LEADERSHIP TEAM
Simo Taoufik
Founder/Director/Coach
More than just a coach, Simo is considered a stalwart of the volleyball community, boasting over three decades of dedication to the sport. Players and parents alike regard him not only as a coach but also as a mentor, confidant, and inspiration. His influence transcends the boundaries of the court, shaping not just athletes, but individuals of character and integrity. His passion for the game started on the court, where he gained invaluable experience as a Pro Volleyball Player. This player perspective combined with his extensive coaching experience allows him to see the game from both sides of the net. This unique understanding translates into a well-rounded coaching approach that emphasizes not only technical skills, but also strategic thinking and a growth mindset. With Simo at the helm, NorStar Volleyball Club benefits from his deep understanding of the game and his unwavering dedication to player development.
As a Player:
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Former professional volleyball player from Morocco, leading his team, Fatah Union Sport, to multiple Moroccan Championships and Cups.
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Top setter in Morocco, representing his nation in the 2008 Olympic qualifications and various international competitions.
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A seasoned beach volleyball competitor at both national and international levels.
As a Coach:
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Transformed the Stanford University Men's Club Team into national contenders, achieving historic 2nd and 3rd place finishes in the country.
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Proven track record of leading all his teams to compete in Junior Nationals year after year.
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Helped over 180 players to reach their college goals, playing at top D1, D2, and D3 institutions.
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Passionate about developing players of all levels, empowering them to reach their full potential.
Ready to learn from a champion and embark on your own winning journey? Join NorStar Volleyball Club and train under the leadership of Coach Simo!
Nova Bramed
Technical Director/Coach
With over 40 years of combined experience in volleyball as both a player and a coach, Nova's career is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport. His journey has taken him across multiple countries and cultures, significantly enriching his coaching methodology and providing him with a unique perspective on the game.
Personal Coaching Philosophy
Nova’s coaching philosophy is rooted in dedication, passion, compassion, and individualized care. He believes in treating players as individuals rather than mere athletes, a principle that he has cultivated through a diverse array of coaching techniques and philosophies learned from various international mentors. His approach blends empathy, strong leadership, and an
unwavering work ethic. Nova's goal is to inspire his players to reach their fullest potential while enjoying the journey.
His dedication to both the sport and his players' personal development underscores his commitment to volleyball and highlights his impact as a coach. Nova prioritizes the joy of the game and growth alongside competitive success. This balanced approach fosters a positive team environment and cultivates well-rounded athletes who excel both on and off the court. Nova's journey through volleyball as both a player and a coach highlights his profound impact on the sport. His coaching philosophy and personal achievements demonstrate his commitment to fostering growth, enjoyment, and success in his players, making him a respected and influential figure in the volleyball community.
Career as a Player
As a former professional volleyball player from Morocco, Nova's playing career was marked by numerous achievements. He played on the Moroccan National team and competed in various international competitions. A standout moment in his career was being named the tournament's best defender at the 1993 African Club Championship in Cairo, Egypt.
Career as a Coach
Nova has a rich history of developing volleyball talent across different levels and genders. His roles have included being a club director, club coach, and high school coach. He has been instrumental in guiding many players to achieve their dreams of playing collegiate volleyball.
Achievements at Bishop O’Dowd High School
As the varsity head coach for both the girls’ and boys’ teams at Bishop O’Dowd High School, Nova has led both programs to significant success over the past seven years.
Girls Team Achievements:
● 5x WACC League Champions: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022
● 3x North Coast Section Champions: 2017, 2018, 2019
● CIF NorCal Division I Champions: 2018
● CIF State Division I Runner-Up: 2018
● CIF NorCal Open Division Runner-Up: 2019
Boys Team Achievements:
● 3x WACC League Champions: 2022, 2023, 2024
● 3x North Coast Section Champions: 2022, 2023, 2024
● 2x CIF NorCal Championship Runner-Up: 2022, 2023
Personal Interests
Outside of volleyball, Nova enjoys spending time with family, playing tennis, hiking, and cooking.
These activities reflect his love for a balanced lifestyle and diverse interests.