Author Archive: Jared

Ruth Hewston

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Ruth Hewston had a love for athletics her entire life and started teaching sports, including volleyball, to children at the town park and recreation summer programs while she was still in high school.

Ruth carried this love into her teaching career by earning a degree in Physical Education at Southern Connecticut State College, currently Southern Connecticut State University. Shortly after beginning her teaching career at Bristol Eastern High School, she would also begin her coaching career. Ruth coached for a decade where she made lifelong friendships and fostered the love of volleyball, teaching and coaching; including Coral Richardson a Connecticut Women’s Volleyball Hall of Fame (CWVBHF) 2023 inductee. Coral would continue to influence Ruth for many years after high school, sharing their passion for coaching and officiating. She began officiating girls’ volleyball in 1982 and continued for 40 years.

Along with her career in coaching and officiating girls’ volleyball, Ruth also played a major role in the development of the boys’ volleyball program from a club to an officially sanctioned Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) high school sport, and would become the leagues assignor for more than 40 years. Blessed to create lifelong friendships with Heather Kursman, Shirley Breuer, CWVBHF Class of 2016, Liz Alling, Brian Hurlock, and along with many others.

In addition, Ruth volunteered with the Special Olympics and Unified Sports. She was honored to be selected as an official for the World Special Olympics held in New Haven, Connecticut in 1995. Ruth was the recipient of the Michael’s Jewelers Unified Sports Cup Friends of Unified Sports, as well as the 2024 Boys’ Volleyball Official of the year.

Dominic D’Aurio

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Over the course of more than three decades, Dom was influenced by many officials, assigners, and mentors who shaped his approach to officiating. Rather than credit just one person, he is grateful for the collective impact of those who guided him, challenged him, and helped him grow into the well-respected official and leader he is today.

Before becoming an official, Dom was an avid athlete. His early experiences as a player gave him a firsthand appreciation for sportsmanship, preparation, and respect for the rules – values that would later define his officiating career.

In volleyball, Dom served as an official for 21 years with Southern Connecticut Board of Volleyball Officials (SCBVO) and held the role of Board President for 12 years. He also led the Connecticut State Board of Officials as President for 8 years, helping to elevate the standards of officiating across the state of Connecticut. Since 2017, he has played a key role in training new volleyball officials each summer, focusing on professional development and his signature specialty: “How to Deal with Difficult Coaches”.

In softball, Dom officiated for 32 years and spent 15 of those as an assigner. He worked 14 Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) State Finals and was named Connecticut Softball Umpire of the Year in 2016. For 12 years, he also served on the Executive Board of the Scholar Athlete Classic, helping to award over $63, 000 in scholarships and special gifts to graduating seniors who exemplified excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in their communities.

In basketball, he served as an official for 27 years with both the International Association Approved Basketball Official (IAABO) and the Connecticut Board of Certified Basketball Officials (CBCBO), earning respect for his calm demeanor and strong court presence.

In soccer, Dom officiated for 20 years and acted as co-assigner for 12 years, helping to strengthen the infrastructure and reliability of scheduling across the sport. He was among the first in Connecticut to adopt and promote Arbiter, a digital assigning and scheduling tool, and assisted in other sports in learning and implementing the platform.

In 2024, Dom relocated to Georgia, where he continues to give back to the officiating community by working in volleyball, softball, and basketball – bringing his experience, leadership, and commitment to excellence to a new region.

Jen Bowman

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Jennifer Bowman, a native of Greensboro, Maryland, has spent her life immersed in sport- as an exceptional two-sport athlete and as a decorated collegiate coach. At Salisbury University in Maryland, she was a four-year letter winner in both volleyball and softball, earning two American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA), All-Region honors, the 1992 Eastern States Athletic Conference (ESAC), Volleyball Player of the Year, and the 1995 Capital Athletic Conference (CAC), Softball Player of the Year. She was a five-time All-Conference selection across both sports and was inducted into the Salisbury University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007. After tearing her ACL during her senior year volleyball season, Bowman discovered the profound impact she could have from the bench, igniting a lifelong passion for coaching.

Her coaching journey began at Salisbury as a graduate assistant for both volleyball and softball, while also teaching in the physical education department. She quickly advanced to head coaching roles, compiling a 72-9 record at Frostburg State in Maryland, and earning 1999 NCAA Mid-Atlantic Region Coach of the Year. At Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, Jen led the Bobcats from 2000-2003, earning New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), Coach of the Year in 2003 and finishing with a 105-41 record.

