John is the Director and Founder of Aquila Volleyball Club. With over 40+ years of playing and coaching volleyball, both nationally and internationally, John brings a wealth of experience to his role. Hired in 2022, John is the Director of Volleyball Operations and Head Varsity Coach at San Domenico School. In this position, he oversees all aspects of the school's student athlete's development, including the Middle School, for both indoor and beach teams.
John Hedlund
Club Director/Head Coach
As a former player, John's accomplishments on the court inform his coaching style. During his time as a junior player for the Outrigger Canoe Club, his team secured a 3rd place finish at the Junior Nationals, and he was recognized as a First Team All-American. John attributes his coaching philosophy, skills, communication style and success to the legendary Tony Crabb who was his OCC coach and mentor throughout his youth.
John also played volleyball at the University of Southern California (USC), where he won a National Championship and made three Final Four appearances. Notable teammates during his college career included Dusty Dvorak, Steve Timmons, Tim Hovland, and Pat Powers. His outstanding performance earned him First Team NCAA All-American honors and a place on the All-Tournament Team in the 1981 NCAA Tournament, where USC finished 2nd. His contributions to USC's volleyball program are commemorated at the Galen Center Arena Men's Volleyball Trojan Greats.
Taking his talents overseas, John played professionally in Italy for First Division AS Rome, and in Germany with 1860 Munich, ASV Dachau, and VDS Berlin. He also competed in the English Premier League for Team Aquila. Adding to his list of achievements, John played for the US Volleyball Association and received multiple First Team All-American honors, as well as accolades such as Most Outstanding Player, Most Valuable Player, and Player of the Year.
John began his coaching career in Marin as the Head Coach of the Boys' Varsity Volleyball team at Archie Williams High School (formerly Drake High School). During his tenure, he led the team to an impressive 6 consecutive Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) titles and made it to 4 North Coast Section Finals, resulting in 2 NCS championships. In 2011, he was honored as Coach of the Year. In 2013 and 2014, John transitioned to coaching the women's program, leading them to a runner-up finish in the NCS in 2014 and their first appearance in the Nor Cal tournament. Recently, he coached an 18 Club team in Marin that successfully qualified for the Nationals in 2023.
Not limited to indoor volleyball, John also excelled in beach volleyball, growing up in Hawaii and playing at the Outrigger Canoe Club, starting on the club's Baby Court. Most recently, John played on the British Tour for Beach Volleyball, claiming victories at the Weymouth Open with Hawaii native Mikie Thorton, and 2-time Runner-up with Hawaii native Alika Williams and English National Player Richard Dorbell respectively. He also won the Bournemouth Invitational Championship with British National Player Jody Gooding. He was also awarded the Player of the Tournament at the Weymouth Open.
John's education includes a BA from the University of Southern California, SCPM from Stanford University School for Professional Development and an MBA from Pepperdine University, Graziadio Business School. He also holds a Black Belt in Kenpo Karate and a Brown Belt in Shotokan Karate.