Head Varsity Coach Profiles
Val Azzoli - Boys' Tennis
ValAzzoli@aol.com
Coaching position(s) at MKA: Boys' Varsity Tennis (Head Coach), Girls' Varsity Tennis (Assistant Coach), Boys' Varsity Ice Hockey (Assistant Coach)
Years at MKA: 7
College(s) or University(s) Attended &Degree: Seneca College, Canada - Business Administration
Other Athletic Accomplishments: Member of the Professional Tennis Registry, 2007 Star Ledger Essex County Boy’s Tennis Coach of the Year, 2007 Colonial Hills Conference Boy’s Tennis Coach of the Year. 2009 Colonial Hills Conference Boy’s Tennis Coach of the Year.
Coach's Statement: PERSPECTIVE, PERSPECTIVE, PERSPECTIVE!!! Ninety-six percent of high school athletes will not play a team sport in college. Most of them will never play a team sport again, so let's make it an enjoyable learning experience. Winning comes in many shapes and forms.
Jefferey Beer - Golf
jbeer@mka.org
Coaching position(s) at MKA: Varsity Golf (Head Coach)
Years at MKA: 7
College(s) or University(s) Attended & Degree: Trinity College - BA Classics
Prior Coaching Experience: Varsity Squash - Poly Prep School 1994-2002;
Varsity Golf - Poly Prep School 2002
Other Athletic Accomplishments: Varsity Golf, Captain: Phillips Exeter Academy, 1981; Intercollegiate Squash and Rowing, Trinity College, 1982-1986. 2009 Colonial Hills Conference Golf Coach of the Year.
Coach's Statement: I don't dwell on the technical aspects of the game because most of our players have received instruction on their own. Instead I try to emphasize the thinking aspects of the game, those aspects that will allow a player to score their best even if they are not playing their best. As Tiger Woods has famously put it: Grind it out!
Jessica Bishop '04 - Girls' Basketball
jbishop@mka.org
Coaching position(s) at MKA: Girls' Varsity Basketball (Head Coach)
Years at MKA: 2
College(s) or University(s) Attended & Degree: Franklin and Marshall College
Prior Coaching Experience: MKA Assistant Varsity Coach since 2008
Other Athletic Accomplishments: Franklin and Marshall College - Women's Basketball Team Captain. Works in partnership with Team Zoey to host the annual "Miles of Hopes" Turkey Trot 5K's to raise funds for the Progeria Research Foundation.
Coach's Statement: I firmly believe that each and every member of a team can have a truly meaningful experience. Being part of a team is something that should be celebrated and cherished. What will separate our team from other teams will be our mutual respect for one another and our desire to see everyone improve and succeed.
Patrick Collins - Swimming
pmc685@gmail.com
Years at MKA: 4
College(s) or University (s) Attended: Marist College, B.A. in Communications
Prior Coaching Experience: Cougar Aquatic Team - Gold Team Coach (2007-present)
Other Athletic Accomplishments: Marist College – Senior Co-Captain. School record holder in the 50 yd Freestyle and was a part of the record holding 200 medley relay. A six time MAAC Champion for both individual and relay events. Champion in the 100 yd. Freestyle at the 2007 ECAC Swimming and Diving Championships. While at Marist, Pat received Men’s Swimming Coach's Award, Men's Swimming MVP, and in 2007 was nominated for the Marist College Athletics - Male Sportsperson of the Year.
Coaches Statement: Swimming requires both mental fortitude and physical strength and it is my goal to motivate these student-athletes to reach their full potential in these aspects, both in and out of the pool.
Paul Edwards - Boys' Lacrosse
pedwards08@mac.com
Coaching position(s) at MKA: Boy’s Varsity Lacrosse (Head Coach)
Years at MKA: 10 as a coach, 15 as a parent, 4 as a Trustee
College(s) or University(s) Attended & Degree: The Johns Hopkins University - BA; Loyola College of Maryland - MBA
Prior Coaching Experience: Youth Lacrosse Montclair and West Essex
Other Athletic Accomplishments: Montclair High School 1970 Co-Captain and First Team All State; Member 1974 NCAA National Championship team at Johns Hopkins; Elected to the New Jersey Lacrosse Hall of Fame 2002; Selected Rizk Division Coach of the Year 2007, 2012 NJILCA Non-Public Coach of the Year, 2012 Star Ledger NJ State Coach of the Year
Coach's Statement: Lacrosse at MKA is not just about wins and losses. We strive to provide each player with the opportunity to improve their individual skills, and have the experience of bonding with a group of teammates who are all pursuing a common goal. I believe that the team experience and the memories and friendships that come from it, can last a lifetime.
