coaching staff

Headshot of a young woman with a bright smile, wearing a black zip-up jacket, against a plain light gray background.

  • Head Coach | A5 Volleyball Club (2025–Present)

    • Leading 18-4 National team

  • Program Head & Head Varsity Coach | The Walker School (2024–Present)

  • Head Coach | Tsunami Cobb (2024–2025)

    • 16 National 1

  • Director of Volleyball Operations & Varsity/JV Head Coach | Notre Dame Academy (2021–2023)

  • Head Club Coach | Atlanta Extreme (2020–2024)

    • 15-2, 14-1, & 13-2 Age Groups

    • Led 15U to a 4th Place finish at SRVA Regionals (2022)

  • Middle School Head Coach | Sugar Hill Christian Academy (2020)

  • Player-Coach | Wake Forest University Club Volleyball (2017–2020)

MEET MATIA

Program Director & Head Coach

MaTia Hughes brings a rare combination of elite collegiate playing experience and a sharp, analytical approach to the Atlanta Storm. A Charleston native who made her mark on Georgia’s powerhouse volleyball scene, MaTia’s journey is defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence—both on the court and in the classroom.

The Playing Pedigree

MaTia was a standout multi-sport athlete at North Gwinnett High School, earning four Varsity letters in volleyball while also competing in basketball and softball. Her club career took her through the top programs in the nation, including A5, where she honed the skills that led her to the collegiate stage.

She began her college career as the starting Libero for New York University (NYU) for two seasons before transferring to West Virginia University (WVU). At the Division I level in the Big 12, MaTia competed as a Defensive Specialist, cementing her reputation as a high-IQ player with an unbreakable platform.

The Analytical Edge

MaTia’s coaching philosophy is deeply influenced by her professional background. After her playing career, she earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the Wake Forest University School of Law. This legal training transitioned into a coaching style that is structured, detail-oriented, and strategically driven.

A Proven Leader

MaTia has a deep footprint in the Atlanta volleyball community:

  • Current: Program Head & Head Varsity Coach at The Walker School (3rd Year).

  • Current: Head Coach at A5 Volleyball Club.

  • Former: Director of Volleyball Operations & Head Varsity Coach at Notre Dame Academy.

  • Experience: Head Middle School Coach at Sugar Hill Christian Academy and Club Coach at Atlanta Extreme.

Why She Founded Atlanta Storm

MaTia founded Atlanta Storm to provide the type of training she sought during her own career: technical, data-driven, and focused on the individual’s path to mastery. When she isn’t in the gym, MaTia lives in Atlanta and enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends.