Coaches and Training Staff

SST Trainer

Tommy Gray

Tommy has been coaching for SST for Six years now. Tommy grew up in Middletown, NJ. He played club soccer in there growing up, before playing For Rutgers and Monmouth University.

In College Tommy started every game in his Freshman Season at Rutgers before transferring to Monmouth. While at Monmouth he enjoyed 3 very successful years. He earned 1st and 2nd team All-NEC honors as well as 2006 NSCAA/ Adidas Division I All-North Atlantic Region First Team, leading the nation in total assists. Tommy was also added to the 2007 men’s MAC Herman Trophy watch list. He won 3 NEC regular season titles while at Monmouth as well.

Tommy then went on to be drafted into the MLS by Kansas City. Following that he played in the USL with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds where he spent 3 successful seasons as a starter.

Tommy is a Barcelona supporter, enjoys surfing, skateboarding, and mountain biking. He resides in Belmar with his wife Katie.

SST Trainer

Ryan Morris

Ryan joined the SST staff 4 years ago. He grew up playing his soccer on the Jersey Shore. Where he was Involved with several select youth travel programs including 3 years with the Super Y League Team Jersey Shore Boca. There he played with the U19 team as a 16 year old.

Ryan was then recruited by several colleges, before deciding on East Stroudsburg University. While Studying to be a teacher, he chose to leave the playing field and become a coach. He started by receiving a USSF “F” license working up to a “National D” license with aspirations of obtaining an USSF A License.

Ryan has worked with many clubs over the past several years. He is the boys head coach at Marlboro high school since 2018

SST Trainer

Dan Cummings

Dan joined the SST staff for 5 years. He grew up playing for Wall Soccer Club. Dan previously coached St. Rose Grammar School for 3 years and worked with Neptune and Wall Soccer Club before joining the SST staff.

Dan holds a National D coaching license and several NSCAA licenses. He has been a USSF licensed coach for over 8 years.

Dan is a keen Liverpool supporter and still enjoys playing at a high level. He resides in Brick Township.

SST Trainer

Jenn Buckley

Jenn has been with SST for over 8 years now. She started her playing days at Wall Soccer Club. She then went on to play Division II college ball at East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania. While playing in college she helped her team transition to a new coach and was named captain of the team her junior and senior seasons.

SST Trainer

Michelle Canning

Michelle has been on the SST staff for over 4 years. She played for Wall Soccer Club and Boca for travel soccer, along with being on the NJ ODP team. In High School she was a 4-year starter at the varsity level for St. Rose. Here she was named to the All-Division and All-Conference Teams both her junior and senior years.

Michelle then moved on to The College of New Jersey to study Applied Mathematics. At TCNJ Michelle helped her team to two consecutive New Jersey Athletic Conference Championship Titles and an appearance in the Final Four in the NCAA Division III National Championship.

Michelle currently holds a USSF License and has been working at Goodsports USA for over 6 years.

SST Trainer

Kaila O'Donnell

Kaila joined the SST staff 3 years ago. She has been the head JV girls coach at her alma mater of Saint John Vianney in Holmdel, where she was a goalkeeper. In High School she was a four-year starter at the varsity level, holding records for shutouts and winning two state championships.

Kaila then went on to attend Seton Hall University where she received a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management. She continued her education at Monmouth University studying School Counseling. Kaila has worked with Manalapan, Marlboro, and Old Bridge Soccer Clubs. She is a Nationally Licensed USSF coach and holds multiple goalkeeping licenses.

SST Trainer

Alex Blackburn

Alex Blackburn holds USSF coaching licenses as well as NSCAA diplomas. Alex has held the position of Assistant and Goalkeeper Coach for both the men's and women's soccer programs at Monmouth University since 2013.

Working with the men they won 3 MAAC Conference Championships and made one NCAA appearance In 2014, while gathering statistical awards for NCAA Division I, Statistical Championship in goals against average in 2013 and 2014 along with NCAA Division I Statistical Runner-up in save percentage in the same seasons. With his recent success of producing Major League Soccer goalkeeper Eric Klenofsky.

With the women's program they won 2 back to back MAAC Conference Championships and made two NCAA appearances in 2016 and 2017 while gathering a national ranking in Clean sheets.

Alex is also the owner of Alex Blackburn Goalkeeping Academy where he has been working with some of the best local goalkeeping talent in the area producing numerous collegiate goalkeepers along the way.

