Sandy Valley High School has announced the hiring of two new head coaches, naming Alyssa Sines to lead the volleyball program and Daniel O’Callaghan as head coach of the girls soccer team.
Sines, a Sandy Valley graduate and East Sparta native, will take over as head volleyball coach for the 2026–27 school year. She has served as an assistant coach for the Cardinals since June 2025 and has been involved with the program at multiple levels for several years.
“Alyssa will be a great fit for our Cardinal volleyball program,” Athletic Director Beau Balderson said. “She has already demonstrated leadership and dedication, and we are confident she is ready to step into this role.”
Sines graduated from Sandy Valley High School in 2017 and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in marketing and sales from Western Governors University, with plans to graduate in May 2026. In addition to volleyball, she has been part of the Sandy Valley softball program since 2022, serving as a junior varsity and assistant varsity coach. She also volunteered as a middle school and high school volleyball coach from 2023 through 2024.
Superintendent Matt Whitted said the district values when former students return to contribute to school programs.
“It is always special when our graduates come back to Sandy Valley to give back,” Whitted said. “We are excited to see Alyssa lead the volleyball program and continue building its success.”
The district also announced that O’Callaghan has been appointed head coach of the girls soccer program while continuing his duties as head boys soccer coach. O’Callaghan has been with Sandy Valley Local Schools since 2017 and has led the boys program for six seasons.
“Coach O’Callaghan brings extensive knowledge of the sport and a strong commitment to our student-athletes,” Balderson said. “His experience and ability to connect with players make him an excellent choice to lead both programs.”
Originally from Wales, O’Callaghan played collegiate soccer at Hiram College and later competed in semi-professional soccer for five years. He has coached club and semi-professional teams since 2013. In addition to coaching, he teaches high school language arts at Sandy Valley.
Whitted said O’Callaghan’s dual role benefits students on and off the field.
“It is an asset to have someone with Daniel’s experience and dedication serving our students both in the classroom and in athletics,” he said.
O’Callaghan said he is excited to continue building a strong soccer culture at Sandy Valley while leading both the boys and girls programs.
