St. John the Baptist High School

Biography
Ryan Dalton has been coaching at SJB since 2021, and has been the Head Coach of the Varsity Baseball team since 2023. Ryan graduated from SJB in 2015 and was a part of the 2014 NSCHSAA championship baseball team. In 2015, he was named the NSCHSAA catcher of the year. After high school, Ryan went on to play DII college baseball at LIU Post. Before graduating in 2019, he was a part of  the 2017 and 2019 ECC Championship teams. 

Ryan’s coaching objectives are to help prepare student-athletes for the next level of their baseball career. His coaching staff will thoroughly explain all parts of the game in great detail so their players have a better understanding of how to approach each situation. Being a great baseball player isn't always about talent; it is also about knowing where to be, when to be there, and what to do when you're in that situation. Ryan and his staff like to emphasize the importance of "teaching" the game of baseball. They have a tremendous facility that allows them to maximize the most amount of reps possible each day they are on the field. A more important focus than baseball itself is the life lessons that he also tries to preach. Ryan tries to help guide his athletes into becoming the best version of themselves. They especially emphasize the importance of accountability, being respectful, and being a good human being, in as many ways as possible. 

In his own words, Ryan talks about his connection with SJB, saying, “SJB has been my second home my whole life. It is an incredible place to be, whether it be in the classroom, on an athletic field, or most importantly, in the community. SJB makes you feel welcomed, comfortable and prepared for life ahead. I know it did so for myself and others over the years."

In closing, Ryan shares, “If I were to advise anyone in their decision process, it would be to pick somewhere that makes you feel the most comfortable, a place where you feel the sense of community. You want to be in a place where you have people around you who care about you and your growth. Wherever that place is, follow the direction it takes you, personally. That's what SJB is all about.”

Top of Page

Biography

Top of Page

Biography
Gary Haines is at the forefront of the Boys’ Bowling program at SJB. He bowled for 2 years at the collegiate level at Briarcliffe College, before joining the PBA Tour in 2014 as a professional bowler. He is most proud about assisting his wife their first year coaching the Girls’ Varsity Bowling Team and winning the League Championship in 2023.

In his own words, Gary shares, “Between the knowledge and experience I have in the sport of Bowling, I feel those resources are a great fit for bowlers wanting to get better, as well as for student athletes wanting to bowl for the first time.”

Top of Page

Biography
Jessica Maddalena is a 2002 graduate of St. John the Baptist, and has been working with the Equestrian team for the past 10 years. As a student, Jessica was a two-season athlete; swimming and playing softball. After returning to SJB, she has also been an assistant coach for Boys’ and Girls’ Swimming, Softball, and Girls’ Flag Football. 

As a leader of the Equestrian program, she shares it is a joy to watch the riders on the team develop their skills over the course of a year. She can attest that many riders progress significantly during their time on the team.
In her own words, Jessica says, “Equestrian is a team for athletes of all abilities. We have both boys and girls on the team. Some of our team members have been riding for years and are developing their jumping skills. We also have students who join the team with no experience and learn to ride.”

Top of Page

Biography
Philip Alba played high school football at Valley Stream Central (class of 1984), before going on to play college ball as a reserve defensive back at St John's University. After graduating college, he enjoyed a successful professional career, growing businesses before launching his own real estate company in 2000. In 2009, he was able to reconnect to the game he loved when he joined the football staff at St. John the Baptist. He began as an assistant coach, expanded his role to defensive coordinator, and was named Head Coach in 2019.

Throughout Coach Alba's tenure, he has poured into his staff and his players, watching the program grow and improve. Launching the "Brotherhood" culture, and its core values of servant leadership, through hard work and the tireless dedication of his caring staff, SJB won the AA1 championship in 2023, after knocking on the door the previous two years. Coach credits these principles of servant leadership to his relationship with Jesus Christ as the most powerful and important influence that shapes his life. His love for the St. John's community, passion for football, and desire to be a blessing to those around him are profound. They are among the many reasons alumni players continue to connect with Coach Alba through phone calls, texts, or a meal after they have graduated.

Coach Alba looks back on his tenure as a coach at SJB, and shares, “While winning the AA1 championship in 2023 was perhaps our most notable moment, my proudest moment was witnessing our football community coming together after two tragedies, where on separate years the lives of two students were lost. On both occasions, the beauty of seeing our young people suffer together, rise up, and gather in community, impacted me with humility and gratitude. It made me so proud to be their head coach."