As a player Alex is a former Monmouth University all-conference and regional all-american goalkeeper. Playing in 44 games for the Hawks with a goals against average of 0.66 while recording 23 clean sheets. As a team Monmouth was ranked as high as 4th Nationally and won 3 straight NEC Conference Championships and made 5 College Cup appearances.

SST Trainer

RJ Almalfa

RJ has been with SST for 3 years now. He started his playing days in Freehold. At Freehold Township High School he was a 3 year varsity player helping the team to a SCT co-championship.

He then went on to play at West Chester University. Here he helped the Golden Rams to both the PSAC and ECAS tournament in his first season. He graduated from West Chester University with a BS in Health and Physical Education.

He then became a teacher and assistant soccer coach to the boys program at Freehold Township. After only 2 years as the assistant RJ took over the helm to the girls program and led them to both the Shore Conference and State Tournaments in each of his first 2 years as a head coach.

RJ has coached in Marlboro, Ocean, Wall, and Pinelands Soccer Clubs. He has worked at Goodsports USA as a trainer. He currently resides in Howell and enjoys passing on his love of the game to his son, Landon.

SST Trainer

Kevin O'Connor

Kevin joined the SST staff 4 years ago. He came on board with over 10 years of coaching under his belt. He also has worked with several sports teams in speed and agility training. In High School Kevin was named to the All-Shore and All-State teams while playing at Freehold Township. He was also a member of various New Jersey State, Regional, and National Pool Youth Teams.

Kevin completed an outstanding four year career at Rutgers University, serving as captain in his senior season. He was awarded the Rutgers Soccer MVP in his senior year as well. Kevin was the only player in Rutgers Soccer History to be awarded all four major post-season team awards.

SST Trainer

Joseph Schmid

SST is proud to officially announce Joseph Schmid as a full time trainer. Joseph, who was a two time Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year, will bring a vast amount of soccer knowledge to the SST staff.

Joseph was a 1st year starter at Villanova before transferring to Monmouth University, where he was a 3-year starter and 2-year captain. He was also 2-year All Conference 1st Team (NEC & MAAC). Joseph is on the MAC Herman Trophy watch List.

He has been working clinics and camps with SST for over 4 years now and we are very excited to have him with our team. Joseph has a bachelors in Health and Physical Education from Monmouth University. He loves long walks on the beach is a huge Everton fan.

SST Trainer

Daniel Pizzimenti

Daniel is originally from Manalapan, New Jersey who pursued his studies at Monmouth University. He maintains a USSF License and is a product of the Manalapan Soccer Club, as well as Toms River Soccer Association.

He currently plays semi-professional soccer for FC Copa. Graduated Monmouth University with a Bachelors in Business Management and Marketing. Started coaching with SST in the Spring of 2016. He is a born and raised Manchester United fan.

SST Trainer

Jacob Rubinstein

Jacob is a graduate of Monmouth University with a degree in Health and Physical Education. Jacob was also a member of the Monmouth Men's soccer team. After college, Jacob was able to combine his love of travel and soccer by getting a job with Grassroot Soccer in South Africa.

Through Grassroot soccer, Jacob worked with combining soccer training and health education throughout the country for people from ages 8-21. Since returning to the US, Jacob has started his coaching/ training with SST and hopes to continue the positive effects of the sport on the players and community.

SST Trainer

John Rerup

John grew up playing soccer in Hamburg Germany and Jackson NJ after moving to the US in 1969 and playing in Hamburg on visits back to Hamburg on summer Family Visits. 4 year Starter for Jackson High School and Altona 93 and FC St.Pauli summer Trials at 17.

He has been coaching at the Jersey Shore for over 20 yrs at clubs in Colts Neck Wall and Jersey Shore Boca , the last 3 years at Boca as the Director of Coaching. John holds a USSF B license Dutch Youth License and a NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma. John resides in Bradley Beach with his wife Jane, and is an avid FC St.Pauli Supporter

SST Trainer

Matt Walls

Matt has been with SST for 4 years now. Matt is a former 4 year varsity starter for Point Beach High School. He went on to play at Ocean County College where playing striker he was named the 2008 Offensive Player of the year and lead the team in goals.

In his coaching career Matt has coached Lavallette Elementary School Boys ( 2011 & 2013 Conference Champions), was an assistant coach at Point Beach High School on the boys side, and he assisted in training Tony Meola’s GK1 U9 Boys program.

