General Athletics Phone: 732.987.2683
General Athletics Fax: 732.987.2002
Athletic Training Fax: 732.987.2031
Director of Athletics & Recreation
732-987-2685 | liesmanl@georgian.edu
Laura B. Liesman was named Georgian Court University's Director of Athletics & Recreation in September 2003. A native of Aurora, Illinois, she received a bachelor of arts degree in sociology with a business concentration from Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois, and a master of science in sports management from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia.
In just a short time at GCU, Liesman has already guided the athletics program to new heights. She has worked hand-in-hand with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, making it a dynamic entity on campus. Her vision for GCU is to continue to increase the number of student-athletes, while gaining more exposure for the program in the media and the general public. With her guidance, GCU is building a new state-of-the-art recreation, wellness and athletics complex, which will become the new home of GCU Athletics in Fall 2008.
Prior to GCU, Liesman worked at the College of Saint Benedict as assistant director of athletics/director of summer camps. She had been associated with the CSB Athletic department since 2001, with duties including marketing, fund raising, promotions, summer camps, and compliance. Her accomplishments included expanding the colleges Blazer Backer program, CSBs Blazer Open Golf Outing, and increasing camp revenue each year.
Liesman holds memberships in the National Association of Collegiate Womens Athletic Administrators (NACWAA), the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), and the Division II Athletic Directors Association. She is a 2003 graduate of the NACWAA/HERS Institute for Administrative Advancement.
.jpg "Poindexter 20082") Shelana Poindexter
Associate Director of Athletics/Compliance and Student-Athlete Welfare
732.987.2472 | poindexters@georgian.edu
Shelana Poindexter was named Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance and Student-Athlete Welfare in July 2008. Her responsibilities will include oversight of compliance and the academic progress of the student-athletes. She will coordinate study-halls along with CHAMPS/Life Skills events and other projects.
Poindexter joins GCU from Abilene Christian University (Texas) where she served as Assistant Director of Athletics for Compliance and Senior Woman Administrator from 2006-2008. Her duties included determining eligibility and academic progress for ACU student-athletes in compliance with NCAA, Lone Star Conference and ACU regulations. She was in charge of educating coaches and staff of NCAA and LSC rules, interpreting those rules and developing and implementing rules education programs. In addition, she served as the student-athlete advisory committee (SAAC) advisor as well as the CHAMPS/Life Skills coordinator, duties that she will continue here at GCU. Poindexter currently serves as an NCAA Division II Leadership Academy Facilitator.
Prior to joining the ACU staff, Poindexter was an administrative intern for the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWAA). From 2005-2006 she helped maintain the membership databases and the 2005 convention registration databases along with handling all aspects of NACWAA communication. She also served as a marketing assistant for Mechanics and Farmers Bank, Inc corporate offices in Durham, NC (2004-2005).
Poindexter graduated from Abilene Christian University in 2004 with a bachelor of business administration in marketing and management and earned her Masters of Science in organizational and human resource development also from ACU in 2007. She was a four-year member of the women’s track and field team competing in the shot put and discus. As a junior she finished third in the LSC Championship Meet in the discus.
Currently she is a member of the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWAA) and the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA). Shelana is also a graduate of the NACWAA/HERS and Leadership Enhancement Institutes.
Assistant Director of Athletics for Sports Information
732.987.2690 | mckibbenc@georgian.edu
Christopher McKibben was named Assistant Athletics Director for Sports Information in January, 2008 after spending the previous two-and-a-half years with the American Red Cross. This opportunity with the Lions gives McKibben the chance to return to his true passion ... athletics.
Chris worked six seasons in professional baseball, including four (2000-03) as Media Relations Director with the New Britain (CT) Rock Cats, the AA affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. In 2003, Chris had the privilege of serving as Media Relations Director of the Eastern League All-Star Game at New Britain Stadium, an event that was broadcast nationwide, while drawing over 100 media representatives and dozens of Major League Baseball dignitaries.
