LOV NYC KIDS
KARL FRANCE
We are incredibly honored to have Karl France serve as our LOV NYC KIDS and NYC Advisory Leader in our journey to create a culture of love through the sport of volleyball. Karl connects with our mission and pure-soul energy which fuels his passion for amplifying underrepresented voices.
As he developed and discovered his ability to mediate and manage others without conflict through his personal family responsibility and leadership positions, Karl made great strides in his career and development as a player, coach, and mentor.
Coach Karl France played three years of collegiate club volleyball at Bowling Green and furthered his career in volleyball after graduating to pursue coaching. Karl had stints at NYU from 2002-2007, Rutgers University from 2007-2011, back to NYU from 2011-2021, and was recently named FDU’s first men’s volleyball head coach.
Karl is a trailblazer who continually paves the way for Black, Indigenous and People of Color, and together we will create more access to higher level coaching in order to build deeper connections within our communities.
As programming becomes available in NYC, check out our programming registration page for more information.
KYLE ULLSPERGER
Mr. Moua, Kyle’s P.E. teacher in middle school, taught him about volleyball and cultivated his interest in the sport. From that initial introduction, Kyle became an active participant within the Wisconsin volleyball community. He went from playing in Hmong tournaments towards the beginning of his career to making an impact by coaching the youth during and after his collegiate playing days.
Kyle has a passion for uplifting others, creating new memories, and unlocking potential. He recognizes the power of self-determination and having people who believe in you to achieve one’s dreams.
Kyle currently resides in New York City where he works as an actor, photographer, and model while continuing to pursue beach volleyball professionally on the East coast. He also volunteers with KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now) NYC, an organization that strives to help create equal opportunities for children to engage in recreational activities and make genuine connections.
Click the button below to find out how you can support Lights Out Volleyball so we can share the LOV.
A word from our founder:
Nishant, Vishal, Amit, and the Shah family- thank you all for welcoming me with open arms during my time in New York. New York and your families hold a very special place in my heart. When I think of you, I think of the words “family, friends, and brothers.” I’m grateful for all your support through the years.
I also want to tip my hat to all the Creole guys and the incredible years we’ve had battling together. Appreciate the opportunity to win a National Championship with you boys!
Additionally, I want to recognize the kids at Trinity School and Brearley- two amazing schools located in NYC that I had the pleasure to coach at, as well as the other athletes in NYC I was able to share my time with.
Recognizing Karl France is also very important to me. Karl has always been one of the realest people who’s amazingly humble and a pleasure to be around. Thank you for always seeing me for me and supporting LOV for who we are and what we will become. Appreciated!
Lastly, I want to recognize Kyle Ullsperger- reconnecting with you has been calibrating. Reflecting back to 2015 when I heard you wanted to move to NYC, to now- your 6 years in NYC skyrocketed your growth as a person and I’m happy we’re able to connect in the way we can. Thank you for helping me get my vision and my words out, onto paper, into the ether, and to start materializing my dreams and visions. Your energy and your desire to help others aligns directly with mine- something you cannot teach. LOV you brother!
- Harshil Thaker -
Founder, LOV
