ABOUT ZAPATA VOLLEYBALL CLUB
Your kids are our priority!
Formerly known as Sand Dunes VBC, Zapata VBC was founded in 2006 by Lindy Mortensen, former Adams State University Head Coach, and Amber Mortensen. The club was established out of a deep love for the game of volleyball and a commitment to developing athletes through strong fundamental training, meaningful relationships throughout the valley, and lifelong lessons created through sport.
While the club became Zapata VBC in 2024, the heart behind the program has never changed. Our mission remains the same: to provide athletes with opportunities to grow as players and people, build lasting memories, and be part of a supportive volleyball family rooted in passion, hard work, and community.
Today we serve families across the San Luis Valley — including Alamosa, Monte Vista, Del Norte, Center, Sanford, and Saguache — plus our satellite club in Dolores and the surrounding Four Corners area.
Mission: Our mission is to provide youth athletes across the San Luis Valley with high-quality volleyball training that develops skill, confidence, and character — on and off the court.
Purpose: We strive to create an environment where players ages 11–18 can grow through discipline, teamwork, and competition. Through professional coaching, strong fundamentals, and a commitment to sportsmanship, we prepare athletes to reach their full potential while representing our valley with pride and integrity.
MEET THE ADMINISTRATION AND COACHES
Club Director/Coach for ZVC: Current-2023 Club Director/ Coach for SDVBC: 2022-2005 Sargent Head Varsity Coach: 2025-Current: League Champions, Regional Champions, State Qualifier 3-2 record. Middle School A Team Coach- Centauri Middle School: 2023 & 2022 Middle School Head Coach "A Team Coach" - Ortega MS (Alamosa): 2021-2017 5 League Championships & 5 Undefeated Seasons Alamosa Head Varsity Coach: 2016-2013 4 Regional Appearances. 2 League Champions. 2X IML "Coach of the Year" Adams State University Developmental Team Head Coach: 2012 & 2011 Monte Vista Head Varsity Coach: 2010 & 2009 2 Regional Appearances. 1 League Championship. 1X IML "Coach of the Year" Sangre De Cristo Head Varsity Coach: 2007-2001 4 District Championships. 1 State Final Four Appearance. 40-0 in league last four years. 4X Southern Peake "Coach of the Year" Sierra Grande Head Varsity Coach: 2000 Undefeated League & District Champions. Regional Appearance. League Coach of the year Adams State University Assistant Camp Director/Master Coach: 2023-2010 Conducted Satellite Camps for several HS/MS Programs in Colorado: 2005-2026 Education: B.A. K-12 Physical Education. I have taught Physical education for 20 years.
15 years playing experience. 4 year Varsity letter at a New Mexico 5A HS. 1 state appearance. Top 10 finish at Indoor Club Nationals 2014. Adams State University Alumni. RMAC honorable mentions 10 years coaching experience: youth, MS and HS levels. 3 regional appearances; 2 state appearances. Have worked/ran many satellite camps and position specific camps in CO & NM. Bachelors & Masters in Applied Sport Psychology; 800+ hours of clinic time with high school and collegiate athletes
35 years coaching experience - includes small school varsity, middle school, JV, large school varsity 9 years Montezuma-Cortez head coach 7 years 4A/5A Southwest league champions League record last 6 years at Cortez 60-0 *sent 18 athletes on to play collegiately 1999 - Denver Post "Coach of the year" 1997 - 2004 - 7 times Southwest League "Coach of the Year" 2003 - CHSCA "Coach of the Year" national nominee (all divisions) Record High School: 196-44 18 years - Head Volleyball Coach Adams State Qualified for postseason play - 12 years Coached 4 All-American candidates, 3 professional players 2011 - RMAC West Division Champions 2012 - National Tournament (1st time in ASU history) 2017 - Awarded ASU's "most winningest coach" Have developed the largest team camp in an eight state region; bringing in over 1200 athletes in a one week span. 2024-2026 Zapata VBC 16s and 18s Coach Have worked showcase camps including "Exact" camps. Have worked satellite camps for High school programs.
Chance Canty joins our club with 3 years at the helm of Del Norte High School Volleyball, leading the Tigers to the state tournament in his first season. Chance has also coached high school track at Sanford for 5 years leading multiple athletes to State Championships. Over the course of 3 years as club coach, Chance led his 18U team to an undefeated weekend in the Gold Bracket in Las Vegas. He has also helped develop younger teams from 12-16 years old. As a player at Utah State University, Chance was a setter and right side. He had the opportunity to learn from Rob Nielson, a former Team USA Coach/Utah State University and current BYU Head Coach who has a wealth of volleyball knowledge. His high school coaches have instilled many positive attributes that he strives to share through his coaching. Chance's involvement in volleyball has been fueled by his younger sister's 6 year run at Metro State University, a nationally ranked Division 2 program ran by now Division 1 coach, Jenny Glenn.