Meet Our Coaches

Coach Petracco is a former Division I cross-country and track runner at American University who channeled her knowledge and love of the sport into coaching after a career-changing injury. Prior to Kent Place, she spent several years as the Head Coach of Cross Country, Winter Track, and Spring Track at West Essex High School, where she built a stellar reputation for fostering a supportive, team-first environment.

Now in her second year at Kent Place, Coach P continues to bring her core philosophy to life: building strong interpersonal relationships and creating an environment where athletes can truly thrive. She remains deeply dedicated to empowering our young athletes to grow, compete, and achieve their personal bests—on the course, on the track, and in life.

Contact: petraccof@kentplace.org

Kerrie Burns is entering her fifth season as head coach, bringing a wealth of experience from both international and Division I collegiate play. Originally from Northern Ireland, Kerrie has represented Ireland at the U18 national level and has coached and competed locally and abroad.

Before joining Kent Place, Kerrie spent five years at Rutgers University, where she was a standout member of the Division I field hockey team. In the fall of 2021, she played a pivotal role in helping Rutgers secure the Big Ten Championship title and was named MVP of the Big Ten Championship Tournament.

Kerrie previously coached with Mid-Jersey Knights FHC. In addition to her role at Kent Place, Kerrie coaches for USA Field Hockey through NEXUS, where she continues to mentor and develop young athletes. She is passionate about guiding student-athletes who aspire to compete at the collegiate level, while also fostering a love for the game among newcomers.

Contact: burnsk@kentplace.org

Bio coming soon...

Contact: aromandom@kentplace.org

Coach Dave Phimsipasom has been a part of the Kent Place Tennis program since 2009. Under his leadership, the Dragons have earned multiple titles, including Union County Championships (2016–2024), NJSIAA Team State Championships in 2017 and 2019, and a runner-up finish in the 2020 NJSIAA Regional State Championship. He has also guided players to outstanding individual success, including three top-8 finishes at the NJSIAA Individual State Tournament and the program’s first-ever doubles state championship.

In addition to tennis, Coach Dave serves as Co-Head Coach for the Kent Place Squash team, bringing his passion for racquet sports to multiple programs. Beyond campus, he is the Head Professional at Glen Ridge Country Club and remains an active figure in the local tennis community. He is certified through the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) and Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR) and continues to expand his expertise across emerging racquet sports, including pickleball, paddle, squash, and padel.

Contact: phimsipasomd@kentplace.org

Bio coming soon...

Contact: caguanas@kentplace.org

Coach Sudberg is excited to begin his third season as Head Coach of Varsity Basketball at Kent Place. Coach Sudberg brings a wealth of experience to this position. Over the past two seasons, he has focused on building a culture centered around team support, hard work, resilience, and accountability. Under his leadership, the Dragons have achieved the most wins since the 2018-2019 season.

Currently, Coach Sudberg works as a physical education teacher in New Providence, where he also coaches varsity football and serves as the head coach of the girls' varsity golf team. Prior to that, he spent eight years as a physical education teacher at Stevens Cooperative School, where he coached both the boys' and girls' championship-winning basketball teams.

Coach Sudberg played Division I baseball at Long Island University in Brooklyn before transferring to the University of Arizona to pursue his teaching degree. He is passionate about motivating student-athletes to reach their full potential and strives to develop leaders both on and off the court.

Contact: Sudbergm@kentplace.org

Kent Place welcomes Coach Tristan Decker as the new Head Varsity Fencing Coach. With a decade of high-level fencing experience, Coach Decker brings a true passion for both teaching and continuous learning to his role. His competitive background is extensive: he was a former Division I starter for NJIT and remains a consistent USFA national fencer, having earned his first A rating at the age of 16. Coach Decker has several years of valuable assistant coaching experience gained at both Kids Can Fence and Medeo Fencing Club. Coach Decker is a firm believer in a holistic approach to proper training, focusing on creating a fun yet challenging training experience designed to help student athletes take the next step in their fencing careers. Coach Decker encourages open conversations with his student athletes and their parents to ensure everyone understands the full scope of personal and athletic growth that the sport of fencing offers. Coach Decker is excited to bring his perspective to Kent Place and help all students reach their goals.

