Introducing the SaWTeamUSA™ 2017 Coaching Staff

Women’s Lacrosse Coach – Frank Rogers (Montevallo, AL) – Coach Frank Rogers is the Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach at Montevallo University (AL) and is a highlyrespected coach across the country. In fact, he’s the first-ever women’s lacrosse coach in the university’s history. Throughout his tenure, he was also the inaugural coach at both Brevard College and Aquinas College as well. Coach Rogers has spent nearly his entire lifetime in coaching, also making stops as the head coach for the Western Michigan University Club Team and nine years as a high school boys lacrosse coach in both Michigan and New York. During his time at Aquinas College, he served as the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Women’s Lacrosse Chair. He is a nine-time speaker at the US Lacrosse National Coaches Convention and has previously been on the National Women’s Lacrosse League Coaches Committee. Coach Rogers earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Eisenhower College in Hospitality and Tourism with a minor in Management.

Men’s Lacrosse Coach – Coming Soon

Trip Leader – Kathy Rogers (Montevallo, AL) has been actively involved in athletics for three decades. Her husband, Frank Rogers, will serve as Head Coach of our Women’s Lacrosse team and has coached for his entire lifetime at different colleges across the United States. As the proud mother of three daughters, Kathy has seen two of them compete in their sport at the collegiate level (both soccer and lacrosse). Kathy has spent a great deal of her time over the last 30 years both assisting her husband’s lacrosse programs in various roles as well as working in the banking industry. She is excited about the opportunity to lead our travelers on this tour.

U19 Boy’s Basketball – Coach Matt O’Brien (Winfield, KS) has been the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Southwestern College for the past eight years, including seven consecutive winnings seasons. His teams have been ranked in the Top 25 on numerous occasions and have been to the national tournament. Coach O’Brien has had some outstanding players, including All-Americans, and his program is heavily involved in local community service projects, as well as both the Samaritan’s Feet movement and Coaches vs. Cancer. His team GPA is usually over 3.0, which has earned his team several academic excellence awards. Coach O’Brien is a leader within the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference, where he currently serves as Chairman of the Men’s Basketball Coaches. In addition, he’s also served nationally for the NAIA on the All-American Committee and on the NAIA national tournament committee from 2012- 2015. This year, he was selected as one of the coaches for the NAIA All-Star game. Before landing his position at Southwestern, he was the Head Coach at Central Christian College, where his led his led to two postseason tournaments and to the program’s most wins in 24 years while coaching the nation’s leading scorer. As an Assistant Coach, Coach O’Brien coached at his alma mater, Friends University, for seven years after earning the “Most Inspirational Player” award during his senior season. His uncle, Jim O’Brien, is the former Head Men’s Basketball Coach at both Ohio State University and Boston College. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Friends University in Physical Education and completed his Master’s Degree in Management in 2003. He’s also completed a Servant Leadership online course through University of Idaho. Coach O’Brien lives with his 8-year old daughter.

U16 Boy’s Basketball – Brad Estes (Miami, FL) has spent his entire life around basketball. He has a vast background in coaching at the Division I, Division III, Junior College, High School, and AAU levels. Coach Estes is a business owner and specializes in player development, organizing some of the top camps and exposure events around the country. He has worked on the University of South Carolina Men’s Basketball staff under both Coach Eddie Fogler and Dave Odom. Coach Estes holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.

U19 Girl’s Basketball – Brandon Huntley (Lakewood, WA) has been the Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at the University of Puget Sound for the past seven seasons. Throughout this time, Puget Sound has finished .500 or better in every season, finished among the top-3 teams in the conference four times, set school records for wins, has had multiple All-Conference players, and produced one All-American player. Previously, he spent three years at Johnson & Wales University and was an Associate Women’s Basketball Coach during the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons. At Johnson & Wales, Coach Huntley served as the Recruiting Coordinator and was instrumental in developing his players on the court, an area of expertise that he is currently very active in throughout the offseason with hundreds of young players along the West Coast. His playing experience includes a season at Radford University in Radford, VA. Coach Huntley graduated from Johnson & Wales University (RI) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports, Entertainment, & Events Management.

U19 Girl’s Basketball Assistant – Coach Ruben Leyva (Fort Stockton, TX) is a lifelong coach and teacher who has taken great pride in making an impact in his hometown community. He’s established himself as a coach that demands discipline, hard work, respect, high integrity, and great character in their sport. In addition to coaching basketball, he has coached Volleyball, Track & Field, and Football for the better part of the last two decades. As the jack of all trades, Coach Leyva has served as a Physical Education teacher and a personal trainer as well. He has nearly ten certifications in a variety of areas pertaining to coaching/training. Coach Leyva graduated from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin with a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology.

