By RICH FISHER
Contributing Editor
As another school year gets underway, several fall athletic teams are looking for strong seasons, while some newcomers are taking over high-profile programs in Diocese of Trenton schools.
Here’s a look at several noteworthy items for each athletic program:
DONOVAN CATHOLIC, TOMS RIVER
For the first time in seven seasons, the Griffins football team suffered a losing campaign in 2024, going 2-7 after recording a 34-18 mark the previous six years.
But there is reason for renewed optimism this season thanks to several strong returnees, some talented newcomers and a highly touted transfer.
Anchoring the offensive line is four-star recruit Kai Pritchard, a University of Illinois commit who is the top ranked senior O-lineman in the state this year. Other key returnees are senior Colin Johnson (WR/DB) and juniors Diondre Foendoe (LB/FB), Ethan Nicholas (RB/LB), Carter Smith (OL/DL) and Nyron Serling (WR/DB).
Seton Hall Prep transfer Kahden Davis, a three-star recruit, provides the Griffins with the state’s top-ranked junior quarterback. Davis threw for 507 yards and three TDs and ran for 98 yards and one TD while sharing time last season.
Other key transfers include junior safety Jael Hester, who recorded 32 tackles at Toms River North last season; 6-2, 250-pound junior offensive lineman Ben Lubin (from Monmouth Regional), and junior Alex Staten, who led Ocean Township with 522 rushing yards and seven TDS.
NOTRE DAME, LAWRENCEVILLE
The Irish girls volleyball team is coming off a NJSIAA South Jersey Non-Public A championship season, and coach Tony Carpenter feels there is enough talent to compete for that title again.
Maya Foley is back at middle blocker for Notre Dame after recording 103 kills and 48-1-2 blocks last season. Photo courtesy of Notre Dame Communications
Key returnees are senior setter Mia Ligamarri (115 digs, 266 assists), senior libero Emily Deussing (352 digs, 56 aces, 72 assists) and senior middle blocker Maya Foley (103 kills, 48½ blocks), who helped the program build a winning culture. Carpenter is looking to make sure this year’s newcomers understand what needs to be done as a team and individuals.
“They’re emphasizing the buy-in that was required, the attention to detail, the drive and the dedication that was required for us to make it back to the top of the mountain, and they are holding their teammates accountable,” Carpenter said. “Their talent will be relied on heavily to carry us, especially in the early part of the season until the newer players get acclimated.”
Other veterans are Delaney Meszaros, Sophia Malaty, Makensie Meszaros and Grace Hempsell, while Tatum Justus and Morgana Trombino are key newcomers.
“Last year we had a more experienced team,” Carpenter said. “It’s going to take as a little longer to gel and execute at the level we did last season. We were able to sneak up on some teams but this year teams are going to be gunning for us which means we have to bring our A game every night.”
RED BANK CATHOLIC, RED BANK
The Caseys field hockey team has a new head coach in Belly Reynoso, who takes over for Nikki Cummins (maternity leave).
Reynoso – who coached at Lakewood Middle School last year and has coached various top-level club programs after playing for Lock Haven and Kean Universities – is enthused about her team’s potential.
From left to right, Bridget Ryan, Lily Dziedzic, Brigid Leary and Marley Manzo hope to lift the promising Red Bank Catholic field hockey team as impressively as they can lift teammate Amanda Foster. Photo courtesy of Red Bank Catholic
“My hope for this season is to continue building on the foundation that’s already here – compete hard in every game, develop our younger players, and push for postseason success,” Reynoso said. “With this much experience and depth, I think this team can surprise a lot of people.”
RBC returns 17 players from a team that went 8-10-3 last year, including senior midfielder/defender Marly Manzo, one of four sisters on the Caseys who scored a team-high eight goals with two assists last year; sophomore forward Phoebe Howard (5 goals, 3 assists); junior defender Luna McPolin (2 goals, 3 assists); sophomore midfielder Carina Reginio and sophomore goalie Charlotte Magliaro.
“The biggest strength of this group is their chemistry,” Reynoso said. “With so many returners, they know each other well, and the leadership from the upperclassmen really sets the tone. We’re also very strong defensively and have a solid midfield that can control the pace of the game.”
ST. JOHN VIANNEY, HOLMDEL
The Lancers have two major athletic hires, as Brian Chapman takes over as athletic director for interim AD Russell Gartz, and Greg Penta replaces Bobby Acosta as head football coach.
Brian Chapman takes over as the new St. John Vianney Athletic Director for the 2025-26 school year. Photo courtesy of St. John Vianney
In 15 seasons as Millburn’s baseball coach, Chapman’s teams won 292 games, two NJSIAA Group IV state titles and six sectional titles.
In a press release from SJV, Gartz said, “Brian is a dedicated educator who is totally committed to his faith, SJV’s mission, integrity and leadership. We have complete confidence that he will lead our athletic programs to improved success.”
Penta has 15 years of high school football coaching experience, and as the quarterbacks coach at Long Branch he produced five consecutive All-Shore Conference signal callers.
“Greg not only understands the mission and values of this institution, but he is a tremendous example for our student-athletes – as a husband, father, teacher and a man of faith,” SJV president Steven DiMezza said in a press release. “We are confident that under his leadership, our football program will have stability and make our school and community proud.”
ST. ROSE, BELMAR
After Brian Lynch turned St. Rose’s boys basketball team into a state power in his four years, the call to return home was strong as Lynch returned to his alma mater at Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft.
Chris Alesi
Inheriting a program that went 76-15 with a state title and two trips to the state finals over the past three seasons is Chris Alesi, the former head coach at Manhattanville University in Purchase, N.Y.
Alesi went 80-57 for a .584 winning percentage, the highest of any Manhattanville coach with multiple seasons with the team. The Valiants reached the Skyline Conference Tournament championship game in 2022 and 2023. Alesi was an assistant at Wagner University under Dan Hurley, who went on to win two national titles at the University of Connecticut.
On the high school level, Alesi has served as director of player development and recruiting for the nationally renowned New Jerey Shoreshots AAU program.