Meet the Coaches

For Grant Shieh, volleyball is more than a game — it's the cornerstone of a thriving local community. While he spends his days as a history teacher at Lionville Middle School, his primary mission on the court is to develop a high-level standard of play and cultivate a strong community within the Downingtown area.

Grant currently leads the Downingtown East boys' program and is the assistant coach for the girls' program. His journey began in Bucks County as a libero for Council Rock North High School, continued through Temple University's club team, and finally coaching at the high school and club level in 2021.

Grant's coaching is built on the "Student-Athlete" Growth Model, emphasizing that sustainable success is the result of intentional, small shifts:

• Community Impact: Creating a pipeline of talent where local players feel connected to their teammates and their town.
• Incremental Growth: Breaking down complex skills into manageable steps to ensure players see consistent, measurable progress.
• Confidence Through Sport: Using the court as a space where young athletes can test their limits and find their voice.

When the whistle blows and the school day ends, Grant stays busy. You might find him under the hood of his car, hiking a local trail, skiing around the Northeast, or cheering for the Philadelphia sports scene.

Born and raised in Texas, Chris D'Amore brings a wealth of knowledge and elite-level experience to Downingtown East. A graduate of Twin Valley and California University of PA, Chris has spent over 30 years immersed in the sport, developing a deep understanding of the technical and mental aspects of winning volleyball.

Chris's extensive career spans from local dominance to the national collegiate stage:

• Championship Pedigree: A former County Champion during his high school career at Twin Valley.
• Collegiate Success: Played for a nationally ranked NCAA Division II program at California University of PA.
• Active Competitor: Continues to compete at a high level, most recently with the Shamona Creek Volleyball team.

With a career rooted in high-stakes competition, Coach D'Amore is focused on instilling a championship mindset in our players, emphasizing the precision and discipline required to succeed at the next level.