In his own words, Coach Alba believes, “Our unique brand is that we coach the entire person. While we love to win, winning is not enough. Our purpose statement is ‘To create loving leaders through the incredible game of football.’ Our coaches honor this game and the fruit it produces in young men. We understand why many choose not to play. It's demanding in so many ways, requiring perseverance, toughness, togetherness, dependability, faith, and love. Our staff finds deep meaning and purpose that through football, we participate in building future servant leaders who honor their Creator, are a blessing to their families, and to their community. For any young man who truly values developing a life that will flourish in these areas, St. John's is the premier football program on Long Island.” #ProcessAboveOutcomes #Brotherhood

Top of Page

Biography
Ron Staib joined SJB Athletics as the Boys’ Golf head coach in the Spring of 2024. As a "life-long learner" of the game and single-digit handicap, Ron understands the game and does his best to assist each member of the team with gaining the skills they need, whether related to mechanics, course management, or life-balance, to become the best they can be. 

Before taking over the Boys’ Golf Program, Ron was a Wall Street Executive for 43 years, a position in which he attributes learning a lot about team chemistry, motivation, and goal achievement. He was also  an NCAA Division I, USA Baseball, and independent minor league umpire for over 25 years. As an instructor and director at umpiring schools throughout the country, he learned how to structure and organize a plan for teaching that is most effective for the team, but also caters to each individual. 

Ron is extremely proud to represent SJB and the young men on his team. His fellow coaches named him Coach of the Year for 2024. 

In his own words, Ron shares what he has learned about SJB as a recent addition to the Athletics program, stating “At SJB, there is a serious commitment to the athlete. Our Athletic Directors are superior and their administrative staff is efficient, thorough and well-organized. Our coaches are dedicated to the growth of our athletes, both on and off the field.”

Top of Page

Biography

Top of Page

Biography

Alex Pazienza’s journey in lacrosse has been defined by dedication, leadership, and a passion for developing the next generation of athletes. After high school and winning a CHSAA League Championship, he continued his academic and athletic career at Sacred Heart University, where he was a four-year starter for the men’s lacrosse team. While at Sacred Heart, he earned his Master of Business Administration while balancing the demands of academics and Division I athletics.

Over the course of his collegiate career, Alex was named Team MVP for three consecutive years, a reflection of his leadership, work ethic, and consistency on the field. He also broke and still holds multiple program records, including most saves in a season, most career saves, most wins in a season, and most career wins. In addition, he was a member of the team that captured a MAAC Championship, one of the most memorable accomplishments of his playing career.

Following college, Alex transitioned into coaching and has remained committed to developing young athletes. He has coached with New Canaan Youth Lacrosse and has served as the head coach of a competitive club lacrosse team. Through his coaching, he emphasizes fundamentals, accountability, and building a strong team culture that prepares players for success both on and off the field.

Looking back on his journey as both a player and coach, Alex takes pride not only in championships and individual honors, but also in the relationships built and the growth of the athletes he works with. He encourages students to compete because the lessons learned through lacrosse including discipline, resilience, and teamwork that help shape strong leaders long after their playing days are over.


Top of Page

Biography
Bob Scott began coaching sailing at St. John's in 2002, at the inception of the sailing program. The program began as a club with recreational "summer sailors" and soon grew into a varsity sport competing with both public and private schools. The team competes with teams from all across New York, as far away as Buffalo, as well as teams from NY to VA in the Mid-Atlantic League. 

As a sailing coach, Bob’s goal is to teach the skills and tactics that will enable the team members to achieve success on the water. Beyond the regatta success and victories, his coaching objective is to build a group that honors and respects every member of the team. Often, he reminds the team that many stories in the Gospels have Jesus and the early Apostles in small sailing vessels, even in the midst of storms. Such is our Catholic heritage, allow the wind to power your sails! 

Bob is a member of the Religious Education Department at SJB, and his love for sailing far precedes his coaching career. In fact, sailing is an activity that he and his wife have participated in since their teen years. Sailing is the family sport in their home! The season begins in March and continues until November, with the motto, First boat in, Last boat out! Beyond St. John's, Bob was the Director of Sailing for Southold Yacht Club for many years.
As a coach, one of his proudest moments was when the team finished in the Top 30 in the Fleet Racing Championships, out of all 175 teams in the Mid-Atlantic Sailing Association during the Fall 2023 and 2024 seasons.

In his own words, Bob shares, “SJB is the only Catholic High School on Long Island that offers Sailing as a Varsity Sport! We may not be able to control the wind, but we can trim our sails, adjust our rudder and chart our course!”

Top of Page

Biography
Noah Molina has a longstanding passion for the game of soccer. After graduating high school in 1999, he went on to play at the collegiate level at Molloy. Aside from leading the Boys’ Varsity Soccer team at SJB, he is involved in coaching two outside league boy’s soccer teams (U16 & U19)  in Levittown. In addition to coaching, Noah also trains multiple soccer teams across various age groups, sharing his passion and experience with the next generation of players.