Since 2004, Bowman has served as Head Women’s Volleyball Coach and Professor of Physical Education at Trinity College in Harford, Connecticut. She is the program’s all-time winningest coach, guiding the Bantams to 14 NESCAC Tournament appearances and 16 double-digit win seasons. Entering the 2025 season, Bowman’s career record stands at 442-270.

More than wins, Bowman’s legacy lies in her investment in student-athletes. Her teams have earned AVCA Academic All-American honors 17 times, including a 3.68 team GPA in 2024-2025. Her teams have consistently supported causes in the community, including Dig Pink, Hands on Hartford, and the Hartford Humane Society. Bowman has coached 17 All-Conference players, five All-Americans, and four NESCAC Defensive Players of the Year. She has built a culture based on academic excellence, personal growth, and team success.

Noelle Emmette Raymond

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Noelle attended Middletown High School in Middletown, Connecticut from 1984 to 1988. A natural multi-sport athlete, she rowed crew every spring apart from her senior year on the softball team. However, volleyball each fall was always her true passion. Under the guidance of Coach Paula Smalec-Astramowicz, a Connecticut Women’s Volleyball Hall of Fame (CWVBHF) Class of 2005 during her first year, Noelle quickly developed a strong foundation in the sport. Her growth as an athlete was further influenced by #1 Total Volleyball Camp, run by CWVBHF Class of 1998 inductee Debbie Chin. Even after Coach Astramowicz departed after only one season, Noelle continued to excel, earning All-Conference honors all four years, and serving as captain in her senior year.

Noelle’s success at Middletown High School led to a volleyball scholarship to Bryant University, where her career flourished. As a freshman, she was named the Northeast 10 Rookie of the Year, and by her senior year, she had earned numerous accolades, including 1st Team All-Conference selections (1988-1991),

NE10 Player of the Year (1991), again served as captain her senior year, and earned a spot on the American Volleyball Coaches Association AVCA Northeast All-Region team (1991). In addition, she was also named Bryant’s Outstanding Female Athlete in 1991.

Many years post-graduation, her impressive hitting percentage and kills/match stats drew the attention of the current Bulldogs Coach Theresa Garlacy. She extended an invitation, leading to Noelle’s induction into the Bryant University Athletics Hall of Fame, Class of 2006.

After college, she continued to play volleyball on various women’s and co-ed teams, in leagues and at tournaments. In one such league, she met her husband, David Raymond. Today Noelle works as a personal trainer at the Southington Community YMCA. Since 2012 she has been involved with referring, running, and supporting the Southington YMCA volleyball league.

Victor Rivera

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With over 30 years of coaching experience at the high school, club, and collegiate levels, Victor has dedicated his career to developing athletes and building championship caliber programs.

Victor currently serves as the Director of Player Development for the Husky Volleyball Club in Hartford, Connecticut and as the assistant varsity girls’ volleyball coach at both Glastonbury High School and South Windsor High School.

Victor coaching journey with the Husky Volleyball Club began as the Head Coach of the 18-1 National Team (2003-2014), as well as the Head Coach for the Husky 15-1 National Team (2022-2024). He was also the Regional Court Coach Director (2018-2021), where he helped elevate player performance and coaches at the regional level.

At the high school level, Victor has led several programs, including:

* Head Coach, Girls Volleyball, Maloney High School, Meriden, Connecticut  (1999-2006) and (2012-2015)

* Head Coach, Girls Volleyball, Middletown High School, Middletown, Connecticut (2009-2011)

* Head Coach, Girls Volleyball, East Hampton High School,  East Hampton, Connecticut (2008-2009)

* Head Coach, Boys Volleyball, Maloney High School, Meriden, Connecticut (1998-2004)

* Head Coach, Platt High School, Meriden, Connecticut (1996-1998)

Victor’s collegiate coaching experience includes serving as the Assistant Women’s Volleyball Coach at the University of Hartford in Hartford, Connecticut (1994-1995). He would then spend a decade working with athletes at the Connecticut Juniors Volleyball Club in Woodbridge, Connecticut, leading the 15’s, 16’s, and 18’s teams from (1992-2002)

Throughout his career, Victor has guided teams to their highest achievements, including:

* 1999 Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC Class M State Championship with the Maloney Boys’ Volleyball team.

* 2002 Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference CIAC Class L State Championship with the Maloney Girls’ Volleyball team. This team had a record of 25-0, finished the season ranked #1 in Connecticut, and was inducted into the Maloney High School Hall of Fame Class of 2014.

Over the course of his career, Victor guided his teams to numerous accolades, including: 34 All-Conference players, 8 All-State players, 1 Gatorade Player of the Year in 2002 Leah Hettrick, Connecticut Women’s Volleyball Hall of Fame (CWVBHF) inductee in 2012, 1 NCAA Collegiate All-American, Central Connecticut Conference (CCC) Champions in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005 and CCC Tournament Champions in 2000, 2002, and 2005.

