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About our Coaches

Our coaches bring a love of volleyball and a wide variety of coaching and volleyball experience.  All of our coaches are SafeSport Certified, IMPACT Certified and background checked through USA Volleyball.  Many of them are also coaches of successful high school programs, some are current or former college players and some work full-time and simply have a love of volleyball and giving back to youth and the community.  Our HP coaches are all current or former high school coaches with extensive coaching experience.

Gail Ericson

Club Director

Gail coached at Bristol Eastern High School from 1982 until 2005. During those 23 years, her record was 332 – 139. Also during those 23 years, they qualified for the state tournament 21 times.

Bristol Eastern won 15 league championships and played in the state championship finals six times and won 3 state championships during her tenure.

In 1990, Gail was named the Connecticut High School Coaches Association’s Outstanding Coach and in 1996 and 2000 she was the National High School Athletic Coaches Association’s Regional Coach of the Year finalist.

Off the court, Gail has served as the CIAC State Tournament Committee for 21 years and was a founder of the Senior All-Star game. She was the chairman of the CHSCA all-state selection committee and co-chair the national volleyball clinic in 1996 and 2002.

She has been the director of Bristol Crush for many years and has had a major impact in growing the sport of volleyball in our state

Lance Pepper

Co-Club Director

2010 AVCA Second Team All American-Oliver Wolcott Tech

2012 Endicott College Men's Volleyball Player

2014 & 2015 Endicott College Women's Volleyball Assistant Coach

2016-2018 JV Bristol Central Girls Volleyball Coach

2019-present Bristol Central Varsity Volleyball Coach 

  • 97-44 record, CCC-South Champs 2022 and 2023
  • 2022 and 2024 Class L State Runner up
  • Multiple All State, All Conference, Senior All Star Players

2018-present Bristol Boys and Girls Crush Club Coach

2022 AVCA 30 under 30 Coach award honoree

Xia'ian Carrasco

18 HP Head Coach

After playing  volleyball at Southern Connecticut State University, I started at Crush in 2019. Here at Crush, I have coached regional age groups from 15-18, finding lots of success with each group. In 2020, I began coaching at Bristol Central, back where the love of volleyball all began for me. After two years of coaching freshmen, I am now on my third junior varsity season at BC, continuing to strengthen individuals and the program itself. Since being at BC, the program has won the CCC South championship back to back while also being runners up for the state title in 2022. For me, coaching is everything! As a woman, I’m always looking to be a role model and show the young girls that they can do it all and do it well! There’s nothing better than celebrating individuality and giving young girls a place to be comfortable in making mistakes and learning from them. I can’t wait to have another healthy and successful season.

Julie Lindquist

18 HP Assistant Coach 

Highly dedicated and passionate coach who strives to instill excellence and respect in my players on and off the court. Champion of developing and strengthening player fundamentals, and creating opportunities for overall player growth.

  • Currently in my second year as JV Coach at St. Paul Catholic High School
  • Entering my second year coaching at Bristol Crush Volleyball

  •  ​2024 NERVA season: 14U Regional – Finished with 1 Gold, 1 Silver medal

Coaching philosophy

  • Passionate about creating a safe, supportive and motivating environment for all players
  • Fundamentals enthusiast
  • There are no shortcuts; hard work is always the key and 100% effort is always expected!

Lindsey Brothwell

18 HP Coach in Training 

My name is Lindsey Brothwell. I graduated this year from Bristol Central High School and am currently going to Cosmetology School. I played volleyball all through middle and high school and also played at Crush for 6 years. I am very excited to continue with my love for volleyball and start my training to be a coach!

Mikayla Martin

18-2 Head Coach

This will be Mikayla’s 6th year coaching. Bristol eastern graduate of 2017 where I played for four years I’ve coached Cromwell HS in 2018 and also played college volleyball @ University of Bridgeport in 2017. I love working with dedicated and coachable girls and very excited to return to Crush this year!

Amber Blais

18-2 Assistant Coach

This is my 3rd season helping out as an assistant coach with Crush Volleyball. I've played at Bristol Eastern high school and graduated in 2019. I've also played my off-seasons with Crush. During the week I work as a Registered Nurse at a surgical center while also participating in an online program to achieve my BSN. I love volleyball and can't wait for this season!!