U16 Girl’s Basketball – Coach Vicki Thomas (St. Charles, MO) has a wealth of experience in coaching basketball with an impressive resume over the course of her career. Currently, she is the Head Coach of the AAU 14U St. Louis Lady Eagles and previously was the Owner/Head Coach of STL Force Basketball. She has been highly regarded in basketball circles for a long time, especially after being named a USA Basketball Gold Licensed Coach. As an addition to her basketball coaching, she also serves as both a Speed & Agility Trainer as well as a Strength & Conditioning Trainer. Coach Thomas was an outstanding player herself at both the high school and college levels. In high school, she was a 4-year Varsity player, averaged 18 ppg en route the conference MVP award, and was recognized as a Missouri Scholar Athlete before graduating as her Class Salutatorian. As a college basketball player at Maryville University, she averaged 13.5 ppg and again was honored as a Scholar Athlete. Coach Thomas graduated Magna Cum Laude from Maryville with both a Physical Therapy and Biology Degree. Her daughter, Katie Ambrose, will compete on our U16 Girls Basketball Team at the United World Games. She has over 25 years experience as a Physical Therapist and is the Regional Vice President with both Encore Rehabilitation and RehabWorks.

U19 Girl’s Volleyball – Coach Janet Tyler (Broken Arrow, OK) is the Co-Founder and Director of the Broken Arrow Volleyball Club, an extremely popular organization in Oklahoma with over 35 coaches throughout all age divisions. She has coached competitive club teams for several years and is a member of the National Association of Youth Sports as well as a Certified Youth Sports Administrator. As an athlete herself, Coach Tyler competed on a trip to Belgium and is excited to share a similar experience with a group of today’s athletes. She balances her coaching duties with her career as an Accountant and received her Bachelor’s Degree from Ashworth University in Human Resource Management. Coach Tyler is the proud wife of Ross Tyler, who will serve as the coach of our U15 Volleyball Team as well as the proud mother of Paige (13) and Brooke (11) who be playing for our U15 Volleyball Team at the United World Games.

U15 Girl’s Volleyball – Coach Ross Tyler (Broken Arrow, OK) is the Co-Founder of the Broken Arrow Volleyball Club, an extremely popular organization in Oklahoma with over 35 coaches throughout all age divisions. For several years, he has coached young players and spends much of his time focusing on his competitive U13 team. He balances his coaching duties with his career working for the Department of Defense in Quality Control and as a Contract Specialist. He has a certified education in the Art of Coaching Volleyball and an Associate’s Degree in Quality Control from the Spartan School of Aeronautics. Coach Tyler is the husband of Janet Tyler, who will serve as the coach of our U19 Volleyball Team as well as the proud father of Paige (13) and Brooke (11) who be playing for our U15 Volleyball Team at the United World Games.

U15 Girl’s Volleyball Assistant – Coach Megan Brands (Tulsa, OK) is currently a Head Coach and Board Member of the Broken Arrow Volleyball Club, an extremely popular organization in Oklahoma with over 35 coaches throughout all age divisions. After a successful playing career at Ozark Christian College where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Bible Knowledge, she’s made a name for herself as a Volleyball Official (Referee) & Scorekeeper. For over a decade, Coach Brands has officiated at the club, high school, JUCO, NAIA, NCCAA, and NCAA levels around the country. A couple of her career highlights are being nominated to be the scorekeeper for the 2014 NCAA Division I National Championship as well as being the scorekeeper for the 2014 High School Volleyball All-American Game. Her aspirations are to officiate in a future Olympics.

Boy’s Soccer – Jeff Heaton (Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania) is the Soccer Coach at Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School and the Director of Coaching for the Colonial Soccer Club.

Girl’s Soccer – Marcello D’Agostino (Fort Washington, PA) coaches at the Futbol24 Soccer Academy. He was born in Italy and has coach Upper Dublin High School, the Upper Dublin Soccer Club, and the Ukrainian Nationals.

TRIP LEADER – Richie Schueler (Los Angeles, CA) serves as the Trip Coordinator for all STUDENTathleteWorld Tours, evaluating and selecting athletes to represent SaW for all their trips. Prior to joining the company in 2012, he spent ten years as a college basketball coach at all NCAA levels, including four years as Head Men’s Basketball Coach at St. Andrews University (NCAA Div. II). He was on staff at Austin Peay State University (NCAA Div. I) in 2003 when they won the Ohio Valley Conference Championship and competed in the NCAA Tournament. Richie is a licensed FIBA-approved coach (International Basketball Federation), a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), and actively involved in basketball camps/clinics/showcases around the United States. He played collegiately at the University of Evansville and also on an international basketball tour throughout South America after his senior season. After college, he was selected to play in the professional basketball league in Croatia. Richie earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Evansville and a Master’s Degree in Health & Human Performance with a specialization in Sports Administration from Austin Peay.