Prior to joining the Rock Cats, McKibben served two years as a media relations intern with the Eastern League of Professional Baseball, Inc. in Portland, ME. A native of Middletown, NJ, McKibben earned a bachelor's degree in Media Relations from the University of Southern Maine with a journalism concentration.
Chris and his wife, Rachel, reside in Middletown with their two children, Trevor and Paige.
Assistant Director of Athletics for Operations and Facilities
732.987.2688 | kingq@georgian.edu
Quan was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan where he learned, at any early age, the value of hard work and determination. He attended Broughton High School in Raleigh, North Carolina and later Philadelphia University in Philadelphia, PA; graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Architectural Studies with a minor in Business.
Prior to joining the Lions, Quan served at Philadelphia University as a diverse and versatile member of the Philadelphia University Athletics program. His passion for athletics was demonstrated as he fulfilled multiple roles such as intramural coordinator, on-site supervisor and public address announcer, while still a student.
As a graduate, Quan brings his acquired skills and unique exposure to Georgian Court University to fulfill his role as Assistant Athletic Director for Operations and Facilities. His plan is to continue the development of the Athletic Department and to propel GCU Athletics into the upper echelons of not only the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference, but Division II as well.
 Joe Friedrich
Head Athletic Trainer
732.987.2687 friedrichj@georgian.edu
More Athletic Training Info
Friedrich joined the Georgian Court University athletic staff in September 2007. Always mindful of the health and safety of the Lions, Friedrich coordinates Athletic Training services for GCU student-athletes, as well as those students majoring in Dance. He is joined by Assistant Athletic Trainer, Jodi Anderson, ATC. Together, they provide exceptional health care to the students of Georgian Court University.
Friedrich and Anderson directed the purchasing recommendations for the new, state-of-the-art fitness center, as well as the new athletic training room. In recognition of his efforts, Friedrich was the recipient of the 2007-08 Outstanding Service Award.
A graduate of The Pennsylvania State University, Friedrich earned a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Kinesiology with an Athletic Training option. During his professional preparation through Penn State’s accredited athletic training program, Friedrich had the opportunity to work with Penn State athletes on the track and field, lacrosse, and rugby teams.
Prior to joining the GCU community, Friedrich served as the certified athletic trainer at Holy Spirit High School in Absecon, New Jersey. In the summer of 2007, he worked with the Atlantic City Surf, an independent minor league baseball club in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Friedrich is board certified and licensed as an athletic trainer in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania and is a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA). He is also a certified instructor for the American Red Cross for First Aid and CPR for both the professional and lay responder.
Friedrich and his wife, Alicia, in Barnegat, NJ.
Athletic Secretary
732.987.2683 | williamsm@georgian.edu
An established member of the Georgian Court University family for over 7 years, Mary Williams transferred to the Department of Athletics and Recreation from the S. Mary Joseph Cunningham Library in August 2004. An enthusiastic fan of sports and student-athletes, Williams brings a diverse experience in youth athletics to her new position.
Having an unusual perspective of Georgian Court University, Williams is not only a staff member, but graduated this past May with her bachelor's degree in Psychology, minoring in Women’s Studies. She will pursue her Masters in School Psychology at Georgian Court, beginning classes this Fall. In addition to that view of the university, her daughter Nicole is a Business student at GCU and will graduate this May.
Her son Tony is a student-athlete at Howell High School and will graduate in June.
Faculty Athletic Representative
732.987.2776 | gallagherc@georgian.edu
Claire Gallagher, Ed.D., is a professor in the School of Education, where her areas are secondary math and science curriculum and instruction. She has been a member of the GCU community for ten years, also serving as the faculty athletic representative.
Gallagher holds a bachelor's degree in marine biology, a master's degree in secondary science education, a master's degree in architecture and a doctorate in architecture education. She holds New Jersey Teaching Certifications in Math (K-12) and Science (K-12), as well as a Supervisor's Certificate, and is an internationally recognized authority on built environment education. Her particular research focuses on the effect of the built environment on the visual and spatial thinking skills of children, and on the connections between pedagogy and school design.