Noah shares that his proudest moment of coaching at SJB thus far occurred last season, when the varsity team achieved two incredible feats. First, they beat St. Anthony’s 1-0 in a hard-fought game that showcased the heart and devotion of the players. They carried that same determination into the playoffs against Chaminade, where they pushed the game into overtime. Though they fell short, losing 1-0, Noah proclaimed he had never been prouder of how those young men played with resilience, commitment, and sportsmanship. It was an unforgettable display of character.

In his own words, Noah shares, “SJB is a fantastic community, not only because of its incredible teachers, staff, and students, but also because of our dedicated soccer family. Parents and family members consistently show up to support the boys, creating a true sense of unity. Playing soccer at SJB is more than just joining a team—it's about becoming part of a family.” 

Top of Page

Biography
Melissa Jensen is deeply involved in numerous athletic programs at St. John the Baptist and is also a valued member of the Science Department. She began her coaching career at SJB 15 years ago as part of the Girls’ Volleyball coaching staff. Over the years, she served as an Assistant Varsity Coach before becoming the Head Coach of the Junior Varsity team, a position she has held for the past 10 years. In addition, she has coached Boys’ Varsity Volleyball for a decade, earning Coach of the Year honors twice and leading the team to a League Championship in 2019.

Beyond volleyball, Melissa has contributed to the success of several other Cougar athletic programs. She has served as the Assistant Coach for the Girls’ Flag Football team for the past two years, helping guide the team to back-to-back championships in 2024 and 2025.

Melissa joined the Boys’ Swim program eight years ago as an Assistant Coach and was named Head Coach this past year which she considers a tremendous honor. She takes pride in developing swimmers throughout their high school careers, with many competing as varsity athletes for all four years. Under her guidance, numerous swimmers have qualified for the NYCHSAA City Trials, with several advancing to compete in the City Championships.

For Melissa, the most fulfilling aspect of coaching is witnessing an athlete’s love for their sport ignite into a deeper drive and passion in them that inspires both personal growth and team unity. She values the strong bonds and sportsmanship within the swim program, which make the long winter season both meaningful and rewarding.

Top of Page

Biography

St. John the Baptist is proud to highlight Matthew Rubbo, a dedicated member of our faculty who teaches Social Studies and serves as the head coach of the SJB Tennis Team.

In the classroom, Mr. Rubbo is passionate about helping students understand history, government, and the role individuals play in shaping the world around them. He encourages thoughtful discussion, critical thinking, and an appreciation for the lessons of the past.

On the court, Matthew is committed to developing well-rounded student-athletes. He focuses on building strong fundamentals while fostering a competitive spirit, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Mr. Rubbo’s dedication to both academics and athletics reflects the mission of St. John the Baptist—supporting students as they grow intellectually, personally, and spiritually.


Top of Page

Biography
Amber Sanchez has been leading the Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country and Track & Field teams since the 2024 spring season. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the cross country and track and field programs, given her personal participation in both triathlons and duathlons for 20 years. Amber received her BA in Biology from LIU Post, and has spent the past 11 years immersed in the fitness industry as an instructor and personal trainer. Prior to coaching at SJB, Amber coached middle school cross country for 5 years at both St. Cyril and Methodius and St. Mary’s.

Following her first few seasons at SJB, Amber shares that her proudest moment as a coach was witnessing the upperclassmen inspire the new team members through their actions and dedication to the team, promoting a no-one-left-behind attitude.

In her own words, Amber shares, “Here at SJB, we have a robust training program with an incredibly caring staff that puts the individual first. I believe that a student should choose to run with SJB for the absolute thrill of personal victory. There are no gray zones in running, it is just you versus the clock.” 

Top of Page

Biography
Theresa earned her Bachelor's Degree in Athletic Trainer from Marist College in May 2018. Over the course of her academic career, she has had several rotations at high schools in the Hudson Valley, Vassar College, SUNY New Paltz, and worked with Marist College Football and Women's Lacrosse. Theresa has been a medical volunteer at the Woodstock Cycling Grand Prix, Marine Corp Marathon, and NYC Marathon. Theresa has been the full time Athletic Trainer at St. John the Baptist since July 2018. She also began working at St. Charles Hospital in September 2018 as a staff Athletic Trainer and assists with the Sports Recovery program.
As the SJB Athletic Trainer, she is most proud of the small wins she gets to witness every day—whether it’s seeing an athlete return stronger after an injury, watching a team defeat an opponent with a better record, or hearing about the athletic successes of an alum after high school. Theresa finds it incredibly rewarding to watch these athletes grow and mature into young men and women.

