Matthew Ramsay – Program Director & Recruiting Advisor
Matt has been involved in the game of lacrosse for over 30 years as both a player and a coach. As a coach, Ramsay has been involved with various youth and high school programs across Connecticut and most notably serves as the Varsity Assistant with Southington High School from 2010-2014. While at Southington, Ramsay commanded the offense and pushed the team to a state tournament appearance in his first season. In years to follow, the Southington Offense racked up countless victories and advanced to it’s deepest appearance in the Connecticut State Tournament. Players who have competed under Coach Ramsay at Southington have moved on to compete at a variety of strong NCAA Programs including, but not limited to; University of Maryland, Wesleyan University, Western New England University, Southern New Hampshire University, Sacred Heart University and Endicott College.
As a player, Ramsay competed from 2004 – 2008 as a member of the Eastern Connecticut State University Men’s Lacrosse Program. While competing at midfield for the Warrior’s he played a strong part in the program’s success as they strived towards not only capturing a conference championship, but towards a NCAA Tournament Bid. Following his years on the field at Eastern Connecticut Ramsay competed for various post-collegiate men’s programs as well as against and alongside the Boston Cannons in several pre-season contests.
Matt Hoffman – Program Director & Goalie Coach
Hoffman joined Connecticut Valley Lacrosse in 2010 and has coached many teams at many different levels within the organization. Hoffman has been one of the strongest goalie development coaches in the region for almost 20 years. He has worked with dozens of goalies over the years seeing his players move on to play for dozens of colleges across the country. He has also had coaching positions with Windsor High School, Suffield Academy and Suffield High School. During the spring season, he is the president of Suffield Youth Lacrosse where he coaches both his son’s teams in the spring; Ollie (2033) and Parker (2030).
Hoffman had significant success during his collegiate career while playing for Assumption College. He graduated in 2005 with many accolades including All Northeast 10 Conference team, 4 year starter, 3 year Captain and 3 year Team MVP. He also left school holding 3 NCAA records for goalkeeping. In 2023, Hoffman was elected to the Assumption University Athletics Hall of Fame for his impressive career.
Coach Hoffman is a Westfield, MA native where he played for Coach Cavallon at Westfield High School. He had a successful high school career being elected captain and being selected All-League in his senior season.
Patrick Hamel – Assistant Coach (Floater)
Coach Hamel enters his 4th Year in 2022 as a member of the Connecticut Valley Lacrosse Coaching Staff. Coach Hamel comes to Connecticut Valley Lacrosse by way of Western New England University where he played lacrosse and wrestled for the NCAA Division III Golden Bears graduating in 2016. Immediately upon graduating from college Hamel joined the Southington High School Coaching Staff where he has remained as an Assistant Coach on the Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team. Prior to his collegiate playing days and current coaching assignment Hamel was a 3 year Varsity midfielder for Southington High School and a Connecticut Valley Lacrosse Alumni (Class of 2012). Coach Hamel presently resides in Southington, Connecticut and also teaches at DePaolo Middle School.
Chris Siewertsen – Head Coach (2026 Blue)
Prior to his coaching days, Siewertsen competed for Xavier High School in Middletown, Connecticut as a defenseman and then continued onto Rutgers University. After college, he coached the varsity boys team at Rockville for five years. Many players from the Coach Siewertsen’s Rockville High School Boys Lacrosse Program moved on to play collegiately for schools including University of Colorado, Eastern Connecticut State University, St. Leo’s University, Roanoke College, and Western New England University. Chris then took the reigns of the Vernon Youth Lacrosse Association serving as President while also coaching the U14 and U12 teams. Currently, he sits at the helm of the Newington High School Boys Varsity Lacrosse program.
Ricky Cotton – Head Coach (2030 Blue)
Ricky brings 15 years of knowledge and experience with the game of lacrosse to our program. His journey began during while in high school at Conard High School in West Hartford, CT. Here he discovered his passion for lacrosse. Immersed in the game’s intricacies, Ricky’s ardor flourished as he engaged in summer lacrosse camps and proudly donned the jersey of the Connecticut Cardinals for a fruitful four-year tenure, culminating with his graduation in 2012.
After high school, Ricky competed at the Division 1 level for St. John’s University in Queens, NY. There, he honed his craft over four successful years, graduating in 2016 with a wealth of experience and achievements.