Tom Fleming - Cross Country, Track and Field
tfleming@mka.org
Coaching position(s) at MKA: Cross Country (Head Coach), Boys & Girls Cross Country Boys & Girls Indoor Track and Field (Head Coach), Boys & Girls Outdoor Track and Field (Head Coach)
Years at MKA: 13
College(s) or University(s) Attended & Degree: William Paterson University - BA ElemEd and Special Education; William Paterson University - MA Special Education
Prior Coaching Experience: National Distance Coach USATF '91 –‘97; Coach Nike Running Room – 3-time Women’s National X-C Champions ’90, ’91, ‘92
Other Athletic Accomplishments: 2-time NYC Marathon Champion ’73, ‘75; Los Angeles Marathon Pro-Am Champion ‘81; 2-time runner-up Boston Marathon ’73, ‘74; 5-time American record holder; 4-time NCAA College All-American
Coach's Statement: Developing a young student-athlete's full potential takes time for physical, mental and emotional maturity. The athlete must understand the coach's training paradigm and philosophy for athletic achievement. The athlete must have trust in their coach in order to get them to reach their athletic goals. Every student-athlete develops at his/her own rate … patience is a virtue!
Dustin Good - Ice Hockey
dustingood9@yahoo.com
Coaching position(s) at MKA: Ice Hockey
Years at MKA: 2
College(s) or University(s) Attended & Degree: SUNY Cortland - B.A. in History and Communications Studies
Prior Coaching Experience: 2008 - 2012, Jersey Wildcats Junior Hockey Program, Coach. 2006 - 2008, Binghamton Jr. Senators Hockey Program, Coach, 2007 Continental Hockey Association Coach of the Year. Summer 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 - Keystone State Games East Region Female U20 Head Coach, undefeated 4-time gold medalists.
Other Athletic Accomplishments: SUNY Cortland ACHA Division I Hockey, Binghamton Junior Senators Junior Hockey, Syracuse Stars Junior Hockey, Wyoming Seminary Prep School Hockey
Coach's Statement: At MKA we are working with exceptional young people. As a coaching staff we acknowledge that in our approach. Our team works hard to facilitate an environment that finds its foundations in open and lucid communication between the players and staff. Success occurs when everyone is on the same page. We say that luck is the crossroads of preparation and execution. One of the ways we prepare is by skating everyday. It’s part of our commitment to providing a first class prep program.
Click here to see the Team's website
Injoo Han - Field Hockey
ihan@mka.org
Coaching position(s) at MKA: Varsity Field Hockey (Head Coach)
Years at MKA: 6
College(s) or University(s) Attended & Degree: Colby College - B.A. in Government & Art
Prior Coaching Experience: Summer 2001, 2002, 2003 – Coached at top rated Nike Field Hockey camps in New Jersey and Massachusetts for 9-12 grades. Summer 2000, 2001, 2003 – Montclair Parks and Recreation Field Hockey camp coach. Summer 2001, 2002 – Garden State Games Field Hockey Selector. January 2004 - New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Coaching Symposium. Spring 2007 – MKA Junior Varsity Girls’ Lacrosse Coach.
Other Athletic Accomplishments: Colby College – Four year starter and senior captain for Division III program in NESCAC. Montclair High School – NJ Group IV All-State selection, First Team All-County, First Team All-Northeast Jersey Field Hockey League, First Team All-Essex County Coaches Association. 2008 Star Ledger Essex County Coach of the Year.
Coach's Statement: Every season is a million steps taken in a single direction, by a single team, one small step at a time. The goal of the MKA field hockey program is to foster players who are able to set high standards for themselves and are willing to work hard to strive above it
Luke Harris - Football
Coaching position(s) at MKA: Head Football Coach
Years at MKA: Appointed 2012
College(s) or University(s) Attended: Dickinson College BA in English & Political Science; Shippensburg University MS in Communications and Journalism
Prior Coaching Experience: 2006-12 Germantown Academy PA, Head Varsity Football Coach, Assistant Athletic Director, PE teacher, Summer Football Camp Director; 2004-06 Delaware State University Assistant Football Coach, Football Recruiting Coordinator; 2003-04 Mansfield University PA, Assistant Football Coach; Mount Ida College MA, Offensive Coordinator; Frostburg State University MD, Assistant Football Coach; Temple University PA, Graduate Assistant Football Coach; Dickinson College PA, Graduate Assistant Football Coach.
