Bob Schneck - Click for more info
Director
E-mail: mailto:BSCHNECK@URI.EDU
The RIVBC was created in 1984 by Bob Schneck, Head Women’s Volleyball Coach for the University of Rhode Island.
Bob Schneck enters his 29th season at the helm of the University of Rhode Island volleyball program in 2009-2010. During that time, he's compiled a record of 497-387-2, good for a winning percentage of .564. This season Schneck became the 26th coach in NCAA history to win 500 matches.
Schneck's philosophy of pursuing every ball - no matter how far away it appears to be - has been the cornerstone of his success at URI. His teams have captured three Atlantic 10 tournament titles (1991, `92 and `96), received three NCAA tournament bids (1985, `91 and `96) and reached the semifinals of the National Invitation Volleyball Championships in 1995. Through the years, Schneck has shown the ability to develop talent into success. His teams have qualified for the conference tournament 18 times, including a remarkable 11 trips to the finals.
Schneck's Rams have won 25-or-more matches nine times, including back-to-back 30-win campaigns in 1995 and '96. The 1995 team finished 30-8, was second in the league and advanced to the Final Four of the National Invitational Volleyball Championship. In '96, when URI wound up with a school-record 31 victories, the Rams became the first school in Atlantic 10 history to win 19 conference games, then added the league tournament title to their regular-season crown and moved on to the NCAA tournament.
Schneck is widely recognized among college volleyball coaches for his astute knowledge and his ability to teach others the finer aspects of the game. Schneck has tutored 32 All-Atlantic 10 performers. He also has had six conference Freshman of the Year honorees and two conference Players of the Year. Schneck was named Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year in 1995 and NCAA District I Coach of the Year in both '95 and '96. Schneck's players excel off the court as well. Kengy Gardiner-Bell (1988-91), who went on to become the seventh-ranked beach volleyball player on the pro circuit, was an All-American and winner of the prestigious NCAA Woman of the Year award for 1991-92. Yolanda Bogacz, the 2001 team captain, was a Rhodes Scholar finalist and a Holmes Award recipient as the top female athlete at Rhode Island. Amy Kauppila (2000-02) was named a District I Academic All-American and was a recipient of the Holmes Award. Former Ram Diane Short joined Schneck in the coaching ranks at in-state rival Brown University and, more recently, former players Abby Thornbladh and Betty Arana have served on Schneck's coaching staff. In 2007, former URI standout Rachel Bello served as one of his assistant coaches while she worked to complete her kinesiology degree.
Aside from his coaching duties at URI, Schneck is active in several other areas of volleyball. He is on the staff of the USA Coaching Accreditation Program - which is composed of 40 of the nation's most experienced and successful coaches. The group works to provide standards for professional development and advancement at various competitive levels. Schneck also served on the voting panel of the Division I/Tachikara Top 20 coaches' poll for nine years and spent three years as a member of both the NCAA Mideast Regional Committee and the All-American Selection Committee. In 1984, he helped organize and host the National Junior Olympic volleyball championship in Kingston, R.I. The following year, he coached the East team at the National Sports Festival (later known as the Olympic Festival) in Indianapolis, Ind.
Schneck founded the Rhode Island Juniors Volleyball Club in 1991. The program was revived in 2001 and Schneck served as Director and Head Coach until 2007. During this time his team won 2 Regional Championships and earned the Region's bid to the Junior Olympic National Championships 3 times and attended the JO's in 2005 & 2006. From the club a multitude of our athletes have gone on to compete and receive athletic scholarships in college.
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Lisa
Schneck
Assistant Director
E-mail: SchneckVBall@aol.com
Administrator for the RIVBC since 1986. In charge of maintaining the website, mailings, camp information, staff information, camper registration. Co-Founder of Rhode Island Juniors Volleyball Club in 1991 and Assistant Director of the Rhode Island Juniors Volleyball Club from 2000-2007.
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2011 HEAD COACHES:
Steve
Santonastaso - University
of Rhode Island alum, Steve Santonastaso, joined the women's volleyball coaching
staff after spending the last 12 years in the sports hotbed of California.