TRIP LEADER – Kevin Allingham (Asheville, NC) is a valuable member of the STUDENTathleteWorld Home Office, handling many administrative duties and serving as the first point of contact for many of our athletes & families. Previous to joining our team, he spent 19 years as an Assistant College Baseball Coach: five as the top Assistant Coach at Brevard College (NC), eight as the top Assistant Coach at Methodist University (NC), one as a Graduate Assistant Coach at Virginia Commonwealth University (VA), and four as a Student Assistant Coach at Catawba College (NC). Kevin has a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from Catawba College and a Master’s Degree in Sports Management from Virginia Commonwealth University (VA).

Bob Hutchings, U18 Boys Basketball Coach (Bridgeton, NJ) – Coach Bob Hutchings has been coaching basketball for over 40 years and is one of the most well respected coaches in the Northeast. Currently, he is on staff at Stockton University, where he has been a part of multiple conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. Previously, Coach Hutchings served as an Assistant Coach for Mike Krzyzewski (Army), Assistant Coach for the Saudi Arabian National Team, Head Coach of Cumberland County College, and Head Coach of Bridgeton High School (NJ). For his incredible accomplishments throughout the years, he has been inducted into The New Jersey Scholastic Coaches Association Hall of Fame, the Millville Thunderbolts Hall of Fame, the Wheeling Jesuit Athletic Hall of Fame, and the All Sports Museum of Southern New Jersey Hall of Fame. He is an Associate Emeritus Member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration as well as a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling Education.

Jeremy Otkin, U14 Boys Basketball Coach (Pipestone, MN) – Coach Jeremy Otkin is currently coaching in the West Central School District in South Dakota. Previously, Coach Otkin spent time on coaching staffs at both the high school and college levels. At Sandhills Community College (NC), he served two years as both the Assistant Coach as well as the Strength & Conditioning Coach. Shortly after his time on staff, the men’s basketball program went on to win the NJCAA Division III National Championship. While in the high school coaching ranks, Coach Otkin was on staff at his alma mater where he helped lead his team to a South Dakota State Consolation Championship. He has balanced coaching with his military career (2003-2005 National Guard, 2005-2010 Active Duty in the Army, and 2010-present in the Army Reserves). Coach Otkin played College Baseball at Dakota State University (SD) and spends time in the summer working Duke Basketball Camp. He has two Bachelor’s Degrees (Education and Management) and is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Education Administration.

TRIP LEADER – Richie Schueler (Los Angeles, CA) serves as the Trip Coordinator for all STUDENTathleteWorld Tours, evaluating and selecting athletes to represent SaW for all their trips. Prior to joining the company in 2012, he spent ten years as a college basketball coach at all NCAA levels, including four years as Head Men’s Basketball Coach at St. Andrews University (NCAA Div. II). He was on staff at Austin Peay State University (NCAA Div. I) in 2003 when they won the Ohio Valley Conference Championship and competed in the NCAA Tournament. Richie is a licensed FIBA-approved coach (International Basketball Federation), a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), and actively involved in basketball camps/clinics/showcases around the United States. He played collegiately at the University of Evansville and also on an international basketball tour throughout South America after his senior season. After college, he was selected to play in the professional basketball league in Croatia. Richie earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Evansville and a Master’s Degree in Health & Human Performance with a specialization in Sports Administration from Austin Peay.

Amber Dohlman, Softball Coach (River Falls, WI) – Coach Amber Dohlman serves as both the Head Softball Coach and Co-Sports Information Director (SID) at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. In addition, she has also been the head softball coach and assistant sports information director at Millikin University. Throughout her career, she has been a member of the NCAA regional ranking committee, has participated in several national coaching clinics, conducted offensive/defensive clinics, and served as an NCAA Championships game representative. Coach Dohlman has been very fortunate to recruit & coach two All-Americans, 13 All-Region players, and 21 All-Conference players. She has also spent time on staff at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, winning a championship and competing in the NCAA Tournament. In addition to coaching, she has several years of experience in media relations, statistics, web streaming, social media and web page production. Coach Dohlman earned her Bachelor’s Degree in 2008 from UW-River Falls in Secondary Education-Health and Human Performance with an emphasis in Exercise and Sport Science.