Other Athletic Accomplishments: Dickinson College - Rookie of the Year 1992, All Centennial Conference Offensive Lineman 1993, 1994 & 1995, Don Hansen Pre-Season All American Candidate 1995, Dickinson College Football record – started 43 consecutive games, Centennial Conference Championship Winners 1992, 1993, 1994, Team's overall record during playing career – 32-9-2, Team’s conference record during playing career – 22-4-2. High school: Germantown Academy: All Inter-Ac League Lineman, Fall 1991,Selected to play in Montgomery County All Star Game, Spring 1992
Coach's Statement:
Tony Jones - Boys' Basketball
tjones@mka.org
Coaching position(s) at MKA: Boys' Varsity Basketball (Head Coach)
Years at MKA: 12
College(s) or University(s) Attended & Degree: Franklin Pierce College - BS Biology
Prior Coaching Experience: Assistant Coach- Essex Catholic High School 1993-2000; Clifford Scott High School 1987-1990
Other Athletic Accomplishments: 1980-82 – NJ State Champions – Clifford Scott High School. 1000 point scorer – Franklin Pierce College; 2-time All conference player in college
Coach's Statement: Coaching is about nurturing excellence both on and off the court.
Fay Lonsinger - Girl's Lacrosse
flonsinger@gmail.com
Coaching Position(s) at MKA: Girl's Varsity Lacrosse (Head Coach)
Years at MKA: 3
College(s) or University(s) Attended & Degree: Georgetown University, Bachelor of Arts & Sciences (BAS)
Prior Coaching Experience: Girl's Varsity Lacrosse Head Coach Montclair HS, Glen Ridge & Verona Youth Lacrosse
Other Athletic Accomplishments: Choate Rosemary Hall: Soccer Captain, Volleyball, Lacrosse Captain, MVP, HM All American; 1991-1995 Georgetown Lacrosse 4 year starter, Captain, MVP
Coach's Statement: I love coaching, but more importantly I love coaching lacrosse. There is not a day that I don't love to pick up my stick, and I just turned 40!!! The game is fast paced and non-stop action. All athletes are welcome and usually get drawn into the fun. There are so many concepts to learn, It never gets old, never get boring. Anyone with heart and hustle welcome to play!!!
Ralph Pacifico - Baseball
rpacifico@mka.org
Coaching position(s) at MKA: Boy’s Varsity Baseball (Head Coach)
Years at MKA: 21
College(s) or University(s) Attended & Degree: University of New Haven - BA Education; Seton Hall University; Montclair State University
Prior Coaching Experience: West Orange HS Asst Football Coach 1987-88; Irvington HS Asst Football coach 89-91; MKA Head Football coach 92-99; Montclair State University Assist Coach 2000-present
Other Athletic Accomplishments: 1985 Philadelphia Eagles (Training Camp); 1985 Baltimore Stars (USFL); 1986 Toronto Argonauts
HOF Immaculate Conception HS; Essex County Baseball Coach of the Year (1997)
Colonial Hills Conference Coach of the Year (2002), Colonial Hills Conference Coach of the Year (2009).
Coach's Statement: The baseball program at MKA provides student-athletes with a firm knowledge of the game through excellent coaching and instruction. The main goals of the program are to place our student-athletes in a position to succeed by stressing hard work, fundamentals, dedication, and respect for the game. Baseball at MKA provides this by scheduling top-flight teams in both the state and county. We pride ourselves on being prepared and willing to take on any challenge provided.
Kieran Patrick - Girls' Soccer
kpatrick@sports-domain.com
Coaching position(s) at MKA: Girl’s Varsity Soccer (Head Coach)
Years at MKA: 3
College(s) or University(s) Attended & Degree: BSc (Hons) Leeds Metropolitan University, UK, BTEC (National Diploma) Wakefield College Institute of Sports and Education, UK
Prior Coaching Experience: MKA Girls' Varsity Soccer Coach 2009-2011, Director of Education for TeamTraining/Head of Youth Development, Ashley's Soccer Camp 2001 - present
Other Athletic Accomplishments: As a youth player, Coach Patrick had the opportunity to represent the youth teams of Barnsley, Sheffield United, Rotherham United and Scunthorpe United professional British Football Clubs. During his time in college, he represented Great Britain Colleges U19 team on 6 occasions, in addition to playing as a semi-professional before injuries limited his playing career in the UK.
