1.29.26 – Cathy George – Vice President & Head Coach, Grand Rapids Rise

Speaker: Cathy George – Vice President & Head Coach, Grand Rapids Rise

Speaker Topic: The Evolution of Grand Rapids Rise Professional Volleyball

Bio:

Cathy George serves as Vice President and Head Coach of the Grand Rapids Rise (professional volleyball), bringing strong leadership, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to athlete development to the organization. In her dual role, she oversees both the competitive direction of the team and key organizational initiatives that support the Rise’s growth, culture, and community presence.

As Head Coach, Cathy is known for her emphasis on excellence, accountability, and team connection. She is dedicated to building a high-performance environment where athletes can compete at their best while developing as leaders on and off the court. Her coaching philosophy centers on discipline, teamwork, and continuous improvement—values that shape the Rise’s competitive identity.

In her Vice President role, Cathy collaborates with organizational leadership to strengthen community partnerships, fan engagement, and long-term program development. She plays a vital role in establishing the Rise as a premier women’s volleyball organization in West Michigan and works to advance opportunities for athletes, staff, and the broader community to connect through sport.

Cathy’s leadership reflects her passion for elevating the sport of volleyball and fostering a culture of growth, respect, and competitive spirit. Through her work with the Grand Rapids Rise, she is helping to build a strong foundation for professional volleyball in the region and inspire the next generation of athletes.