OUR TEAM
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SPENCER WRIGHT
DIRECTOR
Spencer Wright is an alumni of Syracuse University where he played lacrosse in four national championship games and was an All-American midfielder as well as a part of two Division I National Champion teams. He went on to play professionally for six years, playing as part of the Major League Lacrosse and the National Lacrosse League on both indoor and outdoor teams.
More recently, he was the head lacrosse coach for the IMG National and Varsity Boys Lacrosse Teams. Before IMG, Spencer was a physical education teacher and lacrosse coach for Fieldston High School (NY) where he brought the boys’ varsity league to four championships and many of the students he coached were placed at Division I, II and III schools. Spencer also spent four years at Manhattan College as the men’s lacrosse assistant coach and has coached numerous top lacrosse club programs in the country.
Spencer currently resides in Palmetto, Florida with his wife Catherine and their two daughters.
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Gus Ornstein
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Gus Ornstein began his athletic career as an All State Quarterback and All State Baseball player at the Fieldston School in the Bronx. He went on to play both sports at the collegiate level starting at Notre Dame before transferring to Michigan State University where he earned academic all Big Ten honors. Gus graduated from Michigan State University summa cum laude, and went on to play professionally for the St Louis Rams, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs and the New York Jets. Gus also played in the Canadian Football League for the BC Lions and the now defunct NFL Europe League for the Scottish Claymores. After being drafted by the Mariners in high school and the Royals in college, Gus was drafted by the New York Yankees and went on to play one season of minor league baseball with them.
In 2005, Gus became the head football coach at his alma mater Fieldston. and subsequently the Athletic Director. In addition to his work at Fieldston, Gus is the president of the Athletic Directors Committee for the New York State Association of Independent Schools’ (NYSAIS) Athletic Association.
SPENCER WRIGHT #6 WITH Syracuse
GUS ORNSTEIN WITH the NY Jets
OUR HEAD COACHES
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KRISTINA BASSI
FIELD HOCKEY
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MARK GILLON
SOCCER
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AUSTIN STRAUB
BASEBALL
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BRENDAN CAHILL
KICKING COACH &
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
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Head Field Hockey Coach
A native of Mountain View, CA, Kristina discovered her passion for field hockey during High School which sparked a fervent dedication to the sport. Her journey culminated in an impressive five-season tenure as a Division I field hockey player at Stanford University. Not only did Kristina contribute to the team's success, with four NorPac & America East conference victories and four NCAA tournament appearances, but she also demonstrated her versatility as the lead sports broadcaster for KZSU, covering women's basketball for four years.
Post-graduation, Kristina's diverse professional endeavors ranged from marketing for tech startups to serving as an EMT in NYC and obtaining certification as a professional dog trainer (CCPDT). With nearly a decade of coaching experience, Kristina has been instrumental in the development of field hockey talent. This includes coaching at Stanford Field Hockey camps, leading the San Jose Fly's U16 team, and serving as the Director of Player Development for San Jose Stryker's U14, U16, and U18 teams.
Currently residing in Brooklyn, NY, Kristina combines her passion for coaching as the Head Coach of the JV Field Hockey team at The Ethical Cultural Fieldston School. She is also the Head of Content and Product Marketing at ManageXR.
Outside of the professional realm, Kristina continues to contribute to her community as an EMT for the Park Slope Volunteer Ambulance Corps, a NYC dog trainer for Tulsa Pack Athletics, and an avid participant in competitive adult hockey with the New York Islanders club team in the NEFHA league. -
Head Soccer Coach
Mark, a native of Northumberland, United Kingdom, made his way to the U.S. in 2005, joining Soccer Domain Academy in New Jersey. During his NJ tenure, he specialized in guiding elite players of all ages, facilitating college placements, and earning national team recognition for both male and female players. Mark also contributed to the Technical Staff at Montclair Kimberley Academy, a distinguished private school in New Jersey.
In 2013, Mark relocated to Berkshire County, establishing Stateline Football Club. Through Stateline, he gained substantial experience working with youth and high school-level players in the region. Mark also held the position of Regional Director at FC Boston Bolts for three years.
Since 2017, Mark has served as the Head Coach of Girls Varsity Soccer at Berkshire School in Sheffield, MA. Under his leadership, the Bears have qualified for four postseason tournaments.
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Head Baseball Coach
Austin Straub was awarded the 2023 North Atlantic Conference Coach Of The Year while serving as the Head Baseball Coach at the State University of New York at Cobleskill. With over a decade of coaching experience at the college level, Coach Straub led SUNY Cobleskill to unprecedented success in the 2023 season, achieving record-breaking regular and conference wins. Under his guidance, the team secured a remarkable number of All-Conference team selections.
Before his tenure at SUNY Cobleskill, Coach Straub contributed as an Assistant Coach at Defiance College in Ohio and Keystone College in Pennsylvania. Notably, his second year with Defiance marked the Yellow Jackets' first conference tournament appearance in a decade, coupled with a new program record for winning percentage.
Coach Straub initiated his coaching career at Keystone College, where, over four years, the team clinched four consecutive conference titles, made four NCAA regional tournament appearances, and reached the national title game in 2016.
As a Keystone College graduate, Coach Straub holds a place in the athletic department's Hall of Fame, commemorating his role in the historic 2011 team that reached the College World Series for the first time. With an extensive coaching background, Coach Straub has also made significant contributions in various summer collegiate leagues, notably the Cape Cod League. During his three-year tenure with the Brewster Whitecaps, he mentored over 50 MLB draft picks and clinched the 2017 Cape Cod League championship.
