The East Meets West Staffing philosophy is to bring in coaches with varying backgrounds from different parts of the country. This cross-exposure has worked great for the campers as they're able to learn from a wide variety of styles and techniques.
The summer staff members are listed below for each session. We'll add more as each camp's participant numbers dictate. All of our staff members stay on campus with the campers 24/7. They share the same dorm space, eat meals with the campers, and spend time speaking with them in the casual dorm setting.
Matt Holman, camp owner/director, is present for each camp session since the beginning. He's the former head women's coach at UC San Diego, head men's coach at UC San Diego, and SD Chapter of USL President, a men's official, and former Head Coach of Westview HS. Currently, he is the Head Coach of San Diego State Men's Lacrosse, www.sdsulax.com. He will make sure that every camper leaves the camp a better person & player.
Girls Camp Staff
Coach Jessica Livingston
A key figure in the growth of Arizona Girl's Lacrosse, Coach Jessi is really looking forward to working with the campers. Head Coach of the Chaparral Firebirds Girls Varsity Team and current president of the Arizona Girls Lacrosse Association. This is Jessica's second summer at the camp.
Coach Sarah Spillett
Coach Sarah continues the great legacy of having a "Spillett" at an East Meets West Lax Camp. Dan Spillett, her father, was a 8 year staff member for both the boys and girls camps until he lost his battle with cancer. Sarah's love for San Diego continues today as she has made this her new home after graduating from University of Albany where she played Division I Lacrosse.
Boys Camp Staff
Assistant Director Dick Pepper
Coach Pep returns for his 8th summer from Upstate New York were he remains busy as a high school and college game official. He's got over 22 years experience of camp supervision and things would not go so smoothly without him.
Assistant Director Coach Glenn Carter
Returning for his third summer in a row, Coach Carter is the Head Men's Coach at Div. III Ursinus College in PA and currently the Defensive Coordinator for the MLL's Philadelphia Barrage. He's a defensive mid-field and face-off coach with extensive knowledge of the entire game. As Head Coach of Ursinus he continues to build the program into a top 25 DIII team.
Coach Bill Kwasniewski
Coach K returns for a third summer on the staff and we're glad to have him back. He currently serves as the Assistant Coach of Ursinus College along side Coach Carter. Coach K specializes in instructing defensive players in the fundamentals and is great at demonstrating the many different checks used in the position.
Coach Ryan Spillett
You may recognize the "Spillett" name at East Meets West. Ryan is the nephew of former staff member Coach Dan and the cousin of Coach Sarah. Ryan is an assistant coach at Cazenovia College in Upstate New York. Ryan is an excellent instructor and this is his second summer at the camp.
Coach Brian Cummings
Brian is our goalie specialist who was once a camper himself. He was the first recipient of the John Pepper Memorial Scholarship, an award presented to a deserving West Genesee HS Student in New York. This scholarship allowed Brian to make his first ever trip to San Diego California and the desire to return has always been on his mind. This is Brian's second summer at the camp.
Coach Justin Aefsky
Coach "A" is the current Goalie Coach at San Diego State University. Coach A uses his experience and knowledge gained from growing up and competing in Maryland as a goalie. Justin is a San Diego based educator and his ability to relate to players is truly a gift.
Jr Staff Members
Matt Drenan: NCAA Champion with John's Hopkins University where he plays LPM and close defense.
Joe Coulter: NCAA Champion with Syracuse University where he plays midfield and face-off wing.
Jared Brett: member of the Cal Golden Bears team where he specializes in face-offs.