After college, Ricky’s fervor for lacrosse endured as he traversed the competitive landscapes of various leagues across NYC and Long Island. In 2021, he returned to his roots in Connecticut, where he seamlessly transitioned into coaching at Capital Prep High School, a role he embraced for two rewarding years. Now, Ricky has found himself back home at Conard, assuming the mantle of Head JV Lacrosse coach, a position that resonates deeply with his alma mater.
Beyond the confines of coaching, Ricky embodies excellence on the field as a stalwart defenseman for the Harlem Reign within the National Lacrosse Association, where his prowess shines brightly.
With unwavering dedication and boundless passion, Ricky continues to leave an indelible mark on the lacrosse community, embodying the spirit of the game with each stride and coaching decision.
Dominic Santaniello – Assistant Coach (2030 Blue)
Bio coming soon!
Mason Balch – Assistant Coach (2026 Blue)
Coach Balch started with Connecticut Valley Lacrosse in 2022 as the Head Coach of our 2029 Blue squad. He returns for his second 2nd in 2023 and we could not be more excited to have him as part of our Coaching Staff. Balch is a former US Lacrosse High School All American from a stellar playing career at the Williston-Northampton School. He then took his talents to NCAA Division I Bryant University in 2017 earning a spot on the NEC (conference) All-Rookie Team in 2018. After competing with Bryant for 3 seasons he moved on to finish up his college career at NCAA Division 1 Merrimack College. As a member of the Merrimack College Men’s Lacrosse Team in 2022 he was named to the NEILA All-Academic team. This decorated playing career has permitted Coach Balch to learn and grow alongside the game of lacrosse. His knowledge and experience thus far mirrors his ability as a player.
Matt Garcia
Matt Garcia joined Connecticut Valley Lacrosse in the fall of 2023 as an assistant coach for our white 2027’s after beginning his coaching journey as an assistant coach at Windsor High school for the 2023 season. He brings over 20 years of experience as a player and during this time he competed for Somers High School in Somers, CT before playing at Eastern Connecticut State University as a midfielder. Matt continues to play in various capacities to this day while bringing a wealth of knowledge to our program. He will be working alongside his fellow Somers and ECSU alumni Zach Thresher in the upcoming 2024 Summer.
Zachary Thresher – Coach
Bio coming soon!
Brendan Frobel – Head Coach (2027 Blue)
Coach Frobel brings over 25 years of lacrosse playing and coaching experience to Connecticut Valley as he begins his first season with us in 2023. The West Hartford, CT native competed at Conard High School in the Early 2000’s before moving on to play collegiate with the University of Connecticut (MCLA). Frobel continued to compete after college playing with many post-collegiate teams and also in the 2022 Heritage Cup with the Irish National Team. Aside from playing, he continues to be a mentor and coach for his alma mater, Conard High School, and also the Head of the CCSU program since 2017.
Rayce Bianchi – Assistant Coach (2027 Blue)
Rayce joined the Connecticut Valley Lacrosse program as a staff member in 2019 bringing with him 20+ years of experience both playing and coaching. He is presently at the helm of the Suffield High School Boys Varsity Lacrosse program. Prior to Suffield, Bianchi assisted East Catholic Boys Varsity Lacrosse in reaching the Class S State Semi-Finals 4 years in a row in addition to a State Championship game. Further, Bianchi has coached players who have moved on to play at Quinnipiac University, Assumption University, and Saint Anselm College (to name a few).
Scott Rossi – Head Coach (2027 White)
Coach Rossi’s playing career began at Eastern Connecticut State University where he was a founding member of the men’s lacrosse program. After graduation, he played with several competitive men’s post-collegiate clubs. One of his most memorable playing experiences came when he was selected as a CT Master’s League All-Star and competed against the Irish National Team. Rossi’s coaching career goes back roughly 20 years. He began as a youth coach in Hamden, Connecticut before founding the Berlin Youth Lacrosse Program in the town where he currently resides and teaches. Aside from his experiences in youth lacrosse, Coach Rossi has been at the helm of the Berlin Boys Varsity Lacrosse program since it’s inaugural season in 2012. In just eight seasons, his teams have won 85 games, made six consecutive Class M state tournament appearances and have dominated opponents in the CCC South.
Scott McOmber
Bio coming soon!