Briana Daniele

17 HP Head Coach

Experience

  • Over 15 years as a volleyball coach
  • Worked with athletes at high school and club levels
  • Known for developing well-rounded players excelling on and off the court

Coaching Philosophy

  • Advocates a holistic coaching approach
  • Focuses on:
    • Technical skills
    • Tactical knowledge
    • Strong team dynamics
  • Certified USA Volleyball coach
  • Completed numerous coaching clinics and workshops
  • Multiple trophies in regional and high-performance tournaments
  • Coached several all-conference and all-state players
  • Enjoys spending free time with family, especially nieces and nephews
  • Passionate about mentoring young athletes into confident, well-rounded individuals

Tyler Meccariello

17 HP Assistant Coach

Tyler Meccariello is an assistant coach for Crush Volleyball with over five years of experience developing athletes in the program. A former high school libero, Tyler brings a deep understanding of the game’s skills and a commitment to fostering both skill and confidence in each player. With a background that includes five years of high school JV coaching, he’s dedicated to creating a positive and motivating environment that inspires players to push their limits.

Joe Sobowicz

17-2 Head Coach

Graduated from Springfield College with a degree in Physical Education and Health.

Coaching Experience:

  • Farmington High School (2014-2021):
    • Won conference championships five times.
  • Canton High School (2 years):
    • Achieved record for highest win percentage in program history.
    • Reached highest state tournament ranking and conference finish.
  • Kingswood Oxford (Current):
    • Head girls volleyball coach, aiming to establish a top program in New England.
  • Coached numerous all-state and all-conference players

Coaching Philosophy:

  • Prioritize hard work, fun, and team connection.
  • Strive to create an envied standard of play and camaraderie.
  • Focus on building relationships and empowering athletes to achieve their goals on and off the court.

Riley Maloney

17-2 Assistant Coach

 

Graduated from Maloney High School (2016) and Villanova University (2020) with a degree in Secondary Education. 

Currently teaching 6th grade Social Studies in Newington

Coaching Experience:

- Maloney High School Freshman Coach (2020-2021)

- St. Paul Catholic High School Head Coach (2022-Present)

          - Career Record: 32-15

          - Coached multiple all-conference and all-state players

This will be my first year coaching with Crush. I can't wait to get started!!

Adam Viviano

16 HP Head Coach

 Coached at Bristol Crush since 2017 including both HP and regional at the 14U, 15U, 16U, and 18U level. Coached at Platt High School in Meriden for 6 years, including 4 years as the Head Coach. Played volleyball at the high school and college club level at Southington High School and CCSU respectively.

Aliana Rivoira

16 HP Assistant Coach

I'm thrilled to join the Crush coaching staff for my first season! I was a three-year varsity starter at Bristol Eastern High School where I played as a setter and had the honor of being named team captain during my senior year. That same year, I was recognized as Player of the Year by the Hartford Courant. I have also had the privilege of coaching clinics and providing one-on-one training in the past, and I’m excited to bring that experience to the team. I graduated from Penn State in 2023, where I earned my bachelor's degree in kinesiology. I am currently pursuing my master's degree in occupational therapy at the University of Hartford. I can’t wait to bring my passion for volleyball and teamwork to this upcoming season with Crush!

Scott Dumond

16-2 Head Coach

Scott Dumond, coaching volleyball for 15 years. 1 year at Husky 15u, 3 years at Velocity running the 14u program with 2 gold an 1 silver in New England championships, 4 years at Crush 15u and 16u. Head coach at Bacon Academy for last 8 years, won conference championship in 2021

Saba Rodriguez

16-2 Assistant Coach

Hello! My name is Saba and I’m a proud assistant coach for Bristol Crush. This is my second year being an assistant. I also coached basketball and volleyball at the Waterbury Police Activity League for girls ages 7-14. I’m very passionate about volleyball and I love being a team player. Outside of Crush, I am a full time college student and work as a dental assistant.

Sojan Sebastian

16-2 Assistant Coach

I am a very passionate volleyball player and have been playing volleyball for 25 years . I have played at various school, college, and state level tournaments. I started coaching at Crush in 2023. My experience as a volleyball player and the love of the game are my biggest assets and I am thrilled to coach young players to create winning teams. I am also a certified volleyball official and know the rules of the game. I believe discipline and hardwork are key to success and there are no shortcuts. I will be focusing on the individual growth of the players and building the team dynamics.

Abby Pirog

15 HP Head Coach

 I’ve been coaching for 2 years at Bristol Crush, I’ve coach 14R and 15Hp and 2 years at Bristol Central. Prior to coaching I played volleyball at Bristol Central as a middle. I am currently studying Elementary Education at UConn.

Olivia Fiorito

15 HP Assistant Coach

 

This will be my 2nd year assistant coaching crush with coach Abby. I played here at Bristol Crush for 4 years from 2017-2021. I graduated from Bristol Central high school in 2022 where I also played volleyball all 4 years as a DS/libero. I’m excited to be back for another season coaching at Bristol Crush with coach Abby and can’t wait to see what this season brings!