In her own words, Theresa shares, “The community at SJB is a tight-knit environment where administration, faculty, staff, and coaches genuinely know and care about the students and athletes. You'll never feel like a face in the crowd. Everyone is invested in your success on or off the field.”

Top of Page

Biography
Melissa Jensen is involved in numerous athletics programs at SJB. Melissa is a member of the Science Department at SJB and began her SJB coaching career as part of the Girls’ Volleyball coaching staff 14 years ago. Melissa was an Assistant Varsity Coach for several years before becoming the head coach for JV, a position she has held for the past 10 years. She has coached Boys’ Varsity Volleyball for 10 years, was named Coach of the Year twice and led the team to win the League Championship in 2019. In addition, Melissa has been Assistant Coach for the Boys’ Swim team for 7 years, and Assistant Coach for the Girls’ Flag Football team for 1 year, in which the girls won the 2024 championship during their inaugural season. 

Melissa graduated from SJB in 2005. During her time at SJB, she was a multi-sport athlete; playing volleyball sophomore-senior year, and softball freshman-senior year. After graduating SJB, she went on to play softball at Farmingdale State College. One of her proudest moments as a coach involves the Boys’ Volleyball League Championship victory in 2019. This marks the first and only championship win in the program's history. After coming close a few times, Melissa recalls it was incredibly rewarding to see the efforts, dedication, and commitment of the athletes bear fruits. It also makes her extremely proud to witness the development of athletes over the course of their journey in each program. The growth and development over 3 or 4 seasons is astonishing, and always such a fulfilling experience.

In her own words, Melissa shares, “Athletes should choose SJB because we have competitive teams that give fair and equal opportunities. We promote hard work and dedication. We focus on individual and personal growth before all else. We make athletes better competitors, better teammates,  and overall better people.
You should play volleyball because it is fast paced and competitive, promotes coordination and quick-thinking, as well as full-body muscle involvement. It builds camaraderie between teammates, increases self-confidence, and is extremely fun!”

Top of Page

Biography
Kevin Bartoli is the leader of the Wrestling program at SJB. He is also a proud graduate of St. John the Baptist (‘06). As a wrestler in high school, Kevin brought the team to higher levels of expectations when he won 2nd in the Catholic Leagues and 2nd in the Catholic States as a freshman. As a sophomore, he was Catholic League Champion and again placed 2nd in the Catholic States. In his junior year, he was League Champion and was voted Most Outstanding Wrestler (MOW). He then proceeded to place 4th at the Catholic States. After high school, he attended St. Joseph’s College. This marks his 19th year coaching at SJB.

Looking back at his many years of coaching, Kevin fondly remembers winning the 2020 CHSAA State Small School team title as one of his proudest moments.

In his own words, Kevin would encourage students to play a sport at SJB because, “The coach's passion for coaching, whether it be wrestling or any of the other sports,  help our student athletes reach their full potential.”

Top of Page

Biography
Katie Maguire has been coaching Badminton at SJB for 3 years. She has gone from a multi-sport SJB Athlete to SJB Coach! 

Katie graduated from SJB in 2020. During her time at SJB, she was a four year Varsity Badminton and Basketball player, and was part of a championship team for both sports. She earned League Player of the Year twice for badminton. She also played two years of JV Volleyball and two years of Varsity Volleyball. 
Katie recalls her proudest moments of coaching include watching girls on the team who have more experience playing badminton step up on their own and take time to help new teammates improve upon skills that they might be struggling with. She enjoys watching these athletes become leaders and prioritize the success of all of their teammates, and not just themselves. 

In her own words, “Athletes should choose SJB because coaches and staff truly care about the well-being of all student-athletes and helping them grow not only into successful athletes but into successful and respectful young men and women. I believe that badminton is a sport that fosters teamwork and effective communication which are very important skills to have in life. When athletes join the badminton team, they become a part of a group that is welcoming and striving to achieve a common goal. Each athlete makes a difference on the team, and everyone learns that hard work pays off in the end.”

Top of Page

Biography
Danielle has been coaching at SJB for 10 years, during which she has been an Assistant Varsity Coach, as well as a JV Head Coach. She was named Girls’ Varsity Basketball Head Coach ahead of the 2024-2025 season.