Victor is passionate about cultivating athletes’ skills, fostering character, and preparing them for success on and off the court. Victor has led the popular Senior All-Star Game since 2014 and is currently the Athletic Director at Weaver High School in Hartford, Connecticut.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michelle Abraham

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Michelle Abraham was born and raised in New Britain, Connecticut. She is the daughter of Rosalie and Edward Abraham. Michelle is a proud product of a supportive family and the New Britain Public Schools.

Graduating from New Britain High School in 1985, she was a three-sport letter recipient: volleyball, basketball, and softball. Upon graduating Michelle matriculated to Central Connecticut State University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, a Masters’ degree in Reading Instruction, as well as a 6th year degree.

Prior to attending Central Connecticut State University, legendary softball Coach Ron Pringle recruited Michelle to lead his team as a pitcher. Fulfilling her destiny, Michelle went on to star for the Blue Devils. Some of her career pitching highlights are an ERA Earned Run Average of 2.29, total innings pitched 329, with 47 complete games while capturing 25 career wins. In 1988 Michelle received the Central Connecticut State University Scholar Athlete Award. Michelle considers Coach Pringle as her biggest influence for her coaching career. He was a mentor, coach, and most importantly a friend in the hardest times. His compassion for all people and his love of sport resonated strongly with everything Michelle believes in as a coach, educator, and good person.

As a “home grown product”, Michelle continues to be driven to give back to the schools and the community that afforded her many opportunities. She has been a teacher and a coach with the New Britain Consolidated School District for the past 35 years. Ms. Abraham has also been successful throughout her career as an educator. She has taught and mentored students at all levels of education in New Britain: elementary, middle school, and currently at the high school level. As an educator, Michelle was selected as the 2013-2014 New Britain Public Schools- Brookside- Teacher of the Year.

Michelle’s coaching career in New Britain started in 1988 as the head volleyball coach, taking over for well-known Coach Bill Ackerman and has been New Britain’s Head Coach for 38 seasons. In addition to coaching volleyball Michelle coached girls’ basketball as an assistant coach (1988-2003) with Hall of Fame Coach and long-time friend Beryl Piper.

During her reign as head volleyball coach, Michelle has recorded an overall record of 371 wins and 354 losses. Her teams have qualified for the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) State Tournament a total of 20 seasons. Appearing in 6 quarter finals, earning 5 League/Division Championships, 1998 Runner-up – Class LL with a record of 23-2, and in 1999 the CIAC Class LL State Championship with a record of 25-0.

In 2018 Michelle started a boys’ volleyball program at New Britain High School, which has qualified for the CIAC state tournament over the past four seasons. In addition, in 2023 and 2025 they tied for the division championship. Having an overall record of 50-27 the last four seasons.

Michelle has been named to the Connecticut High School Coaches Association as Volleyball Coach of the Year in 2002, Connecticut Nominee for National Coach of the Year in 2008, The New Britain Sports Hall of Fame in 2016, and in 2018 Connecticut Finalist for National Coach of the Year.

Michelle enjoys golfing, shopping, cooking/baking, and watching many amateur to professional sports. During her free time, she enjoys spending time at the Connecticut shore where she plans to retire with her Labrador retrievers – Delta and Chateau, her family, and friends. Upon retirement she hopes to volunteer at High Hopes disabilities as well as challenging life circumstances.

 

 

 

 

 

Corinne Horanzy

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Corinne Horanzy competed for four years at Southington High School in Southington, Connecticut, graduating in 2013. As a senior, she served as team captain and concluded her high school career with impressive statistics: 772 kills, 571 digs, and 131 aces. She was part of Southington’s 2009 Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) State Championship team. She also helped lead the team to the Class LL Championship appearance in 2010, 2011, and 2012.

Corinne was named to the All-State First Team and All-Conference Team in both 2011 and 2012. In recognition of her outstanding performance, she was honored with the 2012 Connecticut High School Coaches Association (CHSCA) Pro-Grass Player of the Year Award. During the off-season, she played competitively with the Connecticut Juniors Club Team in Woodbridge, Connecticut.

Following high school, Corinne continued her volleyball career at the University of Hartford, where she made an immediate impact by playing in all 30 matches as a freshman. She was named to the 2013 American East All-Rookie Team and concluded her first season with 209 kills, 12 assists, 17 aces, 14 blocks, and 197 digs. She recorded double-digit kills in nine matches, including a career-high 17 kills with a .400 hitting percentage against University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Her academic achievements were equally commendable, earning her a place on the American East Academic Honor Roll.

