC Intensity as both a player and a coach, Coach Laina brings a unique perspective and deep commitment to her role. She is passionate about creating an environment where every athlete feels seen, supported, and valued—on and off the court—just as she once did. Her favorite part of being with NC Intensity is the shared energy and passion that the players and coaches bring to the game every day.

Coach Kristin Poe

Coach Kristin is entering her eighth season with NC Intensity, bringing with her a deep love for the game and a passion for developing young athletes. Originally from Santa Barbara, California, she spent weekends playing beach volleyball with her family before discovering her passion for indoor volleyball as a teenager.

Coach Kristin was a four-year varsity player at Santa Barbara High School, where she earned numerous honors including Channel League MVP, Roundtable Athlete of the Year, and All-County Player of the Year as a senior. She continued her volleyball journey at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

With 21 years of experience in education as both a teacher and counselor, Coach Kristin brings a unique perspective to coaching. What she values most about NC Intensity is watching athletes grow not only in their skills, but in their character. Her players gain more than just volleyball knowledge—they build teamwork, time management, integrity, positive social skills, grit, and resilience.