Danielle graduated from SJB in 2006. She received the honor of being named a McDonald’s High School All-American in 2006 for basketball. After graduating from SJB, Danielle continued to play basketball at Baylor University. During her freshman year at Baylor, she shattered the school's single-season shot block record with an impressive 86 blocked shots, and earned a spot on the Big 12 All-Freshman team. As a junior, Danielle received Honorable Mention All-America honors from the Associated Press and WBCA, and was recognized on the First Team All-Big 12 and the All-Defensive Team. Before a season-ending knee injury in her junior year, she amassed over 1,000 points and 600 rebounds. She ranks second in Baylor history with a remarkable 210 shot blocks.

Danielle returned to basketball and made a comeback at Dowling College for her final year. While at Dowling, she led her team to an ECC Tournament Championship, securing an automatic bid to the NCAA Division ll Tournament, where they won the Northeastern region and became NCAA Division ll runners-up. In her senior season, she was honored as the ECC Player of the Year and the ECC Defensive Player of the Year,  was voted an All-American, and named the All-Met Division II Women's College Basketball Player of the Year by the Met Basketball Writers Association. Danielle went on to play overseas in Poland for a year, ranking in the top five for scoring, rebounding, and blocked shots. Fans voted her into the All-Star game against the Poland National Team. In 2014, she secured a training camp contract with the WNBA's Atlanta Dream.

The moment that fills her with the greatest pride during her coaching tenure at SJB is witnessing athletes not only go to college, but also graduate from college with multiple degrees. 

In her own words, Danielle shares, “Choosing SJB is a great decision for student athletes, as they benefit from the best of both worlds. The academic programs at SJB rank among the top on Long Island, while the athletic programs remain competitive year after year.” In closing, she states,  “Athletes who decide to play basketball at SJB are lucky to be guided by an all-female coaching staff, who bring a wealth of experience from high school, college, and even professional play."

Top of Page

Biography
Lauren Haines has been coaching the Girls’ Varsity Bowling team since 2022. Bowling has actively been a major part of her life for the last 25+ years. She began bowling at the age of 9, and went on to bowl competitively throughout high school, before deciding to return to SJB as a coach. Lauren is a graduate of SJB (‘07) and chose to attend SJB strictly for bowling. At the time, she was on the Boys’ Varsity Bowling team for all 4 years. While a Girls’ team was created during her sophomore year, she was grandfathered in to finish her high school bowling career with the boys, and they went on to win the NSCHSAA in 2007. She was the last girl to ever be a part of a boys’ varsity bowling team in their league. Currently, she still bowls 2-3 times a week in leagues and tournaments across Long Island and holds an average of 205. 

The moment that has made her most proud while coaching at SJB was winning the NSGCHSAA in 2023.
In her own words, Lauren believes, “Athletes should choose SJB because SJB is not only a school, but a community of hard working, driven, genuine coaches for each sport. Bowling has been the same for me throughout my life. Without bowling I wouldn’t have met my husband, or some of my best friends. You don’t need to know how to bowl to join our team. From Day 1, I will teach you the basics, and I can attest that some of my best bowlers to date never picked up a bowling ball before tryouts!”

Top of Page

Biography
With 15 years of experience coaching Cheerleading at St. John the Baptist, Katie Lutz has dedicated her time to helping athletes reach their fullest potential, both on the mat and in life. Helping athletes develop not only their skills, but their character and worth ethic is a top priority. Her coaching philosophy is simple: be better than you were yesterday. Cheerleading is a very demanding sport. It's imperative to focus on building a strong foundation of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, all while ensuring that each girl reaches her personal goals and contributes to the success of the team. Her passion for cheerleading has helped lead the program to many successes, including 4 UCA NHSCC Final rounds, many CHSAA 1st place finishes, as well as 2 State Championships.

Cheerleading is a 2-season sport, so the team is together from August until March. Katie says it’s hard to pick just one moment over the last 15 years. However, her proudest moments come when her team accomplishes the goals they've worked tirelessly for. As a coach, she says watching them grow from a group of individuals into a cohesive, well-coordinated unit is incredibly rewarding. Whether it's nailing a difficult routine, earning a top spot at a competition, or mastering a stunt they've struggled with for weeks, seeing their hard work pay-off is always the highlight.

In her own words, Katie shares about what coaching at SJB means to her, and says, “SJB is the definition of a family. The school fosters a sense of belonging, trust, and support that goes beyond just cheerleading or sports. When you are the member of a team, you rely on each other, celebrate together, and lift each other up during both victories and challenges. We try to make cheerleading the space where you form lifelong bonds, just like those in a family.”

Top of Page

Biography
Janine Pirone has been coaching at SJB for 19 years. Not only is Janine a Health and Physical Education teacher at SJB, but she is also the head coach of the Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse, Girls’ JV Basketball, Girls’ JV Soccer, and recently established Girls’ Flag Football teams. She has also coached travel lacrosse for 16 years. Janine played Dll Lacrosse at Adelphi University from 2002-2006, and was part of the NCAA Dll National Championship teams in 2004 and 2006.

