Volleyball has been a lifelong passion in Eli's family. His father represented the United States on the National Team, while his brother and uncle also competed at the collegiate level. Growing up with a volleyball in his hand and learning from some of the best in the game, Eli followed in his family's footsteps, becoming a high school All-State player and competing for Red Rose Volleyball Club, where his teams finished in the Top 20 nationally each year. He went on to play collegiately at East Stroudsburg University when the program competed at the varsity level in the EIVA.

Over the past 20 years, Eli has coached more than 25 club and high school teams and spent 13 years coaching collegiate men's and women's volleyball at the NCAA Division I, II, and III levels. His collegiate coaching stops include Eastern Illinois University (W), Millersville University (W), Messiah College (M), George Mason University (M), and Arcadia University (M & W). At Arcadia, he founded the men's volleyball program and led the team to its first NCAA Tournament appearance, finishing in the Top 10 nationally.

Throughout his career, Eli has had the opportunity to work with USA Volleyball and helped the Keystone Region Team earn a silver medal at the USA Volleyball High Performance Championships. He has also coached numerous All-Conference athletes and multiple All-Americans.

Eli remains an active competitor today, playing in grass and sand semi-professional events. Whether as a player, coach, or mentor, his passion for the game continues to drive his commitment to developing athletes and growing the sport at every level.