At GCU she uses her expertise in the development of interdisciplinary curricula and inquiry-based teaching strategies with which she infuses the courses she teaches.
Her efforts with the GCU student-athletes has helped bridge the gap between the classroom and the playing field.
 Valerie Curtis
2008-09 marks Coach Curtis' second season with Georgian Court University after guiding the Lions to a 7-20 record in her initial campaign of 2007-08. Curtis comes to GCU via Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania where she guided the Lady Eagles for the past three seasons. Following a 4-23 record in her first season, the Lady Eagles posted the third most improved team in the nation in 2005 with a record of 17-9. The 2005 season was the first winning season for Lock Haven in a decade.
Curtis began her career in college athletics as a student-athlete at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). While there, Valerie was a starter and leading scorer for the Firebirds. In 1993, Curtis led NCAA Division II women’s basketball averaging 6.1 steals per game (135 total). She still ranks second in the nation’s single-season chart for steals. Having finished her collegiate career averaging 4.7 steals per game (318 steals), Valerie ranks third on the NCAA’s all-time list in steals average. While leading her team in 1995 to a record of 20-6, the University of the District of Columbia made a berth into the 1995 NCAA Division II tournament.
Following her stellar collegiate career, Coach Curtis joined the UDC coaching staff as an assistant coach. Curtis served as assistant for two seasons from 1995-1997. Along with assistant coaching, Valerie served as the coordinator of Martha’s Table Adolescent Program, which counseled and motivated disadvantaged teens as a project site director of the Communities in Schools program in Washington, D.C. Curtis also administrated and implemented the development of the D.C. Reads program at selected elementary schools.
In 1998, Curtis joined Fresno State as Assistant Coach. For four years, she served as recruiting coordinator and opponent scout. Curtis also led pre-season and post-season conditioning while serving as student-athlete academic advisor. Curtis returned to the East in 2002 serving as an assistant basketball coach at Lock Haven. Following the 2003-2004 season, Curtis took over the reigns and assumed the position of head basketball coach.
Prior to attending UDC, Curtis served in the United States Navy for four years. At the University of the District of Columbia, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Health Education in 1996 and a Master’s of Science degree in Public Administration in 1998.
Coach Curtis will serve as Head Basketball Coach as well as implementing the NCAA Division II’s Community Engagement Initiative on Georgian Court’s campus. The Division II initiative focuses on the interaction between Division II institutions and their local communities. The goal of the platform is to engage Georgian Court’s community actively in the life of our campus as it is a key component of the development of our students.
Cross Country - Head Coach
732.987.2696 | lanzk@georgian.edu
Bringing over 27 years of cross-country experience as a competitor and coach, Kerwin Lanz has served 10 seasons as head coach at GCU. Emphasizing teamwork as his core principle in coaching, Lanz has been effective in developing GCU's cross-country athletes both physically and mentally for success.
Lanz's success has earned him CACC Coach of the Year honors six times (2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006 & 2007). Prior to his endeavors at GCU, Lanz served as Head Indoor Coach at Manalapan High School for 15 years, where he doubled as the schools Girls Cross-Country Head Coach for 11 seasons. He also is USATF Level I and II Certified, with concentrations in endurance running, sprints, hurdles, and jumps. Lanz also authored, "The Mental Edge for Track Competition," a mental training program for track and field.
Despite his competitive edge, Lanz never loses sight of his main goals: discipline, cooperation, self-respect, self-sufficiency, and most of all, enjoyment. He graduated with a Bachelors in Arts in education from East Carolina University, and later completed his Masters in Education at Rutgers University.
Lacrosse - Head Coach
732.987.2789 | migliorisim@georgian.edu
A native of Brick, New Jersey, Migliorisi made his collegiate head coaching debut for the Lions in 2007. Boasting a team of 15 freshmen and three upperclassmen, he led the Lions to an 11-7 record and a trip to the ECAC Finals. giving he and GCU the best record for a first-year program in Divisions I, II, and III of the NCAA.
