Downington Coaches
Anna Schostak
Coach
Coaching Experience: I have assisted in coaching CYO clinics and high school practices in the past but this is the first time I will be coaching a team of my own! I also have officiated CYO matches for the past 8 years.
Philosophy: Im passionate about creating an encouraging and disciplined environment that promotes both individual growth and team unity, so the players desire to play and improve is their own.
Best Volleyball Moment: Playing my last high school match as a libero, nothing fancy about it except my teammates and I had pure joy the entire match
My Life in Sports: I played volleyball for 8 years (CYO, middle school, high school, and club). I was a right side/setter for the majority of my career. I officiate for CYO and have for 8 years. Now I play pickup whenever possible. I also was a swimmer for 6 years!
When I am not coaching volleyball… I am outside going for walks/hikes with my friends, reading or writing, and drinking a lot of tea!
Favorite Subject in school: My favorite subject is English! I am a senior English major and a Media minor at West Chester University
Favorite Book: My all time favorite book is To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Favorite Movie: Pirates of the Caribbean
Favorite quote: “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole heart, as working for the Lord, not for man” -Colossians 3:23
Person I’d like to have dinner with: Bethany Hamilton (the professional surfer!)
Something you probably don’t know about me: I collect postcards from around the world, I have over 600!
Harry Bitzberger
Coach
Coaching Philosophy: It’s all about the kids! It’s my responsibility to hold the vision for them, to challenge them to face and overcome adversity; to learn the many lifelong benefits they’ll garner from playing volleyball.
Best Volleyball Moment: Qualifying for the State Tournament in 2018. Rustin’s first time ever!
My Life in Sports…I had some kind of ball in my hand as far back as I can remember. As a youth I played every sport imaginable. I worked very hard to achieve a level of mediocrity that gave me an opportunity to participate in football and track while at VMI. I continued to play sports actively in the Air Force and latched on to volleyball and coaching then. I have coached all four of my children in various sports beginning in 1995 and been coaching ever since.
When I’m not coaching volleyball…I’m a State Farm agent in West Chester so other than work, my wife Michelle and I mostly chase my two youngest kids around. Harrison, a college tennis player in North Carolina (recently received his USTA coaching credential). We love watching him play. Daughter Morgan will be attending U of South Carolina in the Fall so we plan to spend a lot of time down south. Big sisters: Samantha is a Product Developer for Perry Ellis in NYC; and Casey a Project Manager for Relatable, is transitioning from California to London.
Favorite subject in School: The Black Authors course I took at VMI was the best ever! I’m a history buff.
Last Book I read: Benjamin Franklin: An American Life, by Walter Isaacson
Favorite Movie: Princess Bride
Favorite Quote: “Fate often saves an undoomed man when his courage is good.” Beowulf
Person I’d like to have dinner with…My father- Harry A Bitzberger. He passed on Christmas Day 2012. I have so much to tell him, so much to ask him about, so much to apologize for, and to tell him he was so very right about so many things I rebelled against.
Some things you don’t know about me…I’ve met three US Presidents but they were not President when I met them. I was Captain George von Trapp in Cardinal O’Hara’s production of “The Sound of Music” my senior year of high school.
Jacqi Hutton
Coach
Coaching Philosophy: My coaching philosophy is you get out of it what you put into it. If you work hard and give it your all, you will find success. Be motivated, be positive, be present, be coachable, be your best, & good things will come!
Best Volleyball Moment: My best volleyball moment came while I was coaching a varsity high school team in 2009. I took over a struggling program and morale was low. We entered into a competitive tournament and fought our way to the finals, bringing back the first volleyball trophy in the school’s history. The joy I saw in the eyes of the players & parents still makes me smile today!
My life in Sports: I started playing volleyball in 7th grade and played with my best friend throughout high school. I attended 2 summer camps at the University of Delaware that really shaped me as a player. I went on to play club ball my senior year which helped me prepare for college. I was a starting outside hitter for Harcum College for 2 years. We won the league championship and I was selected for the All-star team.
When I’m not coaching volleyball: I’m spending time with my husband & 3 sons, Anthony, Matthew, & Gabriel. They are involved in all sports so I am always watching someone play. I also enjoy playing volleyball in an adult league as well as traveling & cooking.
Favorite Movie: The Notebook
Favorite Quote: “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” Dr. Seuss
Person I’d like to have dinner with: Karch Kiraly, US Women’s National Team Coach & previous player. I feel like I could learn a lot from him.
Something you probably don’t know about me: I am a diehard Philadelphia Flyers fan & have traveled to other stadiums to see games.
Missy Caporellie
Coach, 14-Snow
Coaching Philosophy: I believe in finding an athlete’s strengths as well as their weaknesses and help to develop both of them. I enjoy getting to know all the kids that I coach and like to have fun with them after some hard work. There are a lot of life lessons in sports and I am fortunate to be a part of teaching them some.
Best Volleyball Moment: Of all the coaching moments that I have had the one that is most memorable was winning the St Joseph CYO versus St Elizabeth regular-season rivalry match that included warm-up music by Eminem, a packed gym, and a whiteout. Never expected the energy and excitement out of a CYO match!
My Life in Sports: I was a track runner and a softball player that grew up in a sports house with three older brothers and a multi-sport father. I have been coaching volleyball for 8 years with a small break in between to take time to watch my daughter finish out her club and high school career. I have coached CYO, Club, and High School Volleyball with three Archdiocese Championships as well as multiple appearances at AAU and USAV Nationals.
When I’m Not Coaching Volleyball: I am either watching one of my kids play a sport or I could be coaching CYO track which is my other passion.
Favorite Subject in School: Algebra, I admit I am a math nerd at heart. Sort of answers the question of why I am an accountant and I love it.
Favorite Book: Anything by James Patterson Favorite Movie: Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Favorite Quote: I have two:
“You learn more from failure than from success. Don’t let it stop you. Failure builds character.” Unknown
“Everyone has a plan ‘till they get punched in the mouth” Mike Tyson
Person I’d Like to Have Dinner With: Definitely my younger self. Oh, the things I would tell her!
Something You Probably Don’t Know About Me: I am deathly afraid of snakes and I will never wear a hat.