About Us
Overview of our organization, detailing our mission, values, team, and accomplishments to build transparency and trust with our athletes.
Behind the Net
At Port City Volleyball, our founders embody a passion for the sport that spans generations. J.D. Hamilton, a devoted husband, father, and engineer, brings over a decade of volleyball experience at the highest levels across the United States. Sarah Senft, serving as the head beach volleyball and assistant indoor coach at Spring Hill College, boasts a lifelong dedication to volleyball, both as a player and coach, with professional experience on the AVP tour. Nico Carroll, a software developer and avid beach volleyball player, has recently transitioned his years of playing into coaching. His enthusiasm and dedication have been instrumental in translating a shared vision with Hamilton and Senft into concrete steps to make the club a reality.
We at Port City Volleyball are dedicated to enhancing beach volleyball coaching in the Gulf Coast region. Our inclusive approach caters to aspiring juniors and competitive athletes alike, fostering growth and excellence at all skill levels. Drawing from our extensive expertise, we offer unparalleled coaching and mentorship, creating a positive environment for athletes to thrive. Our goal is to eventually establish a premier facility for juniors, adults, and families, providing top-tier programs and resources to beach volleyball enthusiasts in our community.
Please explore the inspiring journeys of our head coaches and founders, Sarah Senft and J.D. Hamilton. If you share our passion for the sport, we invite you to join us for our inaugural season by registering online or reaching out to us with any inquiries. Welcome to Port City Volleyball!
J.D. Hamilton
Head Coach
JD Hamilton, a Mobile, AL native, embarked on his professional beach volleyball journey in 2016 when he secured a spot on the NVL tour. Transitioning to the AVP tour, he achieved notable successes, clinching a 3rd place in AVP Virginia and a 7th place in AVP Hermosa, California, where he was featured on ESPN+. With an impressive record of victories in numerous coastal tournaments, particularly along the Gulf Coast, JD currently holds the 48th ranking among US players.
His coaching career, which began in 2015, has been equally impressive. JD has played a pivotal role in shaping multiple collegiate athletes and has contributed to Spring Hill College’s volleyball program. Notably, he coached Sarah Senft to her career-high finish of 9th place on the AVP tour. For more information about JD Hamilton and his achievements, you can find features about him in Lagniappe Magazine and Volleyball Magazine by searching “JD Hamilton Beach Volleyball” on Google.
Sarah Senft
Head Coach
After graduating from Spring Hill College in June 2021, Sarah Senft seamlessly transitioned from the courts to the sidelines, assuming the roles of beach volleyball head coach and court volleyball assistant coach under Peggy Martin at her alma mater. Originally hailing from Spring Grove, PA, Senft honed her skills at Delone Catholic High School in McSherrystown, PA, under the mentorship of Head Coach Jason Leppo. Her high school accolades include three YAIAA championships, a District 3AA championship, a state title, and recognition on the All-State team, earning two nods to the All-District 3AA team.
During her tenure at SHC, Senft’s athletic journey was marked by resilience and success. Despite the 2020 NCAA novel coronavirus shutdown, she earned an impressive nine letters in both court and beach volleyball. As a freshman, she secured a spot on the SIAC All-Conference squad and continued to receive recognition throughout her collegiate career, appearing on the SIAC Commissioner’s All-Academic Team in her sophomore, junior, and senior years. Senft’s legacy at SHC includes holding the program’s career record for beach volleyball wins, boasting an outstanding record of 70 wins and 52 losses, with the 7th best career winning percentage at .574.
In her debut season as SHC’s head beach coach, Senft led the team to a remarkable winning season, finishing 23-9. The 2022 team achieved the notable feat of becoming the AVCA DII tournament runner-up under her leadership.