Tag Archives: High School Coach

Rick Spooner

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Rick Spooner devoted 47 years to Rumsey Hall School in Washington, Connecticut, where he served as an educator, administrator, mentor, and one of the state’s most respected scholastic volleyball coaches. Arriving at Rumsey Hall in 1969 after earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, Rick began a distinguished career that included serving as a history teacher, Dean of Students, Academic Dean, Dean of Faculty, Director of Residential Life, dorm parent, and Associate Head of School until his retirement in 2016. A native of Bristol, Connecticut, and graduate of Bristol Central High School, he later earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, Connecticut in 1992, further strengthening his lifelong commitment to guiding and supporting young people.

At the conclusion of his career, he was honored as a Master Teacher and awarded the prestigious Rumsey Medal of Honor. Following his passing in 2019, Rumsey Hall honored his extraordinary contributions by dedicating Spooner House Dormitory, Spooner Field, and Spooner Pond in recognition of his family’s enduring legacy. In 2026, the school also dedicated the boys’ varsity hockey rink locker room in honor of his son, Stephen Spooner ’94, and Rick’s devotion to Rumsey Hall continues to be recognized through an annual endowment established in his name by the Ehret Family.

Rick possessed a lifelong fascination with the heritage and culture of Japan. During the early 1980s, he created a Japanese History course for ninth-grade students that remained a popular part of Rumsey Hall curriculum until his retirement. He incorporated Japanese philosophy and traditions into both the classroom and athletics, where students affectionately addressed him as “Sensei,” while he warmly referred to them as his “grasshoppers”. Quiet by nature and thoughtful in his approach, Rick was known as an exceptional listener whose door was always open. His calm demeanor, practical wisdom, honest advice, and unwavering encouragement earned the respect of generations of students and athletes who viewed him as both mentor and confidant.

Rick’s greatest contribution to Connecticut volleyball began in 1975 when he founded the girls’ volleyball program at Rumsey Hall and became the varsity head coach for nearly five decades. Under his leadership, the program developed into one of the region’s most successful and respected scholastic programs. His varsity teams achieved undefeated seasons in 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1990, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, and 2005. Those accomplishments were especially remarkable because Rumsey Hall’s varsity roster-comprised primarily of eighth- and ninth-grade students-consistently competed and defeated high school programs made up of older athletes.

The inaugural Rumsey Hall Volleyball Tournament was also established in 1975, and through Rick’s dedication it grew into one of the school’s signature athletic events. In recognition of his exceptional leadership, the tournament was officially renamed the Rick Spooner Classic in 2002, and its 50th anniversary was celebrated in 2026. Coach Spooner’s teams captured tournament championships in 1989, 1990, 1993, 1994, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005-2015, for an impressive total of 20 titles. His teams also won the Upland Volleyball Tournament in Pennsylvania in 1999, 2001, 2004, 2006, and 2009. Following Rick’s retirement, his daughter Allison Linley ’89, a former player, teacher, and junior varsity coach at Rumsey Hall, continued his legacy as varsity head coach for more than a decade.

An accomplished player himself, Rick competed for many years in Connecticut men’s leagues as a setter for both the Litchfield County Volleyball Club and the New Milford “Big T” team, which he also captained. Through his leadership as an educator, mentor, and scholastic coach, Rick Spooner left a lasting impact on Rumsey Hall School and on generations of student-athletes whose lives were shaped by his guidance. His unwavering commitment to excellence, quiet wisdom, and enduring love for the game established a tradition of success that continues to inspire the volleyball community today.

 

Stephen W. Banks

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Volleyball has been an integral part of Stephen’s life for nearly five decades. His passion for the sport began at Stonington High School in 1975, where as a member of the “Spikers”, his team defeated the “Red Army” for the intramural championship. He continued playing volleyball throughout the 1980s at the Westerly Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), earning the Cliff Smith Sportsmanship Award in 1988. Steve also competed at the Club A level with the Westerly and Groton Volleyball Clubs while enjoying beach leagues and tournaments on both hardwood and sand. As he puts it, “the spirit was willing, but the body could not compete at a high level”, he retired from competitive play in 2016. Away from volleyball, Steve continues to run every day and has completed both the Ocean State Marathon in Rhode Island and the Kona Marathon in Hawaii while raising money for the American Stroke Association. More recently, he has taken up golf and continues his search for that elusive first hole-in-one.

Steve began his scholastic coaching career at Fitch High School in 1994 as the junior varsity coach before taking over the varsity program in 1996. Following a brief retirement in 2021, he returned to Fitch in 2024. Throughout his coaching career, he successfully balanced the demands of coaching, family, and a 47-year career as an Environmental Engineer for the Towns of Stonington and Ledyard. His dedication to volleyball also extended beyond high school season through camps, clinics, and leagues for middle school and high school athletes in the Groton and Westerly area. He continually sought opportunities to grow as a coach by attending numerous coaching clinics, including Gold Medal Squared, while acknowledging that he learned just as much from his players and fellow coaches over the years.

Over the course of his noteworthy coaching career, Steve compiled a 396-178 record, good for a 70 percent winning percentage. His teams captured nine Eastern Connecticut Conference (ECC) League Championships and ten ECC Tournament titles while producing 14 All-State players. Fitch qualified for the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) State Tournament in 25 of his 27 seasons, winning the first-round tournament matches in 23 of those appearances. His teams advanced to the Class L Championship Match in 2003, the Class LL Championship Match in 2008, and made numerous CIAC semifinal and quarterfinal appearances. Steve was selected twice as a Senior All-Star Coach and was named The Day newspaper Coach of the Year six times. He also served as Groton Middle School Tournament Director for 25 years, directed the Westerly YMCA High School Volleyball League, and consistently challenged his teams by scheduling one of the state’s strongest non-conference schedules.

