About Us
Tim Willard
Founder and Head Coach
Coach Tim is passionate about developing complete players who love the game and lead with honor, discipline, and joy. His coaching centers on helping athletes think, compete, and grow—on and off the court.
Now in his eleventh season as a head volleyball coach, Tim has worked across every level, from middle school and JV, through varsity and club, including 18U and elite. In addition to serving as 18U Head Coach for Carolina Thunder Volleyball, he currently serves as the Varsity Head Coach for South Charlotte Thunder and oversees the younger age groups in the program. Tim has coached student-athletes who have gone on to play volleyball at the collegiate level, including NCAA Division I beach, Division III, as well as private university and junior college programs.
A lifelong player, Tim began competing in sixth grade and continued through high school as a hitter, and later joined Liberty University’s men’s team as a setter, where he played against Division I programs such as UVA and George Mason. He also competed in regional grass and sand doubles, including at the open level.
Off the court, Tim is a writer, independent scholar, and creative mentor who coaches authors, leaders, and entrepreneurs—and is himself a published author—Tim brings a holistic approach to coaching, helping young athletes build resilience, confidence, and purpose through the pursuit of excellence.
Julie Eichler
Director of Operations
After years of cheering on the sidelines and volunteering in various volleyball roles, Julie was approached to direct the South Charlotte Thunder Women’s Volleyball teams in 2024. Dreams of a winter opportunity for girls to expand their volleyball skills and play time became a reality in 2025 with the launch of Carolina Thunder Volleyball and the director role translated perfectly.
Julie’s love of sport and fitness began with a college extracurricular weight training class. Yes, the kind you take because you just need to fill credit requirements. Almost thirty years later, Julie lives out her passion professionally as a Certified Personal Trainer and Owner of Temple Fitness Carolinas, LLC.
When she is not in a gym, you will find Julie homeschooling her girls, Riley & Dylan, or enjoying her other favorite things- hiking, cooking, gardening, and small-scale farming. Julie has been married to her best friend and biggest support, Kurt, for twenty-one years. The Eichler Family attends and serves at Five Stones Church in Waxhaw.
Her excitement for fitness, nutrition, and clean living is applied as clearly to young athletes and families as it is to her clients. Julie sees it as a joy to lead Carolina Thunder in this capacity.