Ron Chase – Head Coach (2028 Blue)
Led the Southington Blue Knights to 10 Class L playoff appearances including 6 tournament wins and a run to the quarterfinals in 2013. Chase is the winningest coach in Southington High School program history with over 120 wins. Prior to Southington High School Chase coached at several colleges. While a college coach, he coached primarily defense and goalies. Had 2 appearances in the NCAA tournament and two national top 10 rankings. As a player, Chase was a 4 year defenseman at West Chester University (’95-’99) a NCAA Div. II program that was eliminated in ’03. Chase helped lead West Chester to ECAC Championships and top 5 national rankings.
Tom Gallagher
Bio coming soon!
Justin Bard – Head Coach (2029 Blue)
Former NCAA Division III All-American Attackman and current Westfield High School Boy’s Varsity Assistant Coach, Justin Bard, joins the Connecticut Valley Lacrosse Staff as an Assistant Coach in 2017. As a player, Bard earned both National and CCC All-Conference Honors as a member of the Golden Bears Men’s Lacrosse Program. In 2015 Bard ranked nationally with 4.35 points per game as well as led the CCC in goals (63) and points (87). Prior to competing at Western New England, Bard enjoyed similar successes as an attackman at American International College earning the 2014 Northeast-10 Rookie of the Year and being named 1st Team All Conference. Bard is a 2006 Graduate of Westfield High School where he also was recognized at an All-American and he also served in the United States Air Force.
Nick Hedge
Bio coming soon!
Tyler Rose
Bio coming soon!
Brian Martin – Head Coach (2030 White)
Martin has been coaching lacrosse in southeastern CT for the past 13 years. After graduating from Assumption College, where he had a successful 3-year career at midfield, he took the reigns at Ledyard High School in 2006. In 2010, Martin broke school records by leading the team to a 16-0 regular season and #1 seed in the Class S state tournament. Ledyard captured their first ever ECC regular season title and also won the tournament title that year. Martin led Ledyard to back-to-back Class S state semifinal appearances in 2009 and 2010. He was named Connecticut’s Class S Coach of the Year in 2010. In 2013, Martin took over at Bacon Academy, where the team has been improving its record every year. In addition to coaching high school lacrosse, Martin has coached in the summer, fall, and winter seasons with the CT Whalers out of Yale University and the CT Cardinals out of Wesleyan University. He has coached players who have gone on to play at Lafayette University, Western New England University, St. Michael’s College, Assumption College, Western CT ST University, Limestone College, Wesleyan University, and UCONN. Martin has also had the opportunity to learn and study under talented coaches including Andy Shay (Yale), Ryan Polley (Boston University), Lelan Rogers (Syracuse University), Brett Holm (Brown University) and John Raba (Wesleyan University), among others.
Matt Douglin
Bio coming soon!
Hunter Wallace
Bio coming soon!
Cole Wallace
Bio coming soon!
Robert Cecchetelli – Head Coach (2034)
Cecchetelli has been involved in lacrosse for over 20 years both as a player and a coach. Prior to joining Suffield High School as the Boys Varsity Head Coach in 2020, Cecchetelli was an Assistant Coach at Pope Francis High School and in charge of the offense. While at Pope Francis, the team saw multiple 100pt scorers, one who still ranks 6th in scoring all time in Massachusetts. The Pope Francis team also had made multiple playoffs appearances and also won a league title while Cecchetelli was a part of their staff.
Scott Kossbiel – Head Coach (2033)
Coach Kossbiel joined the Connecticut Valley Lacrosse Coaching Staff in 2020 as an Assistant Coach with our 2023 Blue Squad bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and a lengthy background in the world of lacrosse. Kossbiel is presently at the helm of Northwest Catholic High School’s Boys Varsity Lacrosse Program and previously was a Head Coach of Avon High School’s Boys Varsity Lacrosse. While at Avon, Kossbiel was nominated for Coach of the Year in 2013 and his teams racked up over 100 win during his tenure. Coach Kossbiel also volunteered with the Avon Youth Lacrosse Program and presently serves as a Private Lesson Coach through CoachUp. Prior to his coaching days, Kossbiel was a Defenseman and LSM at NCAA Division III, University of Scranton.
Matt LaCroix – Face-Off Coach
LaCroix joined Connecticut Valley as an assistant coach during the summer of 2017. He is currently one of the Westfield High School Boys Varsity Assistant Coaches. He also provides individual lessons for faceoff specialists.