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KICKING COACH & PLAYER DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
With a decade-long legacy, Coach Cahill has played a pivotal role in shaping high school, college, and NFL specialists, both domestically and internationally. As the owner of Coach Cahill Kicking and Punting School and Special Teams Coordinator at Choate Rosemary Hall, he brings a wealth of expertise to player development. His impact is evident in the success stories of former campers and students, who have secured offers at renowned institutions like Yale, Harvard, Princeton, Cornell, and more.
Notably, Coach Cahill's influence extends to the NFL, having worked with and learned from players such as Younghoe Koo (Falcons), Zac Triner (Buccaneers), and Sam Ficken (Penn State; Jets). His pragmatic approach and commitment to skill enhancement mark Coach Cahill as a respected leader in football coaching, leaving an enduring legacy in player advancement at all levels.
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JARED JONES
BASKETBALL
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ROSILYN CUMMINGS
VOLLEYBALL
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Matthew Shumate
TENNIS
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Chris Polidoro
GOLF
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Head Basketball Coach
Jared Jones is a standout in basketball, known for his diverse roles and meaningful contributions to the sport. His journey reflects a constant drive for excellence, starting his collegiate career as an Analytical Intern at Charleston Southern Men's Basketball. His commitment to the game and keen analytical mind led him to his next position as a Graduate Assistant with Hofstra University Men's Basketball team, where he played an integral role in the team's success during the 2020 CAA Championship.
As Head Varsity Coach at Promise Academy 2, Jared not only developed players' skills but also taught important life lessons. He continued his impact as Head AAU Basketball Coach with Chris Ward Basketball, guiding young athletes on and off the court.
Now, as Lead Varsity Assistant at Rye Country Day, Jared's coaching style focuses on both strategy and player growth.
Beyond basketball, he advocates for sports' positive influence on young lives, showing his dedication to shaping the next generation of players.
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Head Volleyball Coach
With an impressive background as both a player and coach, Rosilyn Cummings leads the volleyball program with passion, expertise, and a deep commitment to player development. She is currently the Head Women’s Volleyball Coach at Russell Sage College, a Division III program in New York, where she excels at working with athletes of all levels, helping them refine their skills and achieve their individual goals.
Her dedication to youth development extends far beyond the collegiate level. Rosilyn has contributed to numerous youth volleyball programs and summer camps across the country and previously served as the Team Kiwi Volleyball Club Coordinator in Florida, where she played a key role in shaping young athletes.
A Legacy of Excellence
Rosilyn’s impact on the Plattsburgh State women’s volleyball program is undeniable. A standout player, she helped lead the Cardinals to one of their most successful seasons in history in 2013. Her accolades include:
AVCA Honorable Mention All-America
AVCA All-New York Region
SUNYAC Player of the Year (2013)
First-Team All-SUNYAC
SUNYAC All-Decade Team
Second in program history in career kills (1,183)
In recognition of her remarkable collegiate career, Rosilyn was inducted into the Cardinal Sports Hall of Fame in September 2024.
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Head Tennis Coach
Matthew Shumate brings a wealth of experience to the court as a seasoned tennis coach dedicated to player development and competitive success. As the Head Varsity Girls’ Tennis Coach at Greer Middle College Charter High School, he has led his team to three consecutive regional championships, instilling a winning culture and a passion for the game.
Beyond high school coaching, Matthew has served as a director of tennis at various summer camps and works as a private tennis instructor, helping athletes refine their skills and reach their full potential.
His dedication to education extends beyond the court—by day, he teaches elementary math and science, combining his love for learning and mentorship in both academics and athletics.
A former collegiate player, Matthew competed at Division II North Greenville University in South Carolina, where he honed his skills and developed the coaching philosophy he shares with his players today.
Whether coaching on the court or in the classroom, Matthew is committed to inspiring young athletes to grow, compete, and achieve their best.
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Head Golf Coach
A Berkshires native, Chris brings a deep passion for the game and a wealth of experience to the golf program. A former player for both Pittsfield High School and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, he has spent years refining his skills on and off the course.
His professional journey includes working at PGA National Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens and Cranwell Resort and Spa, where he developed expertise in instruction and club fitting. As a Class-A PGA Professional and NENY PGA Section Member, Chris is dedicated to helping golfers of all levels improve their game.
In addition to offering private lessons, he specializes in custom-designed golf schools and is a certified Callaway Golf Club fitter, ensuring that players have the right equipment to maximize their performance. Whether coaching beginners or seasoned golfers, Chris brings a personalized approach to every lesson, helping athletes build confidence and consistency on the course.
FOUNDERS
The Shapiros and Girlings have been partners, owners and directors at Camp Winadu, the country’s premier all-boys camp for 12+ years. Together, they have created a program and environment at Winadu where campers and staff thrive, gain confidence, and make life-long friends.
Jared and Jill Shapiro (above left) met at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and reside in Millburn, New Jersey with their three boys, Ethan, Reid & Bennett. Jared serves on the Board of the University of Wisconsin-Hillel as well as the Ethan H. Freed Scholarship Fund. Jill’s career started in Marketing at Departures Magazine (American Express).
Alissa and Mike Girling (above right) met at Camp Nah Jee Wah as co-counselors and now live in New City, New York with their two daughters, Hannah & Emma and bernedoodle Winnie. Originally from the UK, Mike has played and coached soccer at all levels. His love for youth development led him to found the Rockland Soccer Academy which focused on high level youth soccer instruction for kids ages 5 through 9. Alissa has her Masters in School Counseling & Mental Health and prior to camping worked as a guidance counselor in a K-8 school. She has served on several American Camping Association – NJ/NY committees including the Tri-State Camp Conference program committee.
Together they are excited to guide and work with the Berkshire United Team to provide top level sports instruction, innovative programming, and exceptional camper care.