Coach's Statement:
Jordan Raper - Boys' Soccer
jraper@mka.org
Coaching position(s) at MKA: Boy’s Varsity Soccer (Head Coach)
Years at MKA: 5
College(s) or University(s) Attended & Degree:
Leeds Carnegie University, UK, B. Ed
Prior Coaching Experience: 2007-present, Director of Operations and of Staff Development, Ashley's Soccer Camp, Head Coach Match Fit Academy U16 girls (SYL National Finalists 2005, 06), Head Coach Montclair U11G (State Cup Finalist 2007), Academy Director Soccer Domain 2001-07. Leeds Carnegie Men’s Soccer 1996-1998; Leeds United Ladies 1998-1999; Montclair United Marauders 2001-2006 (NJ State Finalists, US Club National Finalists); Montclair United Colchesters 2003-present (NJ State Finalists, Jefferson Cup Winners); Montclair United Thunderbolts 2007-present (US Soccer National League 2008)
Other Athletic Accomplishments: Leeds Metropolitan University Men's Soccer, Warrington Town semi-pro team, Denaby & Cadbey Semi-pro team. Four Year starter at Leeds Carnegie (U.K. Final Four 1996, 97), England Schoolboys Cricket, South Yorkshire Schools Rugby.
Coach's Statement: A coach’s biggest goal is to communicate to and teach his / her players in every aspect of the game and life. Coaches are responsible for more than just the game itself.
Jessica Sarfati - Softball
jsarfati@mka.org
Coaching position(s) at MKA: Varsity Softball
Years at MKA - 3
College(s) or University(s) Attended & Degree: Bates College B.A., Montclair State University M.A.T.
Prior Coaching Experience: MKA Assistant Varsity Softball Coach 2008-2010; MKA Interim Head Varsity Softball Coach 2010; Softball Clinic Director for Montclair Parks and Recreation - Summers 2004, 2005, 2006; American Softball Association Assistant
Travel Softball Coach (14 and Under) - Summers 2003, 2004, 2005.
Other Athletic Accomplishments: Bates College – Catcher for Division III program in NESCAC. Montclair High School – Four-year starter and senior captain, Two-Time NJ Group IV All-State Catcher, Two-Time First Team All County Catcher, Two-Time First
Team All League Catcher.
Coach's Statement: Wins and losses are not the only measurement of success in high school sports. Success can also be measured by a team’s work ethic, skill improvement, and enthusiasm and heart. Years from now, players may not remember their win/loss
record, but hopefully, they will remember the camaraderie of their team and the special moments when they came from behind to win a game simply because of determination, focus, and hard work.
Mike Tully - Girls' Volleyball
edgetully@optonline.net
Coaching position(s) at MKA: Girl’s Volleyball (Head Coach), Middle School Softball (Assistant Coach)
Years at MKA: 7
College(s) or University(s) Attended & Degree: Holy Cross College - English
Prior Coaching Experience: Lacordaire Academy 1991-2004; College of St. Elizabeth
Other Athletic Accomplishments: National Baseball Writer, United Press International, 2008 NJSCA Girls' Volleyball Coach of the Year.
Coach's Statement: Have fun…work hard…get better!
Kerry Verrone - Fencing
kverrone@mka.org
Coaching position(s) at MKA: Boy’s and Girl’s Varsity Fencing (Head Coach) and Middle School Fencing Coach.
Years at MKA: 8
College(s) or University(s) Attended & Degree: Brown University - A.B. Egyptology & Ancient Studies; Yale University - M.A. Near Eastern Languages & Civilizations (Egyptology)
Other Athletic Accomplishments: Foil Captain - Brown University Fencing Team (1999-2000); 3rd Place – New England Fencing Championships (2000); NJ Prep-State Champions – Oak Knoll School (1998)
Coach's Statement: I believe that the first goal for any fencing coach should be encouraging as many kids as possible to become familiar with this unique sport. My primary focus is footwork, and much practice time is spent drilling the technical aspects of movement, while considering their tactical implications. Overall, I stress to each fencer the importance of his/her individual contribution for the success of the entire team.
Bill Wing - Girls' Varsity Tennis Coach
bwtta@aol.com
Coaching position(s) at MKA: Girls' Varsity Tennis Coach
Years at MKA: 15
College(s) or University(s) Attended & Degree: Suffolk University - BS Psychology
Prior Coaching Experience: Newton North HS Boys Tennis Coach; Passiac Valley HS Boys Tennis Coach; Drew University Mens Tennis Coach; Seton Hall University Mens Tennis Coach
Other Athletic Accomplishments: 2004 New Jersey (Star Ledger) Girls Tennis Coach of the Year; 2-time Essex County Coach of the Year
Coach's Statement: The philosophy of the girls varsity tennis program is to compete at the highest level of competition while maintaining sportsmanship and teamwork in an enjoyable environment.