In regard to her coaching career, Janine shares that she has had the pleasure of coaching many great student-athletes. Some of her fondest memories include the lacrosse team winning both the League and State Championships in 2024. It was a rewarding experience to see the team's hard work pay off and the smiles on the player’s faces. Janine adds, “Those are memories that will stick with them forever.” 

In her own words, Janine expresses her passion and commitment to coaching at SJB in saying “SJB is an excellent place to develop and mature as a student-athlete. I, like other coaches here at SJB, feel coaching helps student-athletes reach their full potential in their respective sports, their academic classes, and throughout their life. Sports are so much more than skill and it is imperative for me to have my teams understand the importance of responsibility, respect, commitment, teamwork and sportsmanship.”

Janine Pirone has been coaching at SJB for 19 years. Not only is Janine a Health and Physical Education teacher at SJB, but she is also the head coach of the Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse, Girls’ JV Basketball, Girls’ JV Soccer, and recently established Girls’ Flag Football teams. She has also coached travel lacrosse for 16 years. Janine played Dll Lacrosse at Adelphi University from 2002-2006, and was part of the NCAA Dll National Championship teams in 2004 and 2006.

In regard to her coaching career, Janine shares that she has had the pleasure of coaching many great student-athletes. Some of her fondest memories include the lacrosse team winning both the League and State Championships in 2024. It was a rewarding experience to see the team's hard work pay off and the smiles on the player’s faces. Janine adds, “Those are memories that will stick with them forever.” 

In her own words, Janine expresses her passion and commitment to coaching at SJB in saying “SJB is an excellent place to develop and mature as a student-athlete. I, like other coaches here at SJB, feel coaching helps student-athletes reach their full potential in their respective sports, their academic classes, and throughout their life. Sports are so much more than skill and it is imperative for me to have my teams understand the importance of responsibility, respect, commitment, teamwork and sportsmanship.”

Top of Page

Biography
Denise Gibson joins St. John the Baptist High School as Head Girls Golf Coach beginning in 2026, bringing with her a championship pedigree and a lifelong commitment to leadership, service, and mentorship.

A highly accomplished golfer, Denise is the 2016 Southward Ho Country Club Champion and has earned numerous titles throughout her competitive career, including the Windmill Championship, Member–Member Championship, Senior’s Division Championship, and Chairlady Tournament Championship. She was also a member of the 2025 WMGA Series 2 First Place Team and currently serves as the Women’s Metropolitan Golf Association Club Representative for Southward Ho Country Club. Denise has proudly competed as a member of the Southward Ho WMGA Team for over 12 years.

Beyond the course, Denise is deeply invested in youth development and community leadership. She currently serves as Director of St. Patrick CYO Basketball, overseeing a program that serves more than 400 children. The program offers instructional clinics for first- and second-grade boys and girls and hosts over 110 games annually for students in grades three through eight.

Born and raised in the Brightwaters/Bay Shore community, Denise is a graduate of St. Patrick School, Bay Shore High School, and Hofstra University. In March 1990, she began a distinguished career with CBS Television Network in New York City. During her 23 years at CBS, Denise became the first woman to hold the position of Sports Account Executive in Network Sales & Marketing, managing major on-air sponsorships including The NFL Today Halftime Show, Super Bowl Pre- and Post-Game Shows, and NCAA Corporate Champions. She retired from CBS to devote more time to community service and mentorship.

Denise believes her journey has been guided by faith and is grateful to join the SJB Cougar family. She encourages her student-athletes to lead with perseverance, humility, and purpose, often reminding them of Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

Top of Page

Biography
Jen-Marie Kelly has been coaching Kickline at SJB for the past 8 years. To Jen-Marie, Kickline is a vibrant team that delivers passion and school spirit through every performance. 

In her decades at SJB, she has also had the opportunity to assist other teams, and was the Head Coach of our winning Girls’ Varsity Badminton team in 2021. She affirms that her experience after school with all of these young ladies has made her a better adult. She can confidently say that due to her commitment as a coach, she always has a smile on her face, and hopes to continue smiling for seasons to come!

Through her many experiences, Jen-Marie can recall many standout moments where she felt the most proud of the young ladies she was coaching at the time. Whenever the girls "feel" the routine and are so pumped in the way they have successfully executed the moves, kicks, turns, or splits that make-up the routine is always a special moment as a coach. In addition, she shared how Pep Rally and Homecoming routines are always at another level because of the "spirit" and "hype" that emanates from the crowds of students, families, and spectators, leaving the crowd in awe as they watch the girls perform. Whenever her team is smiling, she is smiling. That is what makes a coach have so many "proud' moments.

