Tag Archives: 2025

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.

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.