Matt Currently is a USSF Nationally licensed coach. He actively plays in various men’s outdoor and indoor leagues. Matt is a loyal Tottenham Hotspurs supporter. He resides in Lavalette, NJ and enjoys surfing.

Justin Gregory

Justin joined SST in the fall of 2017. He currently holds his NJ Youth Soccer F license and is a USSF licensed coach.

Justin grew up and played in the Wall township soccer club. At Wall High School he was a 3-year varsity player, making the all-state team as a captain his senior year. His collegiate career started at Brookdale Community College, where he was an NJCAA All American and team captain leading the team to a Regional Championship. After playing there for 2 years, he finished his college career at Rider University in 2014.

Off of the soccer field Justin enjoys time at the beach and on local golf courses.

SST Trainer

Dan Riverso

Bio coming soon!

SST Trainer

Caitlin Conway

Caitlin is a senior in the Sport Management major at Rutgers University. She holds USSF coaching license. She plans to expand her coaching education. Caitlin played soccer at Rutgers University. She continued to play semi-professional soccer in the W-League for the NJ Wildcats, and she was named captain for the 2015 season. She also plays with her old teammates in indoor women’s soccer leagues.

During Caitlin’s High school career at Brick Memorial, she was captain her Junior and Senior years and was named to the All Division, All Conference, All Shore, and All State teams. Caitlin also played for PDA and the NJ ODP state team. As team captain for the PDA Pride, she helped her team place second in the USYS National Championship.

Caitlin plans to wed her fiancé, Robert Barham, in the fall of 2017.

SST Trainer

Mary Solimine

Mary is a graduate of Fordham University, where she graduated with a Psychology degree. While at Fordham she was a four-year starter for the Rams. Prior to Fordham she was a four-year varsity letter winner at Rumon-Fair Haven Regional High School.

She helped her team to win their first back to back Group II State Championships. She was a four-time All Shore selection and received First Team honors during her junior and senior seasons. She ended her high school career with all-time points leader in the schools history. She played for Arsenal World Class, NJ ODP State team, and the Regional Team. Mary is currently continuing her education at New York Law School.

SST Trainer

Mike McBride

Mike McBride is a 2008 graduate of St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, where he was a goalkeeper for 4 years for the Men's NCAA Division I soccer program which competed in the Atlantic 10 Conference.

He played for one season with Real Shore FC of the NPSL following his collegiate days. Mike started playing within the Wall Soccer Club for nearly 10 years, eventually then moving onto the Super Y-League teams of Jersey Shore BOCA. He was also part of a NJ State Cup champion Vision FC team, being named tournament MVP in the process. Mike was a two year varsity goalkeeper for St. Rose High School.

Mike is also an accomplished referee, regularly officiating state and regional competitions both in the youth and adult amateur ranks. He is entering his 4th year as a collegiate National referee and has officiated numerous NCAA Tournament and conference championship matches. Mike USSF Licensed and resides in Manasquan, NJ.

Will Gould

Bio coming soon!

Luis D. Arroyo

Luis attended Lakewood High School where he played 4 years of soccer. After high school he completed his Bachelor’s Degree from TCNJ where he was a member of the TCNJ Men’s soccer team. After graduation he returned to Lakewood and was the assistant coach for the lakewood Boy’s Varsity team.

Luis is a current referee where he is receiving match from PRO (Professional Referee Organization) in USL, NWSL and NASL and has worked international matches for the US Soccer Federation.

SST Trainer

Brennen Fitzsimmons

Brennen Fitzsimmons has received his Bachelors in Biology from The Richard Stockton University and his Masters in Environmental Science from Rutgers University and The New Jersey Institute of Technology. He holds the USSF E license.

Brennen Fitzsimmons is currently the head coach of the Brookdale Men’s Soccer program after arriving from a four-year stint as the assistant coach at Rutgers-Newark. Fitzsimmons helped Rutgers-Newark reach its highest status in school history by breaking the school record for wins in a regular season twice (2012 & 2013). In 2013, the program advanced to its first NCAA tournament berth and advanced again in 2014 to win its first ever NCAA tournament game. In the four years that Fitzsimmons was the assistant coach at Rutgers-Newark, the team won the ECAC tournament, he coached a two-time All American and posted an overall winning percentage of 67.7% (63-27-3).