In 2008, the Lions placed in the Top-10 in 18 different NCAA categories and finished 11-5 against very competitive competition. GCU, having played as an independent program for its first two seasons, will join the CACC in 2009 as they face off against conference foes Chestnut Hill College, Dominican College, Holy Family University, Philadelphia University, and Wilmington University, vying for the inaugural conference championship.
No stranger to starting programs, Migliorisi spent six seasons (2000-05) as the head girls' lacrosse coach at St. Rose High School in Belmar, NJ, guiding that program since its inception. Under Migliorisi's tutelage, St. Rose asscended to a #3 ranking in the Shore Conference and reached the Final Four in the State Tournament three straight seasons (03-05).
"Miggs" also doubled as head girls' soccer coach at Shore Regional High School in Oceanport, NJ from 1999-2007. Migliorisi took over a struggling program that finished 2-15 the year before his arrival and, in one year, led the squad to the division championship. Overall, Mike brought home five division crowns and two state titles while earning two Coach of the Year awards.
A 1988 graduate of William Paterson University, Migliorisi received a Bachelors Degree in movement science before attaining a master's degree in administration and supervision and principal certification at Jersey City State College (New Jersey City University) in 1996. Aside from his coaching background, Migliorisi has been a teacher for the past 17 years, the last 13 at Howell Township High School in Howell, NJ.
An avid surfer, lifeguard, and fitness guru, Migliorisi was a world finalist in the 1994 Lifeguard Olympics in New Quay, England. Migliorisis accolades include 21 USA medals in lifeguard competition, as well as 54 Gold, 38 Silver, and 22 Bronze medals in Ocean and Monmouth Counties. He is the founder of Aqua Serve Lifeguards, a company he operated for 15 years until 2003.
Migliorisi and his wife, Cindy, have a daughter, Carlee, and a son, Tyler. They currently reside in Manasquan.
Soccer - Head Coach
732.987.2695 | moorejames@georgian.edu
Coach Moore just completed his fourth year at the helm of the Georgian Court soccer program. Under his leadership the Lions have emerged as a perennial power in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference. In 2008 he led Georgian Court University (12-7-5, 7-1-3 CACC) to the CACC Championship and the program’s first ever NCAA Tournament. The 2008 season was highlighted by a school record 15 game unbeaten streak that included an upset of #16 ranked University of Bridgeport. Georgian Court finished ranked in the Top Ten of the regional polls for the third straight year.
In 2007 the Lions won a school record 14 games and played in the ECAC Championship game. Georgian Court finished ranked in the Top 10 of both the NCAA and the NSCAA Regional polls. The Lions have a .603 winning percentage in the past three seasons, which ranks them among the best in the New England region. Under Coach Moore the month of October has been when they have played their best soccer as the Lions are an impressive 13-1-3 the past two seasons.
Moore took over at Georgian Court prior to the 2005 season and immediately began the process of rebuilding the once proud program. After struggling to a 2-14-1 season in 2005, he returned in 2006 with eleven new players and led the team to an 11-7-3 record. The 8.5 game improvement was the largest in the nation in 2006. For this, Coach Moore was named the Central Athletic Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year. Since he has taken over the GCU program he has recruited and developed Two Daktronics- NCAA All Americans, Two Daktronics- NCAA and NSCAA All Region players, and Ten All- CACC players.
Moore also serves on the NCAA Regional Selection Committee, NSCAA Regional Poll Committee, Chair of the ECAC Selection Committee and the Chair of the CACC Coaches Committee.
Along with coaching at Georgian Court, Moore is a Senior Staff Member of Celtic Elite. Where he trains various youth teams and is charged with developing the organizations goaltenders. He also is the trainer for the U-13 Battle of Monmouth Fireballs, and TRSA U- 14 Fusion. He also individually trains youth players as well as directs the Georgian Court University Summer Soccer Camp.
Before coming to Georgian Court, Moore served as an assistant coach at Bryant University for six seasons. While at Bryant, Moore played a crucial role in turning around a Bulldog program which had not posted a winning season since 1993, helping the team earn its first national ranking and first NCAA Tournament bid in 2001. Bryant won 48 games in four seasons from 2001 to 2004, while Moore was on the staff.