LaCroix graduated from Springfield College in 2017, where he competed for four years under Coach Bugbee. During his time there the Pride won 4 NEWMAC titles and made it to the second round of the NCAA tournament twice (2014 and 2016). He was a 4 time Academic All Conference recipient and as a senior captain he was selected to First Team All League as a faceoff specialist. LaCroix graduated from Westfield High School as an All American in 2013.
Marc Graham – Guest Coach
Graham came to Eastern in the summer of 2018 after serving as head men’s lacrosse coach at Division III Vassar College. The Vassar appointment followed a 16-year coaching career as an assistant coach at Trinity College and head coach at South Windsor High School.
In 2016, Graham led Vassar to its first .500 season (8-8) ever, and followed that up in 2017 with the first winning season (11-5) in the program’s first 30 years, and first Liberty League playoff berth. That season, Graham and his assistant coaches were voted Liberty League Coaching Staff-of-the-Year and five players were named to the all-league team.
Prior to accepting his first collegiate head coaching position at Vassar, Graham spent 16 years coaching lacrosse in Connecticut. Graham served five years (2006-10) as recruiting coordinator under James Finlay at Trinity, when the Bantams won 40 and lost 35 overall and qualified for the playoffs in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) – the most competitive conference in Division III – for an unprecedented three straight seasons. In 2009, Graham helped Trinity to a 10-6 overall record (4-5 NESCAC) and tied for the fourth-most goals in program history. With Graham, the Bantams were 5-0 against Eastern when the teams met in non-conference play.
As the 11-year head coach at South Windsor (1994-2004), Graham developed a comprehensive freshman, jayvee and varsity program that resulted in three trips to the Division II state finals in a five-year period and the 1999 state championship. As a member of Division I, South Windsor qualified for the state tournament in three of Graham’s final five seasons.
At Vassar, Graham was 39-65, including a 2018 season which included five losses to Top 20 teams – four of which compete in the Liberty League. Among the losses were those to No. 1 nationally-ranked and NCAA semifinalist RIT and to No. 9 national champion Wesleyan University.
The winningest coach in Vassar history, Graham took over in 2012 after seven different individuals had led the program through its first 24 seasons on the intercollegiate level.
Graham’s teams at Vassar featured 17 all-league players, one All-America, one USILA North-South Sr. All-Star and 80 league all-academic selections.
Graham earned his B.S. Degree in Recreation Management from Springfield College in 1994.
Rory Nunamacher- Assistant Coach
Coach Nunamacher begins his 4th Season with Connecticut Valley Lacrosse in 2021. As a player, Nunamacher was a midfielder for the NCAA Division I University of Hartford Men’s Lacrosse program from 2011 – 2014. As a member of the Hawks program he was named Captain in 2014, earned NEILA All New England honors, and he was selected to the NEILA East/West Senior All-Star game. Prior to his collegiate playing days Nunamacher was a 4-Year Varsity Starter for Guiderland High School in New York where he also earned All-American Honors.
Jeff Wallace- Assistant Coach
Coach Wallace, a self-proclaimed defensive wizard, brings 30+ years of coaching experience to Connecticut Valley Lacrosse and we are thrilled to continue ot have him as a member of our staff. As a player, Coach Wallace competed for both the football and lacrosse programs at Western Connecticut State University from 1990 – 1993. He also competed for Connecticut Valley Lacrosse Club’s Men’s Open Team (2002 – 2017) and in the Pioneer Valley Lacrosse League (1989 – 2002). The Windsor, Connecticut native and Glastonbury, Connecticut current resident also founded Top Dawg Lacrosse which put together Youth & High School Select Teams for 9 years before merging with Connecticut Valley Lacrosse in 2018.
Dannie Gryzsko- Assistant Coach
Coach Gryzsko is a West Springfield, Connecticut native who joins the Connecticut Valley Lacrosse Coaching Staff in 2021. Gryzsko was a standout Defenseman at NCAA Division II American International College from 2012-2015 earning several accolades during his time with the Yellow Jackets. In 2012, Gryzsko’s Freshman Season, he was named to the Northeast-10 Conference All Rookie Team. In 2013, as a Sophomore, he was named the Northeast-10 Conference Defensive MVP. And in 2015, competing during his Senior Season, he was named to the New England Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association East/West Senior All-Star game after a standout year. Prior to his time on the field in college Gryszko was a force for the Terriers at West Springfield High School where he was a 4x All League Selection and 3x All Western Massachusetts Selection.
