Are you looking for a new coaching position? Or looking for career tips and advice? If so make time during the convention to take advantage of the complimentary career services offered to AVCA Convention attendees:
- Meet one-on-one with career counselors to discuss tips for resume writing, improving interview skills/mock interviews, identifying networking opportunities, building your personal brand, how to search for jobs, and more.
- Review Salary Survey results organized by division and by conference.
- Post open positions on your staff. Those who have an open position are encouraged to bring the job description to the convention or e-mail the description in advance to Becca Just at becca.just@avca.org.
- Search open positions and post your resume.
Coaches seeking assistance with resume writing/critique, interviewing skills and general career development topics should schedule an appointment with Dr. Twyla Hough. Coaches seeking assistance on sports industry specific career topics or would like to do a mock interview should schedule an appointment with Jona Braden.
Career counseling times are as follows (all Career Center activities are located in Hall 4 of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center):
Thursday, Dec. 17
Dr. Twyla Hough
Counseling: 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Jona Braden
Counseling: 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 18
Dr. Twyla Hough
Counseling: 1 – 6 p.m.
Jona Braden
Counseling: 1 – 6 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 19
Dr. Twyla Hough
Counseling: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Jona Braden
Counseling: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Jona Braden
Dr. Twyla Hough
Career Counselors:
Jona Braden
Jona Braden is currently an Assistant Volleyball Coach at 2018 Division III national champion Emory University. Prior to her position at Emory, Braden served as the Head Volleyball Coach and Assistant Athletic Director at the Westminster Schools in Atlanta. Collegiately, she served as the Head Volleyball Coach at the University of Kentucky from 1998 – 2004 and at Butler University from 1983 – 1990. Jona has been an athletics administrator for seventeen years including three years as an Associate Athletics Director/Senior Woman Administrator and two years as a Senior Associate Athletics Director at Butler. Among her duties as an athletics administrator Jona was responsible for assessing and hiring head coaches along with mentoring and helping in the employment process of assistant coaches. In addition, Jona wrote one of the chapters in “The Volleyball Coaching Bible, Coaching Principles & Priorities: The Ups & Downs of a Season.”
Dr. Twyla Hough
Dr. Twyla Hough is a career development educator, coach, and higher education professional with more than 20 years of experience supporting students and emerging professionals in career exploration, resume development, interview preparation, and professional growth. She is passionate about helping individuals translate their experiences, strengths, and goals into clear, confident career pathways. Drawing on her background in university career services, workforce development, and student success initiatives, Dr. Hough provides practical, supportive guidance to individuals seeking assistance with resumes, career planning, and job search strategies. Her coaching approach emphasizes clarity, confidence, and actionable next steps tailored to each individual’s goals and experiences.
In addition to her career coaching work, Dr. Hough has served in leadership and teaching roles within higher education and has contributed to federally funded research initiatives focused on educational and workforce pathways. She is known for her approachable style, strategic insight, and commitment to helping individuals navigate career transitions with confidence and purpose. Dr. Hough holds a Ph.D. in Family and Consumer Sciences Education and is a Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP) through the National Career Development Association. She enjoys helping individuals identify opportunities, strengthen their professional materials, and prepare for meaningful career advancement.