Sara Fern, Assistant Softball Coach (River Falls, WI) – Coach Sarah Fern (River Falls, WI) is currently the Assistant Softball Coach at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Throughout her young career, she has also made coaching stops at both Millikin University and SUNY-Plattsburgh, overseeing fundraising, recruiting, strength & conditioning, scouting, video breakdown, infield defense, and team offense. While coaching at Millikin, she helped the helped the offense break a single-season school homerun record. Only a few years removed from playing, Sarah finished her four-year career with a .371 batting average, ranking in several Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) career and single season records. She was a 1st Team All-Conference player three times, was honored as an All-Region First Baseman twice, was a member of two conference championship teams, and participated in three NCAA Softball Championships. During her illustrious career, she was named the Louisville Slugger/NFCA National Player of the Week in her senior season. Sarah earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sports Performance from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Rachelle Matthys, Women’s Basketball Coach (Buffalo, NY) – Coach Matthys is currently the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Medaille College (NY). Prior to coaching at Medaille, she was the Assistant to the Director of Player Performance for the WNBA’s New York Liberty. As a player, Coach Matthys was a four-year standout letter winner at the University at Buffalo (NY), finishing her career as Co-Captain. After college, Coach Matthys played four years of professional basketball in Germany, Australia, & England, capturing a championship title for the DBBL in Germany. During her time abroad, she coached basketball for several different players and teams, as well as serving as the Strength & Conditioning Coach. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science with a Concentration in Coaching and a Master’s Degree in Science Education.

Aaron Denton, Men’s Basketball Coach (Whispering Pines, NC) – Coach Aaron Denton is one of the most accomplished college coaches to lead a STUDENTathleteWorld Tour. Throughout his career, he’s successfully turned two JUCO programs (Sandhills CC & Louisburg College) into national powerhouses in addition to serving as the Assistant Coach at Miami Dade College, Guilford College (NCAA D3), and UNC Greensboro (NCAA D1). Currently, he is both a full-time member of the Math faculty and Athletic Director at Sandhills CC. As the Athletic Director, he oversees an athletic program that has had immense success at the national level, including two national championships. Upon his arrival at Sandhills CC, Coach Denton built the basketball program from the ground up. In his third season, his team finished with a #8 ranking in the NJCAA national poll while capturing an NJCAA Region X regular season title. At the end of the season, six of his players signed scholarships to four-year institutions. Over his last two years as a basketball coach, nine players earned full scholarships. In all, he’s had 34 basketball players earn scholarships and nearly 40 move on to play at the four-year college level. As a college athlete, Coach Denton played football, basketball and lacrosse at Guilford College where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Management. He furthered his education with an M.B.A. from UNC Greensboro while working under coach Fran McCaffery (now head basketball coach at the University of Iowa).

Richie Schueler, Men’s Basketball Coach / Trip Leader (Los Angeles, CA) – Richie Schueler serves as the Trip Coordinator for all STUDENTathleteWorld Tours, evaluating and selecting athletes to represent SaW for all their trips. Prior to joining the company in 2012, he spent ten years as a college basketball coach at all NCAA levels, including four years as Head Men’s Basketball Coach at St. Andrews University (NCAA Div. II). He was on staff at Austin Peay State University (NCAA Div. I) in 2003 when they won the Ohio Valley Conference Championship and competed in the NCAA Tournament. Richie is a licensed FIBA-approved coach (International Basketball Federation), a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), and actively involved in basketball camps/clinics/showcases around the United States. He played collegiately at the University of Evansville and also on an international basketball tour throughout South America after his senior season. After college, he was selected to play in the professional basketball league in Croatia. Richie earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Evansville and a Master’s Degree in Health & Human Performance with a specialization in Sports Administration from Austin Peay.

Boy’s U18 Coach – Coach Aaron Ettinger (Selinsgrove, PA) is currently the Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at Susquehanna University as well as the Head JV Men’s Basketball Coach. His responsibilities include on-court coaching, game planning, scouting, film exchange, recruiting, and the organization of youth tournaments & team camps. He’s been an extremely valuable asset to their Top 25 program throughout his tenure. Coach Ettinger began his coaching career during his junior year of college and, since that time, has also served as a head coach for junior high, high school and AAU teams, creating winning cultures at each stop. Coach Ettinger earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education (K-6) from Bloomsburg University and his Master’s Degree in Education with a Specialization in Classroom Technology from Wilkes University.

Support Staff – Tim Ryerson (Holly Springs, North Carolina) founded STUDENTathleteWorld in 2009 after coaching Men’s Basketball and Cross Country at five different NCAA schools in four States over eight years; Hardin-Simmons University (TX), University of Wisconsin-River Falls (WI), Methodist University (NC), St. Andrews University (NC) and Wayne State College (NE). He also spent time as a high school coach in basketball, baseball, softball, and football. He has a M.Ed in Sports Management from Hardin-Simmons University (TX).

Support Staff – Erika Ryerson (Holly Springs, North Carolina) is the wife of Tim Ryerson. You will see her cheering for #SaWTeamUSA and on the beach!