A 1996 graduate of Providence College, Moore made his first foray into coaching soon after; obtaining an assistant women’s coaching position at his alma mater in 1998. While at Providence, Moore served as a student assistant on the 1993 Big East Championship team that went to the Sweet 16 in the National Tournament.
Moore has earned both a National and Advanced National License from the NSCAA and has been a member of that organization since 1993. He has also coached the Rhode Island Olympic Developmental Program and in 2005 his U-15 team became the first small state team to make the Regional Final 4. He has also won 3 Rhode Island State Championships with his RI Rays from 2003-2005.
Originally from Melville, NY., Moore and his wife, Kate currently reside in Burlington, New Jersey with their daughter Meghan.
 Jeff Franquet
Softball - Head Coach
732.987.2697 | franquetj@georgian.edu
A native of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, Coach Franquet has led the Lions' softball squad to two regualr season Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Championships, the 2007 CACC Tournament title, and its first two NCAA Division II Regional Tournament appearances, all in his first two seasons at the helm. He has played a integral role in garnering the program its first-ever NFCA All-American (Heather Walker-2008), as well as the 2007 CACC Player of the Year (Walker), 2008 CACC Pitcher of the Year (Samantha Sasko), three NFCA All-Region players (Nicole Fortino, Sasko, Walker), 11 CACC All-Conference players, and 15 NFCA All-Academic and CACC All-Academic representatives. His 2008 club finished the campaign ranked 25th nationwide by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association with a record of 39-16, including a 22-2 mark in CACC play. For his efforts, Franquet has been selected the 2007 and 2008 CACC Softball Coach of the Year.
Jeff is also the founder of the Lions' annual "Go to Bat for Breast Cancer" softball tournament, which benefits the American Cancer Society. The 2009 field increases from five to nine teams, which will include the University of Bridgeport, Caldwell College, Dominican College, Dowling College, Kutztown University, Molloy College, NYIT, Queens College and, of course, the Lions.
In 2009, Franquet will wear two hats as he makes his debut this summer as head coach of the Philadelphia Force, a member of NPF (National Pro Fastpitch).
Previously, Franquet coached the Central Florida Community College Patriots from 2000-2002 and the Jacksonville University Dolphins from 2002-2005, a program that he developed from the ground up, including the recruitment of the inaugural class.
His accomplishments at Jacksonville University include victories over top-notch programs, such as Florida State University, UMass and Hofstra. Franquet produced two First-Team Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) All-Conference players and two First-Team ASUN All-Freshmen.
A 1992 graduate of Mansfield University, Franquet received a bachelor's degree in liberal arts. Aside from his coaching background, Franquet earned many accolades on the diamond as a player. Throughout his 21-year softball career, which includes fours years playing professionally, Franquet earned 16 MVP Honors, played on two world championship teams, won nine national championships 15 regional titles, and 17 state championships.
Franquet and his wife, Brooke, a former star pitcher at Georgian Court, have a daughter, Madison. They currently reside in Beverly, New Jersey.
Tennis - Head Coach
732.987.2698 | ballingalla@georgian.edu
Entering her third season with the Lions, Ballingall comes to GCU from Ocean County College, where she had served as the head women's tennis coach since 2003. While at OCC Ballingall helped establish the Viking program to one of the top teams in New Jersey. In addition to coaching collegiately, Ballingall has owned and operated the Ocean Tennis Center Inc. in Toms River for the past 17 years. She offers group and private instruction for all ages, as well as a full-service tennis pro shop.
Ballingall is a certified tennis instructor with the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) since 1989 and the U.S. Professional Tennis Association (USPTA). She also holds a USTA Level 2 Sports Science Competency certificate. She is also a member of the United States Tennis Association and the Prince Elite National Team.
In addition to her business, Ballingall has also served in many capacities for the United States Tennis Association at the local, sectional, and national levels. She has served as a speaker at national USTA conferences. Ballingall has also taken an interest in the local tennis circuit. She can be credited with forming the local United States Tennis Association (USTA) Adult Leagues now continuing throughout the shore. She has organized a local World Team Tennis League, as well as hosted a regional event featuring Billie Jean King.
