Meet Coach Gina
She values effort, coachability, and a positive attitude over skill.
@ John Geldermann, 2007
Gina Kirstein stuff blocks Meri-de Boyer at the AVP Atlanta, 2006
Photo by Megan Deitz, 2018
WBA owner and lead coach Gina Kirstein
@John Geldermann, 2006
Gina Kirstein attacks the ball past Amber Wiley at the AVP Pro Tour event in Atlanta, 2006
Gina is the proud owner and lead coach of Wilmington Beach Academy. With over 30 years of combined coaching and playing experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table and stands alone as the most seasoned beach volleyball coach in Southeastern North Carolina.
Coach Gina grew up playing volleyball in Southern California. In college she found success playing both Division I (The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) and Division II (Colorado Christian University). However, she found her true life’s passion when she transitioned to beach volleyball.
She began her beach volleyball coaching journey in 2005 which also happen to be the first year that she began an earnest pursuit of playing professionally on the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) Tour.
From 2018-2021, Gina served as the Volunteer Assistant Coach for the Beach program at the esteemed University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW). This position allowed her to share her expertise while providing guidance to the players enhancing their performance on the court.
USA Beach Volleyball High Performance Coach Gina Kirstein scouting at a Junior’s event
Impressively, she was invited to be a USA Beach Volleyball High-Performance Coach, where she scouted and developed some of the most talented young players in the country contributing to the Olympic pipeline.
Despite her decades of experience, Coach Gina's hunger for knowledge and improvement never wavers. She regularly attends coaching seminars offered by USA Volleyball and the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA), ensuring she stays up to date with the latest coaching methodologies and trends.
Volunteer Assistant Coach at UNCW for the 2018-2021 seasons
Coach Gina moved to Wilmington with her husband (Erik) in 2004. The two met while playing volleyball at the University of Illinois. They’ve been married since the late ’90s and share their home with small dogs. When they aren’t playing, scouting, or coaching they enjoy working out together and spending time with friends.
With Coach Gina at the helm, Wilmington Beach Academy provides a top-tier coaching experience that blends extensive experience, passion for the game, and a commitment to ongoing growth and development.