Santonastaso shared all the duties of running the volleyball program with head
coach Bob Schneck, including recruiting, player development, floor coaching,
travel, budget and academics. "Steve is the most qualified candidate that I
have hired as the top assistant since I've been here," Schneck said.
"He brings a wealth of experience, he has won national championships in
junior Olympics and he had success at the high school level. Steve will really
be able to contribute on the floor in teaching, which will help with the large
group of newcomers we have this year. He's a teacher and that's what we
need." The Cranston, R.I. native was the head varsity coach at Presentation
High in San Jose, Calif since 1997, having led the team to four Central Coast
Section championships in 1998, 1999, 2001 and 2002. Santonastaso guided
Presentation High to five Northern California state tournaments and in 2002 the
team won the Northern California championship. In his eight years at
Presentation, Santonastaso coached 11 players who earned scholarships to
Division I Institutions. Santonastaso was also involved with junior Olympic club
volleyball, serving as a City Beach Volleyball Club head coach since 1997 and as
the club's associate director since 1998. While coaching City Beach, he led the
club to a gold medal at the USA Volleyball Junior Olympics in 2002, a silver in
2004 and a bronze in 2001. He coached nine junior national All-Americans and 14
players who signed Division I scholarships, including seven who went on to be
All-Americans. Santonastaso attended Cranston East High, where he played on the
boy's volleyball team in its first year of existence. He earned his
undergraduate degree from the University of Rhode Island, while playing setter
and right side hitter on the men's club volleyball team from 1990-93.
Santonastaso was also involved in helping the Rams to a second-place finish at
the 1993 National Club Volleyball Championships in Austin, Texas. He was a part
of back-to-back New England Collegiate Volleyball League championships in 1990
and 1991, earning the NECVL Most Valuable Player award in 1991. He also helped
lead the Rams to a pair of Intercollegiate Volleyball Association titles in 1992
and 1993. After graduating from Rhode Island in 1993 with a bachelor of arts
degree in physical education with a concentration in athletic training,
Santonastaso headed west to earn his menders in athletic training at Sal Jose
State University.
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Elaini
Kollias -
Elaini Kollias
enters her 7th season as an assistant coach with the Rebels.
Kollias has been at UNLV for all five years of the resurgence of the program and has helped coach the team to no less than 15 wins in each of her years in Las Vegas. She has helped head coach Allison Keeley to an overall mark of 90-57. Included in those 90 victories are back-to-back seasons of at least 20 victories with a school-record 24 amassed in 2007.
Prior to UNLV, she spent three years as a graduate assistant and assistant coach with West Virginia's volleyball team. During her time in Morgantown she was responsible for on-court coaching as well as actively recruiting the West Coast.
"Elaini is extremely personable, has a ton of energy and a great work ethic," said UNLV head coach Allison Keeley. "This combination of attributes makes her a great asset on the court and a tremendous recruiter."
Before joining the Mountaineer staff, Kollias spent eight seasons as a head coach for the Saddleback Valley Volleyball Club, coaching various age levels. She also assisted in a number of volleyball summer camps over the years, including the Junior National Performance camp and the South Coast Beach Volleyball camp.
Kollias started her playing career at Saddleback Junior College (Mission Viejo, Calif.) where she was named team MVP twice and was a two time all-conference member. She was later inducted into the Saddleback Hall of Fame. She then went on to play for Concordia University in Irvine, Calif., and set a school record for most kills in a match with 34. Kollias holds the career record for kills and is third in all-time assists for the Eagles.
In 2002, she was a member of an American contingent that won the gold medal at the Scottish National Championships. The team was coached by George Mason University's Pat Kendrick.
Kollias is from Dana Point, Calif., and graduated from Concordia University in 1996 with a B.A. in elementary education. She earned her master's degree in athletic coaching education in 2002 from West Virginia.
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Justin
Turco -
Turco coached San Diego State's "A" team to second place in the Southern California Collegiate Volleyball League in 2009. The finish represented an improvement of five places -- up from seventh -- from the previous season. The team placed in five out of six Gold Brackets, including one first place finish at the UC Irvine Invitational, in fall 2008.