Corinne graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science. She was awarded the Clinical Excellence Award in Radiologic Technology in 2016 and received the Clinical Excellence Award in Ultrasound in 2017. Furthering her professional credentials, she obtained certification in Mammography in 2020.

In 2012, Corinne married Benjamin Roberts. They are proud parents to their daughter, Madison.

Class of 2024

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Class of 2024

Rosie Della Ventura, Tiffany Gancarz, Jeana T. Roche, Jeff Dyreson, Karen Anderson, Laura Arena, Marianna Linnehan

Rosie Della Ventura

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Growing up, Rosie’s love for sports was perpetual. Instead of playing with dolls, she would beg her brother to play baseball with him and his friends. The love of sports has remained with Rosie to this day, as she is active in golf and officiating girls high school volleyball.

Organized volleyball was introduced at the early age of twelve; the year was 1964. While attending Irving A. Robbins Junior High School in Farmington, Connecticut, Rosie participated in all after school activities including volleyball intramurals. A pioneer in female athletics, she played on the Farmington High School varsity volleyball team coached by Jean Hunt, a future Connecticut Women’s Volleyball Hall of Fame inaugural member Class of 1998. The Indians

(the mascot was changed to River Hawks in later years) captured the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) State Championships from 1966 – 1970. This accomplishment is remarkable since Title IX would not be signed into law until June 23, 1972.

Rosie began officiating volleyball her senior year in high school. This led her to officiate both high school and collegiate level volleyball matches. Upon graduation from Farmington High, she attended Central Connecticut State College, currently Central Connecticut State University. Persevering through barriers that female athletes faced at that time, Rosie would play volleyball for 4 years coached by Brenda Reilly, a future Connecticut Women’s Volleyball Hall of Fame member Class of 2001. While pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education, Rosie’s love for the sport continued after graduation when she coached Westfield State College, Westfield, Massachusetts in 1974.

In the 1980’s, Rosie decided to change career paths from academia to manufacturing, where she became a Trainer at an electronic manufacturing company producing printed circuit boards. She continued working in manufacturing at various supervisory positions. Even in the manufacturing world, her passion for volleyball remained, participating in competitive co-ed leagues held at the Waterbury and Naugatuck YMCA’s over the years.

Retirement in 2014, did not slow Rosie down as she continued to officiate high school girls’ volleyball and ventured out to officiate weekend United States Volleyball Association USVBA tournaments. As a current member of the Connecticut Board of Volleyball Officials, Rosie is focused primarily on officiating high school girls’ volleyball matches throughout Connecticut. As an active member of her church’s Vestry, as well as an accomplished golfer, she continues to remain active today.

Rosie shares, “My participation playing competitive sports in high school and college was enhanced by having been coached by excellent and talented women. They were not only exceptional coaches, but also legends in their time. Jean Hunt and Brenda Reilly who are no longer with us today physically, paved the way for young women to excel in sports. I contribute on receiving this great honor to both Jean and Brenda for all the coaching and mentoring in the sports I truly loved, volleyball being one of them. It is an honor to join these two former Connecticut Women’s Volleyball Hall of Famers”.

Karen Anderson

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Growing up in Hopewell Junction, New York, Karen attended John Jay High School where she played JV and Varsity volleyball. Her interest in officiating volleyball began in 1980 while attending Southern Connecticut State University. She started officiating high school and collegiate matches in Connecticut and area states. Karen found herself officiating while her older sister, Lin, was playing some of those college matches. After moving to Indiana, Karen spent eight years officiating high school and collegiate volleyball throughout the Hoosier State.

She returned to Connecticut in 1984 where she reestablished herself in the state and began training new officials. Karen spent 15+ summers at the Woodbridge Sports Center training and working with new officials as they officiated the summer high school girls league.

Over the years Karen has officiated many tournaments and jamborees including the Special Olympics and Connecticut All Stars. Karen was selected to officiate the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) State Volleyball tournament finals for both the girls’ and boys’ tournaments.

Karen served as an elected member of the Connecticut Board of Volleyball Officials for over twenty years, 2004-2023. She had served as vice-president of the Southern Connecticut Board of Officials for several years and recently finished serving as the vice-president of the boys Volleyball Board of Officials.

A true student of the game, Karen always found it rewarding to be part of the discussion of rules, procedures, and play. “A good official never stops watching, learning and adjusting” Karen states. Over the years, Karen has had the opportunity to watch players mature and grow as they played the sport. This has been one of the motivating factors in the longevity of her officiating career.