Contact: Deckert@kentplace.org
 

Coach Wujek has been with the Kent Place Ice Hockey team since 2017.  In his first season the team won the inaugural MUGHIL Championship against a tough Chatham team as well as the Summit cup.  Coach Wujek has also been successful outside of KPS, as one of the few girls’ coaches in NJ since 2001, winning the GAL. Long time Montclair Blues coach as well winning  NJYHL boys States, Silver Sticks tourney, and many more.  As a USA Hockey Atlantic District Associate Coach in Chief, and member of USA Hockey’s coaching education program for the last ten years. Wujek has enjoyed educating coaches around the country in the values a coach can teach through this great sport.  Over his career Coach Wujek has taught; Learn to Skate, Hockey Development, Mites, Squirts, Peewee, Bantam, Midgets, HS and Adult, girls and boys, House and Travel, etc.... (However, I’m still looking for that NHL position). USA hockey certification- Lifetime Level 5 attained in 2005, 2013 awarded a trip to Minnesota USA Hockey Advanced Girls Clinic, USA Hockey Coaching Instructor, USA Hockey instructor for Philadelphia Blind Hockey Clinic, USA Hockey Sled hockey championship representative.

Contact: Wujekm@kentplace.org

Geoff Mitchell runs Mitchellsquash and is the head squash profession at the Chatham Club.  Geoff was ranked #1 in the US over 45 in 2010/2011.  He finished 2nd. in the world over 30’s, has reached the US national semifinals in his age group several times and has been ranked as high as #1 in his age group in the US.  As a former squash professional himself, with national and world rankings he has developed hundreds of juniors to play intercollegiate squash as well as lead successful juniors to US National titles and rankings. His students have competed on US National teams for the world juniors as well as the Pan American Games.  Geoff coached the USA Bu19’s at the 2015 British Open and is currently the head regional squash coach for the NJ, NY junior squads.  For the past three years Geoff Mitchell has been the chairman of the board of StreetSquash Newark, a non-profit after-school youth enrichment program that provides intensive academic support, squash instruction, one-on-one mentoring, service learning, college access and preparation, and professional development for young people from adolescence through college graduation.  Geoff was awarded the United States Olympic Committee National Coach of the Year Award in 2016.

Contact: Mitchellg@kentplace.org

​​We are delighted to announce and welcome back Coach MacCornack to the Kent Place Squash community as the Co-Head Varsity Coach. Coach MacCornack has been a true inspiration and trailblazer in the Kent Place squash program, and we are thrilled to have her back!

Coach MacCornack has been playing squash for most of her life. She began playing competitively after college in New York City, where she competed on the city's Howe Cup team.

Coach MacCornack has been coaching for over 25 years, including 12 seasons at KPS. She took a hiatus from coaching to fulfill more academic responsibilities, but is happy to be back on court with the dragons. Coach MacCornack reminds us that squash is a lifelong sport that can be played anywhere in the world.

Contact: maccornackk@kentplace.org

Marlene Curtis has been coaching at Kent Place since 2021. Marlene has been involved in coaching or teaching swimming for 25 + years. She continues to coach at Berkeley Aquatic Club during the year.  In addition to coaching Marlene has taught at Kean University for 36 years in the Health and Human Performance Department. During the summer months she keeps busy as the Pool Director and Head Swim Team Coach at Echo Lake Country Club. Marlene also serves on the NJ Swimming Board of Directors as the Registration Chair and Safe Sport Chair. This past season was an exciting season as Kent Place made it to the second round of the state tournament.

Contact: Curtism@kentplace.org

Coach Petracco is a former Division I cross country/track runner at American University. After sustaining an injury that shifted her path, she turned to coaching, channeling her knowledge and love for the sport into developing student-athletes. Since 2021, Coach Petracco has served as the Head Coach of Cross Country, Winter Track, and Spring Track at West Essex High School, where she has built a reputation for creating a supportive, team-first environment. 

Her coaching philosophy centers on building strong interpersonal relationships and fostering an environment where athletes can grow and thrive. Coach Petracco is thrilled to join the coaching staff at Kent Place and is excited to continue empowering young athletes to grow, compete, and achieve their personal bests — on the course, on the track, and in life. 