In her own words, Jen-Marie shares, “You're asking me, a teacher that has been here for 35 years, why an athlete should choose SJB? And I would say, why wouldn't they? It is just a great community to be a part of with such dedicated individuals that truly care and show concern for each and every student that crosses their path. To then be a coach or mentor to these young people and get to experience the rapport outside the classroom is just something truly special. I have said over and over again...my after school life as a coach and teacher has brought me such joy.” In closing, she remarks, “Why Kickline? Well...if you have any dance experience and a desire to learn kicks, you are the perfect young lady to try out and experience Kickline. It truly is a special group of young ladies each year and each season. They build this comradery of friendship and respect that is just amazing to see. The compliments I always hear of what a "great bunch of girls" on the team is an understatement. They really are! With the new motto "Discover Your Difference" ....I'd say even further-go out there and make a difference!”

Top of Page

Biography
Shannon Sepe-Keenan has been the Girls’ Varsity Soccer coach for 30 years. In that time, she has led the team to win multiple Catholic League Championships (2004, 2006, 2009, 2013), and won two New York State Championships (2009 & 2013). Shannon has been named CHSAA Coach of the Year six times (2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2013, 2022), and was named Newsday’s Coach of the Year twice (2009 & 2013). In addition to these accolades, she was inducted into the SJB Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.

Shannon has a longstanding connection with SJB. She was a graduate of the class of 1990, and played soccer, basketball, and softball as a student athlete.

Prior to coaching at SJB, Shannon played soccer for Adelphi University, and was an original member of the Long Island Lady Riders (1994 - 2001). She was a team leader in scoring and assists, played seven seasons as a starter, competed against US and Brazilian National Teams, and was part of the National Championship. 
Shannon reflects on one of the proudest moments in her SJB coaching career was winning the CHSAA Championship. It was the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and belief in the team. The players’ growth, both individually and as a unit, was incredible to witness. The team had built a culture of discipline, resilience, and teamwork, and seeing those values come together in that championship moment was truly rewarding. Shannon believes that what makes coaching so special is the opportunity to help young players grow and achieve their dreams, both as soccer players and as individuals. Winning the CHSAA Championship wasn’t just about the trophy, but the journey of seeing them develop into confident, well-rounded athletes.

In her own words, Shannon shares about her passion by saying, “At St. John the Baptist, the soccer program focuses on developing players’ skills, fitness, and mental toughness, preparing them for high-level competition. Coaches emphasize teamwork, discipline, and a winning mindset to help athletes succeed on the field. By fostering individual growth and strong team chemistry, players are ready to perform in high-pressure situations and compete for championships. The program is all about building the foundation for success, on and off the field. In addition to athletics, St. John the Baptist fosters a supportive, close-knit team environment where you’ll build lifelong friendships and grow both as an athlete and an individual. The school also emphasizes balancing academics and athletics, helping you succeed in both areas. If you’re passionate about soccer and want to be part of a program that prepares you for future success, SJB is the place to be.”

Top of Page

Biography
Tonya Wyss begins her first year at St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School as Head Varsity Softball Coach with great excitement and purpose. Known for her energy, passion, and player-centered approach through her work with Phoenix Fire Fastpitch, Coach Wyss brings a coaching philosophy rooted in high standards, meaningful relationships, and a deep appreciation for the game and the life lessons it teaches.

With 16 years of experience in girls’ fastpitch softball, Coach Wyss has coached with two established travel programs before founding Phoenix Fire Fastpitch in 2022. Her high school coaching background includes serving as Head Varsity Softball Coach at St. Dominic’s High School in 2025, as well as volunteering with the Bay Shore Varsity Softball program from 2016 to 2018.

Coach Wyss believes fastpitch softball is a powerful platform for helping athletes discover their highest potential. She emphasizes teamwork, resilience, accountability, and personal growth encouraging players to learn through both feedback and failure. Viewing coaching as both a responsibility and a privilege, she is committed to developing confident athletes, strong character, and a positive, supportive community on and off the field.

Top of Page

Biography
Dawn Kelly has been the Head Coach of Girls’ Swimming at SJB for 21 years. She has also been on the coaching staff for Boys’ Swimming for 20 years. Prior to joining SJB Athletics, Dawn coached at LaSalle Academy in Oakdale and St. John’s University for 12 years. She also dedicates time to coaching the Islip Aquatics Swim Club. 