Turco played men's club volleyball at Vermont for four years. He helped lead the team to the New England Collegiate Volleyball League (NECVL) Division II title in 2005, and he was selected an NECVL first team all-star in 2007. While Turco was competing in the sand in California, he earned his AAA player rating from the California Beach Volleyball Association, and played across the country in various AVP qualifier events.
He graduated from Vermont with a bachelor's degree in political science and a minor in economics. Turco has been a member of the American Volleyball Coaches Association since 2006. He grew up in Harwich, Mass.
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Kevin
Harrington-
4th summer working the camp. Graduate of Rivier College with a major in English Education. Formerly Head Coach at North Kingstown High School. Assisted the Prout Girl's Volleyball team to a State Championship.
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Ralph
Rivera (Click on name for bio) - 2nd
summer working the camp.
2010: Zona Volleyball Club
2005-2009 Trabuco Hills High School
I have worked Dave Rubio's Summer camps at the University of Arizona for the last 4 years, directed Trabuco Hills Volleyball Camps for both high school girls and kids from 7-12, and coached Saddleback Volleyball camps for the last 5 years as well.
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PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT
Saddleback Valley Volleyball Club,
Lake Forest, California (November 2007- present)
Volleyball Athletic Instructor
Developed and directed a 16-3s volleyball team to achieve the position of 43rd
ranking for all 16 and under in Southern California Volleyball Association.
Instructed one on one private lessons with athletes to further better skills.
Assisted in the development of Saddleback's 18-1s teams and 17-1s teams.
Trabuco Hills High School, Mission
Viejo, California (January 2007- November 2010)
Athletic Supervisor Specializing in Volleyball
Taught male and female athletes at the freshman, junior varsity, and varsity
level. Instructed one on one and coached at summer volleyball camps with more
than 120 children. Assisted in the success of Trabuco Hills High School's first
time ever in school history reaching second place in league.
University of Arizona, Tucson,
Arizona (July 2010)
Volleyball Camp Instructor
Instructed volleyball players at the university camp under Pac 10 Head
Volleyball Coach Dave Rubio. Responsible for the learning environment and
teaching of future Pac 10 players and adolescents.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Trabuco Hills High School, Mission
Viejo, California
Played all four years under Ex-AVP player Craig Moothart as a libero.
Graduated in June 2006
California State University Long
Beach, Long Beach, California
Major: Business Marketing
Graduated with Bachelor degree December 2010
AWARDS AND CERTIFICATES
Age Group Supervisor Award
Recipient of the annual supervisor's award in 2009 and 2010.
Impact Certified
Received in January 2010 upon completion of a code of ethics class.
Certificate of Clearance
Received through the National Teaching Credential in 2010.
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2011 ASSISTANT COACHES:
Eddy
DelSignore - 7th
summer working the RI Volleyball Camp. Graduated with Master's Degree
(Summa Cum
Laude) in Sports Psychology from Boston University. Played for the Boston University Men's Club team. Graduated from Bishop Hendricken.
Eddy was a 2
Time First Team All-State selection and was named MVP of the championship
tournament as a junior and All-Tournament as a senior. During his varsity career
at Bishop Hendricken, he amassed 460 kills, 462 digs, 81 aces, and 66 blocks.
The Hawks went 36-2 in the regular season during these two years. Eddy was also
a member of the Rhode Island Blast team that won two New England Championships.
Eddy was a starting outside hitter for all 4 years of undergrad at BU, and will return to Boston University for Graduate School studying Counseling Psychology with a sub-concentration in Sports Psychology. During his 4 undergraduate years, he was a 2 Time NECVL All-Tournament Selection, a 2 Time Marty Open Champion, and a NECVL Champion. Along with Steve Fuller, Eddy is the reigning Men's AA AVPnext Beach Volleyball Champion.
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Kevin
McDonald - 6th
summer working the RI Volleyball Camp. In
high school Kevin was a First Team All-State selection and was named to the
All-Tournament team as a senior. He was the starting setter for Bishop
Hendricken and won back-to-back state titles. Kevin is one of the best setters
in RI high school history. Kevin was also a member of the Rhode Island Blast
team that won two New England Championships and was named to the All-Tournament
team.
