When we arrive at a destination in our life that’s good, there are always people that have provided positive influence along the way. This page is my way of recognizing the folks that have done that for me. After all, I find myself doing what I love to do and I couldn’t have done it without them.

Veronica (wife)

Although she wasn’t there when it all started, she has been a pillar of strength ever since our paths crossed. Yes it’s true; behind every good man is a great woman. She has and continues to endure the long hours, traveling and mental demands of the coaching profession. And she has not only endured it, but embraced it and supported my pursuit to be a dedicated and professional coach. You really can’t ask for more than she is…I’m grateful to have met her.

Mom (Joyce) and Dad (Bob)

Thanks for reasons that need no explanation. They’ve always been supportive no matter what chips were, or weren’t, on the table. I can’t thank you enough. I love you both.

Thanks to Arrow Eagle Productions, Inc. (www.arrow-eagle.com) for producing the website, as always, a job well done.

Dion (brother)

He brought the game back to me from college when I was in high school. And although I never had a coach, I had plenty of mentors at the beach, him included. Thanks for the introduction, the patience, and lessons along the way. I also owe him thanks for my first coaching position as his assistant. I don’t think either of us realized what kind of impact it was going to have on my life. It’s all been for the better.

Jim Clougherty (Central Delaware Juniors Volleyball Club)

The founder of CDJVC, Jim has made a commitment to providing opportunities for young girls who are interested in gaining exposure to club volleyball. If I’m not mistaken, Jim produced the first volleyball club for Kent and Sussex counties in Delaware. In an area where volleyball is still in its infancy, Jim has done well to promote the sport in a positive manner.  Not only did Jim give young female athletes an opportunity, but he gave young enthusiastic “wanna be” coaches a chance. Jim was good enough to give me my first opportunity as a head coach in the club ranks. Perhaps I can return the favor somehow, someday.

Brian Lessard (Saint Thomas More Academy)

After Jim Clougherty was kind enough to introduce us, Brian gave me my first opportunity at the High School level. Brian’s story at STMA is pretty amazing but too lengthy to tell here. I think the following story will best depict his ability as a coach and what kind of impact he’s had on me. In the second year of existence as a school and with its first varsity squad, Brian was able to lead his Lady Ravens to a State Tournament birth. Understand, STMA had a graduating class of twelve students that year. There were no cuts in the beginning of the season, and still aren’t in his program, and the bench was so thin that if one player was sick and one player was injured during the match, we were in real jeopardy of forfeiting the game. The only decision was to determine who was going to be scarred less in the long run, the sick player or the injured player, because one of them was probably going back into the game. (I’m kidding; he would have forfeited the game; although some of his players would have gone in regardless of their injuries or poor health.)

In the years that I worked with Brian, he provided two invaluable lessons - One, how to get more out of less; and two, the need for effective communication. He’s also the reason Koa exists. Hopefully my return to the mainland has been beneficial to your program.

Luis Ramirez (ASICS Rainbows Volleyball Club and formerly of Iolani High School)

The write up on Luis is also too lengthy. His background speaks for itself. He was a member of the Dominican Republic National team for something like 12 years. He currently directs and coaches successful club teams that are competitive at the national level (Junior Olympics). And at the High School level, he led Iolani High School to a HSSAA (Hawaii’s State) Championship Title in boy’s volleyball in 2003.

I was fortunate enough to get a hold of Luis right after my arrival in Hawaii (thanks Judy Hiramoto for giving me his number). After our first contact, he brought me into ASICS’ Club scene as an assistant for two of the teams. I was taken back by how hard he pushed athletes. He simply pushes players to limits they never realized they had. Luis shows players how to be successful and then he demands their best.

Luis has given me some powerful insight on how to maximize player development. He’s unselfishly shared his knowledge and experiences. And he’s opened the door for my current, and hopefully continued, success in Hawaii.

There are literally hundreds of people to thank and my career has just started. From the players to the parents, from the high school Athletic Directors to coaching staff, they all contribute to our success in one way or another. I can’t thank everyone enough for their positive influence in my life, but I must try. And the only way I know how is to continuously pursue excellence as a coach.