Swimming has always been a big part of Dawn’s life. She spent countless hours at swim practices and swim meets learning the craft. For 2 years in a row, Dawn was awarded the C.H.S.A.A. Swimming Division III Coach of the Year. She has taught many children how to swim and become competitive swimmers. Her daughter Katie accomplished Olympic trials, and now her granddaughters, Emma and Taylor, are following the family’s legacy and love for the sport.

Some of her proudest moments as coach at SJB include seeing the success of a swimmer accomplishing New York State level. She has had the privilege to see this occur many times throughout her coaching career. Dawn shares that her favorite part of coaching is seeing the smiles and success of everyone both individually and collectively as a team. Furthermore, she says, “ It is very rewarding to know I have had a positive impact on each student’s future.”

In her own words, Dawn shares about her experience coaching at SJB, stating, “We as a family at SJB, who nurture our students to grow and become their best, as both students and athletes. Swimming is an amazing sport that I am very passionate about. Students should choose to swim at SJB because we strive to provide not only individual goals, but also the importance of working as a team. We are preparing our athletes with instrumental life-long lessons for their future.”

Top of Page

Biography
Jane Reilly has been coaching the Girls’ Tennis B team for 17 years and the Boys’ Varsity Tennis team for 3 years. Throughout this time, the Girls’ Tennis B team has been presented with the NSCHSAA league Championship plaque 8 times, and has had a few undefeated seasons in the mix. Jane has been awarded Coach of the Year six times over the years. 

Aside from coaching, Jane holds a Masters of Science in Physical Therapy and a Bachelors in Science in Health Sciences, and has worked in the field for over 30 years. She is also a  certified Long Island Swimming Official, and has spent the past 25 years officiating on the scholastic level for Boys’ and Girls’ Swimming and Diving in the Catholic High Schools, as well Section VIII Nassau County Boys. She is very active in her community, and is a Eucharistic Minister at her local parish.

When reflecting on her proudest moments as a coach over the years, Jane shared that it is watching each team develop and become one. Every season welcomes a relatively new group of athletes that may or may not know each other.  However, as the season progresses, they develop a trust and camaraderie and Jane admires watching the athletes mature and grow in confidence, as they become  players who are considerate, fair, and gracious.

Under her leadership, in seven separate occasions, the Girls’ Tennis B team has been acknowledged by their competitors and among the Catholic High Schools with the "Sportsmanship Award.” This is a team award of character, integrity and grit. In her own words, Jane shares, “An athlete can make an educated decision to play a sport at SJB as we have great supervised summer camps to get a realistic taste of the sport and what to expect.” In closing, she adds, “I love tennis, and I love coaching! It is a sport for all ages! I have been playing since my youth, and currently play about five times a week. I have played on USTA Tennis League teams, with personal and team winning records. My personal goal is that each athlete take just one personal or physical skill they worked on, perfected or learned, during their experience playing on the team, and make it a baseline for their future. Tennis is a sport for life, and the skills practiced, supervised, and coached during scholastic varsity play is everlasting. As a team we practice hard, we work hard, we play hard and we have FUN!”

Top of Page

Biography
Terry has been coaching the Girls’ Varsity Tennis A team since 2017. In 2018, she led the team to win the NSCHSGAA Varsity Tennis A Championship. Earning that title in just her second year at SJB is one of her proudest moments. Most recently, in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, the team made a back-to-back run in the Finals.

In her own words, Terry shares her dedication to leading our Girls’ Tennis program, by saying, “Every season on the tennis courts at SJB has been a great one. The girls are committed & focused. We have goals and are motivated beyond just the game of tennis. Being together everyday, we become a SJB family.”

Top of Page

Biography
Linda Morrisey has been coaching Varsity Volleyball at SJB for 21 years. Prior to coaching at SJB, Linda coached club volleyball for 7 years and coached at St. Matthew’s RCC for 7 years. She played 4 years at the collegiate level (community college and Dll). 

Linda can recall many proud moments from her 20+ years of coaching at SJB, but two seasons stand out the most- winning the Class A State Championship in 2010 and making it to the League Finals in 2016. 

In her own words, Linda shares about her experience coaching at St. John’s by saying, “St. John’s is like your family away from home. They really care about you, help you, and guide you to become the best person you can be. From my 1st day coaching at St John’s, I was immediately welcomed into the SJB Family. The many professionals here at SJB would do the same for you and your family.” She goes on to say, “Volleyball is a fun and competitive team sport that builds character, patience, and teamwork. The sport can be played at many different levels, based on a player’s experience, and on various surfaces based on court locations. Being on the volleyball team helps you remain disciplined and focused while you learn time management and the importance of communication and cooperation, all while building life-long friendships.”

Top of Page