Prior to beginning his coaching career, Brennen Fitzsimmons was a four-year starter at The Richard Stockton University where he started all 86 games of the 86 that he played in over that span. The two-time captain was named Rookie of the Year in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) in 2008, went to the NCAA tournament in 2008 & 2010 and tallied 12 goals and 30 points over his four years at the center back position. Brennen is a huge Liverpool fan and currently lives in Neptune City.

SST Trainer

Brian Hessinger

Coach Hess played Goalkeeper for the Middletown Sonics winning two state cup championships and one regional championship. Having trained with Tim Mulqueen and GK1, Coach Hess believes they contributed to shaping him into the goalkeeper he is today. Coach Hess played his high school soccer at Middletown South.

When he is not soccer training, Coach Hess can be spotted on his mountain bike, surfing, or spending quality time with his family.

SST Trainer

Anthony Battaglia

Anthony has been with SST right from the very start. He was a 4-year standout varsity player at Ocean Township High School and graduated in 1998. During his youth playing days Anthony was a New Jersey State ODP player twice and competed in the U19 National Championship for Princeton Union Soccer Club.

Anthony then went on to play for St. Bonaventure University for 4 years, which competes in the Atlantic 10 conference. Anthony was also a co-captain his Sr. year. Following college Anthony went on to California to play for USL Side San Diego Gauchos for the 03-04 season. Then he came back how to New Jersey for the 04-05 season and played for the New Jersey Stallions out of Clifton.

Anthony has been coaching/ training for 11 years now. He resides in Tinton Falls with his wife Jackie.

SST Trainer

Marco Ferrara

Marco is originally from the from Matawan/Aberdeen area, with an Italian background. Marco studied at Brookdale Community College and Monmouth University, playing for the soccer club at Monmouth. He is USSF Licensed and played in Hazlet and Holmdel Soccer Clubs.

Marco graduated Brookdale Community College with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice and Monmouth University with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. Started his coaching career in Metuchen 2016 and started to coach SST this spring 2018. Marco was born into being a Juventus fan and Metrostars (now NY Red Bulls).

Sam Marchetti

Sam is a graduate of Kean University, where she graduated with honors in Psychology. While at Kean she successfully lead the women’s soccer program to two consecutive championship titles. Their only two championships in program history thus far. She finished her career at Kean with multiple offensive player of the week honors, and two all-conference team selections.

Sam continues her career playing semi-professionally throughout the country in the WPSL. She has played in California for the Fresno Freeze, and most recently in Texas for the Technical Institute (TTI). She lead TTI as a co-captain to a Southwestern Conference Championship title.

Making it as far as the league’s Sweet 16. Sam during that period found time to get her USSF Coaching Licenses. Sam also currently works as a sports performance coach at Reach Your Potential Training (RYPT) in Tinton Falls, NJ

Juan Candela

Born in Argentina and is a Boca Juniors fan. Moved to the USA at the age of 6 where he played for the Brooklyn Italians SC. As a youth Juan had the opportunity to play in the Dallas cup as well as nationals.

At the age of 16 he trained with Boca juniors in Argentina which is the biggest pro club in Argentina. His coaching philosophy is influenced by three great coaches, Carlos Llamosa, Oscar Aquino, and Jose Malleo. Juan holds USSF Coaching Licenses & has plans to get his A License.

Nick Chappell

Nick is a fully licensed USSF and English FA coach. Nick has been coaching ‘soccer’ since 2004. He started coaching whilst still playing local Premier ‘football’ in England with Dearne Valley FC. In 2011, he was given the opportunity to be Assistant Coach at Rotherham United FC with the U8 boys. It was from there he took advice from the Senior Coaches about expanding his coaching career.

Nick’s coaching career in the USA includes; Challenger Sports Summer Camp Director – Atlanta, New England and Canada 2011 – 2016 Challenger Sports Academy Trainer – Head Coach Sayreville Soccer Club (NJ) 2012 – 2016 Mother Seton Girls High School (NJ) - Head Soccer Coach 2012 and 2013 Soccer Specific Training – Winter Academy and Coach at Wall Soccer Club (NJ) 2017 to present FSC East Brunswick (NJ) – Director of Soccer 2017 to present.