When she is not concentrating on developing others' tennis careers, Ballingall enjoys spending time with her husband, Ken, and daughter, Danielle.
 Brett Harvey
Track & Field - Head Coach
732.987.2653 | harveyb@georgian.edu
Brett Harvey comes to Georgian Court University after two highly successful years at Loyola College (Md). In his first year at Loyola, the team finished fourth in the MAAC Outdoor Conference Championships, scoring a Loyola record 94 points and finishing just eight points out of third place in the conference. For this accomplishment Harvey was awarded MAAC Coach of the Year honors.
During the 2007-2008 campaign Harvey mentored Andrea Rovegno to a MAAC Championship in the 1-mile run in 2007 in 5:02.47. The win also qualified Rovegno for the 2008 ECAC Championships in the event.
Rovegno also finished as the runner-up in the 3,000m in 10:15.31 while Maureen Wynne was the runner-up at 5,000m in an Indoor school record time of 18:11.86.
Harvey mentored four athletes to individual MAAC Runner-up finishes (Andrea Rovegno (5000m, 10000m), Eve Mizerak (100m), Paige Thomas (400m), Lisa Edwards (Indoor 55m dash).
During his two years at Loyola the team set 36 school records.
Before coming to Loyola, Harvey spent two years at American University as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. The Eagles Men’s Cross Country squad qualified for two NCAA Cross Country Championships during his tenure at American. The Eagles also combined to break 28 school records during Harvey’s two years there.
Brett is a USATF Level 1 Certified Coach and served as the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Cross Country Representative from December 2007-June 2008. He completed his undergraduate work at Lafayette College, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology and Sociology.
Harvey was a four year letter-winner on the Leopards Track and Field teams and was a three-time IC4A Qualifier in the 4x800 relay. He holds personal bests of 50.10 (400m), 1:55.85 (800m) and 1:07.23 (500m).
Brett, a Baltimore native, was a four-time Baltimore County Champion and placed fifth at the 2000 State High School 800m Championship.
He and his fiancé, Kristi, reside in Hatboro, Pennsylvania with their black lab, Miler.
Volleyball - Head Coach
732.987.2699 | casadof@georgian.edu
Francisco Casado is entering his fifth season as the head volleyball coach for Georgian Court University. Since 2003, GCU has improved steadily over the past four years. After going 4-20 overall in 2002, the team posted a 27-8 regular season mark in 2007, including an 18-0 record in conference play,while winning the CACC conference championship in back-to-back seasons (2006-07). The reigning CACC Co-Coach Of The Year led the Lions to the NCAA Division II Regional Tournament twice. This monumental accomplishment was the first of its kind for the GCU volleyball program.
Casado began his coaching career in the early 1990‘s working for the Borinquen Coquis Volleyball Club for the 13-14 boys, which won a silver medal while representing Puerto Rico at the Junior Olympics in San Jose, California. Additionally, he has coached at several clubs and amateur organizations in the 1990s, including a volunteer position with the Police Athletic League as an athletic instructor and volleyball coach. He also served as a coach with the Keystone Region Volleyball Association from 2000-2002.
With the support of several parents and local community leaders, Coach Francisco Casado founded the The Jersey Shore Volleyball Club (JSVBC) in 2002. The club was organized as a member of the Garden Empire Volleyball Association and United State Volleyball Association (USVA), which was the first USVA youth program to evolve in the Jersey Shore area. Furthermore, these and many other organizations have applauded and learned from the accomplished leaders of the JSVBC. In recent years, JSVBC players have consistently thrived to the top of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and are ranked amongst the state and national leaders in volleyball.
On December 9, 2007, The High Performance Volleyball Academy, a lifelong dream of Casado, was made possible thanks to the effort of friends and family. The HPVBA in Lakewood, NJ is the largest volleyball center in the entire northeast and, since the grand opening, over 14,000 athletes have played here with over 120,000 people having entered its doors.
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