For the past four years, Kevin has played club volleyball at Seton Hall University. He has been the starting setter all four seasons and his Pirates are very competitive in a tough East Coast Club League. Kevin is attending the University of Rhode Island pursuing a masters degree in Electrical Engineering. While at URI he will be playing on the men's volleyball club team.
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Caitlyn
Welsh -
(Click on name for player bio) Finished Senior season at the University of
Rhode Island as a starting middle blocker. Was a member of the Rhode Island
Juniors Volleyball Club for 2 years. 4th summer working RIVB camp.
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Timothy Scannell -
2007 -2011: Member of the
University of Rhode Island Collegiate D1 Club volleyball Team
Started at OH Junior and Senior seasons
Team Captain in 2010 & 2011 Seasons
NECVL All Tournament Team 2010, 2011
NCVF All National First Team 2011
2003-2007: Played for four years
at Wachusett Regional High School
Team Captain in 2007
Personal: Graduated from the
University of Rhode Island in May 2011
Have a B.S in Business Administration, Majored in Accounting
Currently in Graduate school pursuing my Masters in Accountancy
Also played Track and Soccer in High school.
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Timothy
Ramistella -
(Click on name for player bio) Entering Junior year at Emmanuel College
majoring in Business Management. AS A SOPHOMORE...Ramistella sat out most
of the season due to an injury...played in just three matches during the 2010
season, which saw the Saints win a program-best 27 wins, including making a trip
to the GNAC Finals and to the NECVA Tournament.
AS A FRESHMAN...Ramistella played in 24 matches for the Saints...was named the
team's Most Improved Player...totaled 89 digs and recorded a .974 receiving
percentage as a rookie... helped Emmanuel to a 19-13 overall record and a 9-3
GNAC mark, including a trip to the GNAC Finals and to the NECVA Tournament.
BEFORE EMMANUEL...Ramistella was a three-sport athlete at Staples High School
(Westport, Conn.), competing in volleyball, cross country and indoor track &
field...was a four-year player and two-year starter for the varsity volleyball
team...led the Wreckers to four FCIAC Championships ('05, '06, '07, '08) and to
three Connecticut State Championships ('06, '07, '08)...posted an overall high
school record of 82-0.
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Michael
Mottola -
(Click on name for player bio)
AS A SOPHOMORE...Mottola
played in 20 matches for the Saints...tallied 62 kills, hitting .221 for the
season...totaled 39 digs, 18 service aces and 9 total blocks... helped the
Saints to a program-best 27 wins, including making a trip to the GNAC Finals and
to the NECVA Tournament.
AS A FRESHMAN...Mottola played in 23 matches for the
Saints...totaled 36 kills, 33 digs and 21 service aces... helped Emmanuel to a
19-13 overall record and a 9-3 GNAC mark, including a trip to the GNAC Finals
and to the NECVA Tournament.
BEFORE EMMANUEL...Mottola was a two-sport athlete at Quincy High School
(Quincy, Mass.), playing football and volleyball...was a four-year starter and
three-time team captain on the varsity volleyball team...named a league all-star
three times...played Beantown Volleyball for two years...led his Bay State Games
Team to a Scholastic Division Gold Medal.
Major: English Communications
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ATHLETIC TRAINER:
Bridget
Rumer -
Bridget Rumer is from Perrysburg, Ohio and received her Bachelor's degree in Athletic Training and Health Education from Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio, where she competed on the women's basketball team and was a 2004 graduate. As a student athletic trainer there, she worked with football, baseball, track, cross country and volleyball.
In 2006, Bridget received her Masters of Science in Sports Administration from Eastern New Mexico University in Protales, N.M. There, she spent two years as a graduate assistant and one year as the assistant athletic trainer with primary responsibilities of women's basketball and volleyball.
Bridget is in her fourth year as an assistant athletic trainer at the University of Rhode Island. She is currently serving as the certified athletic trainer for the Rhody softball team and is entering her second year as the women's volleyball athletic trainer.
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CAMP MANAGER & DORM MONITOR:
Katherine Corsi -
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CAMP STORE & EQUIPMENT MANAGER
Cameron
Schneck
- Equipment
& Camp Store Manager.