Contact: petraccof@kentplace.org

Ashley Quinn is the Head Coach of Kent Place School's Girls' Lacrosse team and has held the role since the 2017 season.  Under her leadership, the program has earned three Conference Championships with strong contention in the County, PREP, and State tournaments.  Prior to taking the head position at Kent Place, she assisted at Stevens Institute of Technology and co-created and coached a local youth program. 

Coach Quinn is driven by her experience as a Division I player at Loyola University, and her coaching philosophy is influenced heavily by her late coach, Diane Aikens. She believes in the value of hard work, commitment and dedication in order to develop leaders on and off the field. During her time at Kent Place, Ashley has coached numerous All Americans, All State, and All County players.  She has guided player placement, supporting the opportunity to play lacrosse at the collegiate level, to various Division I and Division III programs. 

In addition to her coaching at the high school level, Ashley has also helped further develop and coach the middle school program at Kent Place School while creating Balanced Elite Athlete, a training program focused on individual player growth and development.  

Contact: quinna@kentplace.org

As a previous assistant high school flag coach and coach with USA Football and NFL 60 organization, Coach Ransom is a dedicated flag and football coach with a strong background in player development, game strategy, and team leadership. A former collegiate football athlete, Coach Ransom brings years of hands-on experience to every role, having worked at various high schools in both female and male sports programs to inspire players and elevate team performance. Coach Ransom is known for fostering positive team cultures and developing winning strategies. He has a proven ability to motivate athletes to excel both on and off the field. In his first year as head coach of the program Coach Ransom led the team to an impressive season fostering some of the best players in the state. As he looks towards this next season he hopes to build on the foundation that was laid in his first season.

Contact: ransomd@kentplace.org

With over seven years of playing experience and three years dedicated to coaching, Coach Montesion brings a well-rounded and passionate approach to golf instruction. Known for creating a supportive and motivating environment, he helps players of all levels refine their skills, improve their mental game, and build confidence on and off the course. In addition to coaching, Coach Montesion has hands-on experience in tournament organization, offering unique insights into competitive play and course strategy. Coach Montesion’s in-depth knowledge of the game also allows him to run weekly indoor simulator leagues that use player's previous rounds to develop handicaps for scoring.

Contact: montesiont@kentplace.org

With a background in exercise physiology and movement mechanics and over 30 years of coaching experience, Coach Stevenson brings unique expertise to the KPS golf program. An NFHS Coaching Golf certified instructor and associate member of the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America, Coach Stevenson combines a deep knowledge of body mechanics with advanced training techniques, making her a valuable mentor for young athletes. An avid golfer, she has taught golf as part of the physical education curriculum at both Rutgers Preparatory School and The Kent Place School for over 20 years.

Currently, Coach Stevenson serves as the Director of Health and Wellness and the Department Chair of Health and Physical Education at Kent Place School, where she leads programs that support students’ physical and mental well-being. Additionally, as a certified NeuroAthletics coach, she has developed an exclusive program for KPS called NeuroEdge Cognitive Training, which is designed to elevate student-athlete performance by enhancing cognitive function, motor control, and decision-making. By integrating NeuroEdge Cognitive Training, students are empowered to build mental resilience alongside their physical skills, providing them with an edge in focus and strategic play.

Coach Stevenson’s approach emphasizes golf fundamentals, from swing mechanics to course management and mental preparation, while fostering sportsmanship, ethical play, perseverance, and personal growth. Known for her positive, encouraging teaching style, she tailors instruction to each student’s unique strengths and goals, helping athletes develop confidence, resilience, and a lifelong passion for the game.

Contact: stevensonm@kentplace.org

Coach Petracco is a former Division I cross country/track runner at American University. After sustaining an injury that shifted her path, she turned to coaching, channeling her knowledge and love for the sport into developing student-athletes. Coach Petracco served as the Head Coach of Cross Country, Winter Track, and Spring Track at West Essex High School for 5 years, where she built a reputation for creating a supportive, team-first environment. 

Her coaching philosophy centers on building strong interpersonal relationships and fostering an environment where athletes can grow and thrive. This year Coach Petracco joined the Dragons in Cross Country and Winter Track. She is excited to continue empowering young athletes to grow, compete, and achieve their personal bests — on the course, on the track, and in life.

Contact: petraccof@kentplace.org