Benedictine University At Mesa Women's Volleyball

Coach Winstead is a seasoned football coach with over 15 years of experience across both flag and tackle football. A dedicated educator at the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) and a respected figure in the football community, he is widely recognized for his commitment to player development, strategic innovation, and helping athletes reach their full potential—from youth leagues to high school varsity competition. At Gilbert High School, Coach Winstead has made a significant impact over the past three years as the Head Coach of the Girls Flag Football team. Instrumental in launching the program, he quickly built it into a competitive and respected presence within the school’s athletic department, helping raise visibility for the sport and laying a strong foundation for its future. Simultaneously, Coach Winstead served as an Offensive Assistant for the Boys Varsity Football team at Gilbert High. In this role, he contributed to the team’s offensive strategies while mentoring players as they transitioned into varsity-level play. His leadership and insight have been integral to the program’s continued growth and success. Beyond the high school level, Coach Winstead co-founded and coached a boys’ Club Flag Football program, guiding teams in the 8U to 14U age groups to multiple national championships. His teams quickly gained recognition for their discipline, competitiveness, and fundamental skills—hallmarks of his coaching philosophy, which emphasizes accountability, strong technique, and readiness for the next level of play, whether in high school, college, or beyond.

Coach J.D. Guerrero has over 15 years of experience as a Physical Education teacher and multi-sport coach, serving as a head and assistant high school baseball coach, as well as an assistant coach in both football and flag football. A graduate of Cibola High School, Coach Guerrero earned Second Team All-Region honors as a defensive back and wide receiver, and First Team All-Region recognition in baseball. He went on to play college baseball at Mesa Community College and competed professionally in the Mexican Baseball League. Additionally, he played as a wide receiver and free safety in the Arizona Football League (AZFL). Coach Guerrero holds a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and Kinesiology from Arizona State University and a Master’s degree in Bilingual-Multicultural Education from Northern Arizona University. His professional background includes work as a youth engagement coach with the Los Angeles Rams, Procamps, and the Anthony Muñoz Foundation. Beyond coaching and teaching, he is the owner of Only The Strong Fitness & Athletics, a company dedicated to sports training, youth sports camps, and athletic apparel.

Courtney Ely joins the volleyball coaching staff after a successful three-season playing career with the Redhawks. During her time on the court, Ely played in 87 matches, recording an impressive 387 kills and 111 blocks. She graduated from Benedictine University with a Bachelor’s degree in Management & Organizational Behavior and is currently pursuing her master’s at BENU.

Leonard Martinez is a dedicated coach with nearly two decades of experience in leadership, athlete development, and program building. He is the founder and head coach of GOATs Flag Football Club in Arizona, a competitive youth organization focused on fundamentals, football IQ, and building a championship mindset. Throughout his career, Coach Martinez has led both boys and girls across multiple age divisions, earning a reputation for developing disciplined, high-character athletes. His coaching philosophy centers around preparation, accountability, and creating opportunities for players to grow on and off the field. Coach Martinez brings energy, vision, and a relentless work ethic to every program he supports. He is committed to growing the game of women’s flag football and is proud to contribute to the continued success of the Benedictine University program, under Coach Brian Winstead.