Becca Bender

15-2 Coach

Hello everyone! My name is Rebecca Bender and I am thrilled to be rejoining the coaching team at Crush. With over 12 years of volleyball experience, I’ve had the pleasure of playing a variety of positions (with Libero being my favorite), attending various volleyball clinics and workshops, being a Crush Regional and High Performance player for 6 seasons, and being the Assistant Coach of a Crush 17U team back in 2021. In high school, I played for Bristol Eastern in which I was captain and help lead my team to an undefeated regular season my senior year. In May 2024, I graduated from the University of Connecticut with my bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering. I currently work as an Application and Sales Engineer at Henkel in Rocky Hill, CT. Outside of volleyball and work, I love cooking, kickboxing, and traveling. I can’t wait for the season to start!

Brooke Dorsio

15-2 Assistant Coach

I am a dedicated coach with a strong background in volleyball, having served as a senior captain and outside hitter for Bristol Eastern High School that achieved a 23-2 record. Over the past two years, I have brought that competitive spirit and leadership to coaching, inspiring athletes to develop their skills and foster teamwork. I miss playing so much and love that I get to watch my teams gain confidence and really just have fun on the court. I’m excited to have a great season!

Grace Higgins

15-2 Assistant Coach

Hi I’m Grace Higgins! I just finished my senior season as a state finalist with Bristol Central Volleyball. I was a four year varsity player and two year captain. I started travel at crush in middle school and I participated in a few different travel teams including two years on a national level team. I’m so excited to get to know all of you and help you develop your skills!!

Amanda Hatfield

15-3 Coach

Hello! My name is Amanda Hatfield and this will be my first year coaching Bristol Crush. I have been the freshman volleyball coach for Avon high school for 4 years and have been coaching in total 5 years. I am originally from Maryland and have played volleyball many years. I am really excited for this season of Bristol Crush. I am very passionate about volleyball and can’t wait to help the players and show them the love I have for volleyball.

Brianna Stifel

14 HP Coach

 I am a junior at Central Connecticut State University majoring in Elementary Education with a focus in biology. I am thrilled to be continuing my coaching career at crush! This will be my third season coaching here, previously I have been an assistant coach for 16HP and 17HP along with coaching a few clinics during the off season. Outside of club, I coach Girls at Wilcox Tech in Meriden and Boys at Lewis Mills. I am very excited to get to know a new group of girls and encourage them to the best that they can on and off the court!

Adnel Torres

14 HP Assistant Coach

My name is Adnel Torres and I am super excited to be coaching with crush this year. I began my coaching career assisting at Maloney which is also where I started playing. As a coach I believe in always having a way to improve and get better to help my players get to the next level.

Emma Pirog

14 HP Assistant Coach

I was a middle blocker and played volleyball at Greene hills k-8, Bristol central high school and crush for 5 years. This will be my second year coaching and I am very excited for this upcoming season. My favorite thing about coaching is seeing the young athletes progress through out the season and watching their confidence grow stronger every time they step onto pthe court. I am currently a toddler teacher at a daycare in Plainville ct and enjoy being a role model for any child or athlete. I look forward to having a very successful and fun upcoming season!

Jadyn Bauer

14-1 Coach

Hi! My name is Jadyn Bauer, and this is my first season coaching in Crush. A little bit about myself, I am currently a senior in college at the University of New Haven and will be graduating with my Bachelor’s in Forensic Science this December. I will be continuing my education at the same university by getting my Master’s in Cellular and Molecular Biology. I played volleyball from middle school up until my senior year of high school, but I do occasionally play sand during the summer. I have coached the Bristol summer league as well as been apart of a summer clinic and excited to continue helping girls with their skills and love the sport.

Destiny Potter

14-1 Coach

My name is Destiny Potter and this is going to be my first year coaching crush! I’m currently a senior at UConn and I’ll be graduating this December. I’ve played volleyball through high school and have continued to play in summer and pick up games throughout the year. This past summer I coached summer league and it really opened my eyes to a new lens of volleyball. I hope to give back what I’ve learned and help more girls grow their passion for the sport.

Andrew Beaucar

13-1 Head Coach

My name is Andrew Beaucar and I am excited to go into my third season coaching with Crush! I graduated from CCSU with a degree in Physical and Health Education and currently serve as an educator for Bristol Public Schools. I have been a head coach for one of our great Bristol middle school teams for the past three seasons. I coached numerous camps and clinics throughout Bristol and surrounding towns, including our summer programs here at the club! I also coach multiple sports across middle school and youth levels. I am excited to provide another hardworking, engaging, and successful season for our middle schoolers!

 

Shannon Piangozza

13-1 Assistant Coach