Originally from Barnsley in South Yorkshire England, Nick is a down to earth genuine man with a dry sense of humor. He played Youth/School football with Barnsley, Sheffield United and local club teams. As an adult, he played both County and Premier Soccer with local teams. Nick continues to enjoy playing in men’s soccer leagues during the Winter in New Jersey.

Nick now resides permanently in New Jersey where he lives with his wife Cindy and baby daughter Ellie. He is a big Sheffield United and England supporter. His hobbies apart from coaching include watching soccer and other sports, keeping fit, Socializing, Travelling, listening to music and going to music concerts.

As well as coaching qualifications he has almost twenty years working experience in both the Public and Private sector and holds academic qualifications in Business Management. Nick has a real passion and love for the game and brings that drive and enthusiasm to SST. He wants to continually learn and progress his own coaching skills by obtaining further coaching qualifications. Nick is as an experienced forward-thinking coach who understands that the game has changed a lot from both a playing and coaching perspective. He says it’s about implementing new ideas and not getting stuck with old ones so players can develop through progressive stages.

Erin Simon

Erin grew up in Little Silver NJ where she played for her local club team Peninsula Eagles as well as Red Bank Regional High School. Graduating from RBR in 2012, she continued her soccer career at the division 1 level at Syracuse University and was a 4 year starter at the university. After graduating from Syracuse in 2016, she pursued her dreams of playing professional soccer by attending open tryouts for the Orlando Pride and Sky Blue FC of the National Women's Soccer League. She was invited into preseason for both teams but ended up choosing Sky Blue to play for her home state. Erin recently completed her second year with Sky Blue FC as a starting outside back.

Cristina Estremera

Cristina joined the SST staff during the Summer of 2018. She is currently in her 3rd season as an assistant coach of the Rutgers Newark Women's Soccer Team after starring as a player there for four years. In college, Estremera scored 35 goals and accumulated 86 points in 88 career matches, leading Rutgers Newark to 38 victories, the most in any four-year stretch in program history. She was a two-time National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-Region performer and received a Bachelors in Psychology from Rutgers Newark University. An East Brunswick, N.J. native, Cristina has been coaching youth soccer since 2012 and has worked with programs in Ironbound, Piscataway, Maplewood, and Cranford before joining SST.

Bruno Canaverde

Bruno was a 4-year standout varsity player at Long Branch High School and graduated in 1998. He was a 2-year captain and won a state championship in 1997. Was All B-North, All Monmouth County, All-Shore and All-state.

Bruno then went on to play for Division 2 CD Fatima in Portugal for a short stint, After suffering Knee and Ankle injuries. He returned home to play a season at Brookdale. Was captain and help Brookdale to their first winning season in years and advanced to the regional Semi’s. After Brookdale Bruno went to Monmouth University but was unable to play due to injuries. He then went to Dervy and was certified in telecommunication and Switching.

Bruno is a huge Sporting Lisbon Fan. Bruno has been coaching/Training for 15 years. He resides in Neptune City with his two son’s Xavier and Sebastian.

Richard Francis

Richard has joined SST as an avid soccer player, enthusiast, trainer, coach, and overall fan of the game. He grew up playing in Toms River, New Jersey where he played with local and traveling teams, as well as some High School at Toms River East, but had his High School career shortened by injury. He is a goalkeeper by heart, and by trade, but also an outfield player when needed.

Richard forewent playing in college through his injuries, and since graduating only continued to grow more in love with his game where he plays goalkeeper regularly now with the Jackson Lions Football Club, and formerly with Jersey Shore Boca, as well as with many indoor teams.

Richard currently has his "NJ State License," and has helped trained goalkeepers, and teams for a few years now, and is looking forward to continuing his licensing with SST to continuing to grow as a coach.

Zack Savacool

Zack is a former youth player at Wall soccer club and Jersey Shore BOCA. Played high school soccer at Wall, member of the all division team. Went on to play four years of college soccer at Ramapo College of New Jersey while obtaining his teaching degree.

Since graduating and in addition to teaching, Zack has coached for the Wall High School Boys Varsity Soccer Team and the Southern Regional Boys Varsity Soccer Team. At the club level, Zack has coached for Jersey shore BOCA and various other youth programs. Zack has been with SST for two years and is currently head of the girls soccer program at Saint Rose High School. Certified in CPR and concussion and heat exhaustion awareness.

Zack resides in Asbury Park, plays in the garden state soccer league and leagues at Goodsports. He enjoys paddleboarding, favorite team is Chelsea.