Throughout his career, Steve emphasized sportsmanship, hard work, fun, and respect while building lasting friendships with players, coaches, and colleagues across Connecticut. He reflects with gratitude on the many memorable matches and the mutual respect shared among opposing coaches, noting regardless of the outcome, they could always shake hands and compliment one another’s teams. His hope has always been that he helped his players reach beyond their limitations while achieving excellence both on and off the volleyball court.

His former Athletic Director, Mike Ellis, perhaps summarized Steve’s legacy best when he wrote, “Congrats on a superlative career at Fitch. Your teams were always competitive but more importantly they always played with class. I am so proud to have worked with you.” Steve has long embraced two of John Wooden’s guiding principles: “Teamwork is not a preference; it is a requirement”, and “Success is never final and failure is never fatal.” Those values have shaped both his coaching philosophy and the culture of the Fitch Volleyball program.

Steve’s commitment to developing young people extended beyond competition. Fitch Volleyball annually presents the “Art Carmichael Award” to the team’s best hitter in memory of a friend and pioneer of New England volleyball. The program also raises money for cancer research and supports local food banks, encouraging players to look beyond themselves and make a positive impact on their community. He credits the love and unwavering support of his wife and family as an essential part of his distinguished coaching journey. Through his leadership, sportsmanship, and unwavering commitment to his student-athletes, Stephen Banks has left a lasting impact on Fitch High School Volleyball and on the generations of young people throughout his career.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Jeff Dyreson

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Jeff was introduced to the game formally as a freshman in high school, where the basketball coach said to prepare for the upcoming basketball season, you should do volleyball in the Fall to get “in shape”. Turns out Jeff was a better volleyball player than basketball player and pursued a collegiate volleyball career instead of basketball.  He was an all-conference player his senior year of high school as an outside hitter and setter.

He joined the University of Wisconsin men’s volleyball club his freshman year and officially moved into the setter position. He was an All-Big Ten selection his senior year while the team was very competitive nationally.

During his senior year of college Jeff got his first taste of coaching. He returned to his alma mater (Madison West High School, Madison WI) and coached the boys freshman team. His competitive spirit started to shift away from a competitive playing career to coaching. He continued to play competitively over the next 2 decades playing in adult leagues and tournaments while also dabbling in coaching boys at the club level in Wisconsin.

After graduate school, Jeff moved to Connecticut in the fall of 1998. He again, started to play in adult leagues and tournaments and in 2001 he was offered the assistant girls varsity coach at The Loomis Chaffee School.  9/11/01 was his first day of coaching girls and the rest is history. He became the head varsity coach in 2004 and has remained in that role for the past 20 years. Jeff has transformed the program to become amongst the elite in New England Prep School volleyball. The team earned its first Founder’s League title in 2006 and its first New England title in 2018. During the 20 years, Loomis has won 9 Founders League titles, 4 New England Tournament Finalists, and 2 New England Championships which included an undefeated season in 2023.

Jeff has had dozens of players move on and play collegiately and he is most proud of the relationship he has with his players. Jeff is married and has 2 sons but the volleyball girls are the daughters he never had and considers them all family forever.

Laura Arena

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Volleyball has been a part of Laura’s life since her high school days in Bedford,

New York. She went on to play collegiately at Holy Cross College in Worcester, Massachusetts. Knowing when she started her career in education, that a career in coaching volleyball would be a big part of it. For the past 32 years our volleyball community has been fortunate to participate in Laura’s amazing journey here in Connecticut with 28 of those years at Farmington High School.

Laura’s career record is 519-172 (469-153 at Farmington High School). Highlights at Farmington High School include 2 Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) State Championships (2014 & 2023) and runner up 3 times (2009, 2013 & 2016), 11 Central Connecticut Conference (CCC) titles, 2 International Volleyball Hall of Fame, Annual Girls VolleyHall Elite High School Tournament Championships held in Springfield, Massachusetts and a John Jay Invitational Championship in Cross River, New York.

Accolades recently awarded to Coach Arena include being chosen as the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 2020 and a finalist for the National High School Athletic Coaches Association (NHSACA) Coach of the Year in 2020 earning a fabulous experience in Nebraska. As a valued member of the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference committee since 2013, Laura also has been the Chairperson for the CCC since 2012. Running a youth summer volleyball camp for the past 15 years, as well as coaching in the Husky Volleyball Club program are additional contributions made by Coach Arena.

Laura is most proud of the role she has played in growing stronger, healthier female student-athletes for the past 32 years, focusing on the larger picture beyond high school athletics. Each season she looks forward to building a rapport with her team and challenging them to achieve their goals. Laura has continued to inspire her student athletes over an impressive 3 decades.

High school coaches Mike Galu, Stu Wahl and Steve Powis are credited for profoundly impacting Laura’s career. The thought of playing soccer in college was removed through the wisdom and excitement that they shared with her about the “greatest team sport there is – I fell in love with volleyball” Laura shares.

Laura and her daughter Abby will be running the Tokyo Marathon in March which will complete the sixth star for the six World Major Marathons. They have already completed New York, Boston, Chicago, London, and Berlin. Laura remarks that, “It has been the most treasured, challenging, and wonderful experience and to share it with my daughter is the best!”.