Rui Liu

Coach Rui Liu has been an integral part of Maryland Juniors Volleyball Club since its founding. He began his coaching journey in 2003 under the guidance of his father, Club Director Sean Liu. Growing up within the club and learning directly from his father has shaped Rui’s approach to both volleyball and coaching.

Reflecting on their unique coaching relationship,  Coach Rui said, “It is a very interesting relationship comparing his experiences with my experiences now. I learned everything from my dad—not only how to be a volleyball player, but also how to be a coach. It is a very unique experience to coach my own players while having my dad there to help me make them better. I still rely heavily on his experience and knowledge.”

During the 2024–2025 season, Coach Rui led the Maryland Juniors 14 Elite Black team to an outstanding season. The team finished with an impressive 87–19 record and earned a third-place finish at the AAU Junior National Championships. The team was ranked 19th nationally and qualified for the 14 Open Division at the USAV Junior National Championships.

In the 2023–2024 season, Coach Rui guided the 13 Elite team to an exceptional 31–1 record, earning the No. 1 ranking in the Chesapeake Region. The team also achieved a 97–10 record in national competition and finished third at the USAV Junior National Championships in the National Division. At the time, the team was ranked 16th nationally. This finish represented the highest-ever result achieved by a Chesapeake Region team and Maryland Juniors Volleyball Club team in that age group.

Coach Rui graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, in 2005 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. During his five years at the University of Maryland, he served as student staff for both the men’s basketball and women’s volleyball programs. During his time with the Terps, the basketball program captured the 2002 NCAA National Championship, while the volleyball program won three ACC Championships from 2003 through 2005.

With more than two decades of coaching experience, Coach Rui combines a strong technical background, competitive experience, and the knowledge passed down through generations of coaching. His continued commitment to player development and competitive excellence has made him an important part of the Maryland Juniors Volleyball Club.

COACHING EXPERIENCE

Coaching MDJRS since 2005; Qualified teams for USAV Girls Junior National Championships: 2017,18′,19′,20′, 21′, 22′, 23′, 24′, and 25′, 26′.

• 15 Elite Head Coach-(202502026)-Qualified Girls Juniors National Championship 15 Liberty Division. Champion of Nike Harbor Showdown 15 OPEN division.
• 14 Elite Head Coach-(2024-2025)-Qualified Girls Juniors National Championship 14 OPEN division. Third Place Finish at AAU Junior National. Champion of Nike National harbor Showdown 15 OPEN division.
• 13 Elite Head Coach-(2023-2024)-Qualified Girls Juniors National Championship. Champion of Capital Hill Classics 13 Open Division. 2nd place finish at Sunshine Qualifiers in Orlando Florida. Champion of DC National Harbor Showdown 13 Open Division. Champion of the ECC 13 division. 13 Elite double qualified for both USAV National Championship and AAU National Championship in Dallas Texas and Orlando Florida. 3rd place finish at USAV Juniors National Championship in National Division.
• 14 Elite Head Coach -(2022-2023)- Qualified Girls Juniors National Championships. Finished 2nd and earned Liberty bid at Northeast Qualifier. 1st place at DC National Harbor  Showdown;
• 13 Elite Head Coach (2021-2022) – Qualified Girls Juniors National Championships Liberty Division. Finished 3rd at Capitol Hill Classic 13s Open Division; finished 3rd at Northeast Qualifier Liberty Division.
• 15 Elite Black Assistant Coach (2020-2021) – Qualified GJNC National Division
• 14 Elite Black Assistant Coach (2019-2020) – Qualified GJNC American Division
• 13 Elite Black Assistant Coach(2018-2019) -Earned 2 bids during the season: finished 2nd at CHRVA Bid Regionals, and silver at NEQ Qualifier(USA). Qualified GJNC National Division,
• 14 Elite Black Assistant Coach (2017-2018) – Won CHRVA Bid Regionals, and qualified USAV Junior Nationals National division
• 13 Elite Black Assistant Coach (2016-2017) – Silver at CHRVA Bid Regionals, and qualified USAV Junior Nationals National division
• 12 Elite Assistant Coach(2015-2016) – Team finished 3rd at CHRVA Bid Regional Championships