PV THUNDER AAU GIRLS BBALL
Potomac Valley THUNDER GIRLS AAU Basketball
Potomac Valley Thunder partners with the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) to develop its coaches. The PCA goal is to develop Better Athletes, Better People and the following become the prevailing models in youth and high school sports:
The Double-Goal Coach, who strives to win while also pursuing the more important goal of teaching life lessons through sports
- The Second-Goal Parent, who concentrates on life lessons, while letting coaches and athletes focus on competing
- The Triple-Impact Competitor, who strives to impact sport on three levels by improving oneself, teammates and the game as a whole.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR COACHES
Coach LJ Young
Head Coach, PVT 2032
Growing up miles away from the Duke/UNC rivalry in North Carolina, basketball was ingrained into Coach LJs upbringing. He has been involved with basketball since he was 5 years old. Coach LJ played AAU on a national level from the time he was in 5th grade until he graduated high school. In high school, he lettered in both football and basketball, before ultimately committing to play football in college. He graduated from NC A&T State University with a degree in Computer Science and now works as a software engineer in the defense industry. With his coaching style he brings passion, discipline, and excitement! He is looking forward to coaching the next great women in basketball with PVT!
Coach Matt Elmore
Head Coach, PVT 16U Grey
Matt Elmore has been involved with coaching youth basketball for almost a decade, having started as a counselor/coach for the annual University of Maryland Men’s Basketball camps in 2011. Since then, Matt has assumed various skill development and coaching positions with organizations such as the Riverside Hawks and Success Academy Charter Schools. Matt served as the head coach of PVT 2026 during the 2017-2018 season, leading them to 2 undefeated league titles and 3 tournament championships, including the Mid Atlantic Girls Invitational Championships in May 2018. Matt also served as the head coach of PVT 2025 during the Spring and Summer of 2018, leading them to 1 undefeated league title. Matt is currently a strategy & corporate development associate at Education Advisory Board (EAB) in Washington, DC, having received a B.A. in Economics from Columbia University and MBA from Columbia Business School.
Coach Jillian Bennett
Head Coach, PVT 2028 Purple & Assistant Coach Regional HS Teams
Coach Jill is a Jersey girl who recently relocated to the area. She attended Holy Cross High School in Delran, New Jersey, where she played Basketball and Track & Field for four years. After High School, she attended Wilmington University, where she received a scholarship to play Division II Women's Basketball. Jillian was named captain of her team for the last two seasons at Wilmington. During her senior year in college, she had the opportunity to transition into coaching at McKean High School in Track & Field where she was a coach for over six years. McKean High School was just the beginning in Jillian’s coaching journey. She also had the opportunity to coach U10 Girl’s Basketball AAU Team and Boy’s U15 AAU team. Besides coaching the PVT team, she also serves as the Head JV coach at Holy Child!
Coach Amanda Baker
Head Coach, PVT HS Summer Team
Coach Baker has been coaching high school basketball for 15 years - first as a varsity assistant at South County Secondary School and currently as the varsity head coach at Langley High School. She grew up in Prince William County where she attended Forest Park High School. During her time at Forest Park, she was a four-year member of the varsity basketball team, finishing her career as a Cardinal District Champion, Northwest Region Champion, and VHSL AAA State Champion. Coach Baker went on to attend the University of Mary Washington where she was a four-year starter, 3x CAC Champion, and a member of the only Final Four team in UMW history. For the past 12 years she has been the head coach at Langley and has helped guide the Saxons to 3 Liberty District Championships, 1 Northern Region championship, and 2 VHSL 6A State Runner-up finishes. During the day she works as Project Manager in Arlington, VA. Coach Baker's passion for coaching revolves around helping young women realize and maximize their potential.
Coach Bob Fall
Assistant Coach, PVT HS Summer Team
Coach Fall has been coaching high school basketball for over 20 years, with the past eight years as an assistant coach for Coach Amanda Baker with the varsity program at Langley High School. Prior years of experience include head coach for varsity, JV and freshman teams at Langley and Woodson, as well as coach of AAU programs with Gym Rats, Fairfax Stars, and independent teams. He enjoys helping players achieve a competitive edge in the way they prepare for practices and games. He is retired as an attorney with Freddie Mac. He is an instructor of American history and the democratic process for middle school and high school students visiting Washington, DC with the non-partisan Close Up Foundation.
Coach Tom Hinckley
Head Coach Coach, PVT HS 17U Grey
Coach Tom Hinckley is a sports enthusiast who has coached youth basketball and soccer teams since 2009. Tom currently serves as an assistant coach in the McLean HS Girls Basketball program. He is a native of Northern Virginia, where he played basketball at Herndon HS. Through his positive demeanor, Tom strives to establish an environment where players can hone their skills, become more confident, develop friendships, and simply have fun while playing. When not coaching or spending time with his wife and three children, Tom works as an IT executive at a financial services company.
Coach Sam Cabbagestalk
Head Coach, PVT 15U Grey
Coach Sam started playing the game of basketball at the age of five. Coach Sam played high school basketball at Bowie High School in Bowie MD from 1994-1998. Next up, Coach Sam attended Columbia Union College in Takoma Park MD where he played two years on the basketball team from 2001-2002. Sam began his coaching journey at Christian Trumpet Fellowship basketball camp from 2003-2004. After that Coach Sam moved on to coach boys basketball where he was a coach and a trainer. In 2021-2023 Coach Sam was hired at Centreville High School as the Girls Head Coach for both Freshman and JV teams. Sam enjoys teaching, training and coaching the to help players advance their skills and to become great basketball players.
Coach Eller Juco
Head Coach, PVT 15U Purple
Coach Eller Juco is passionate about youth development in his roles as a coach and teacher, dedicating himself to accompanying each student and athlete to see and believe in what they are really capable of. Beginning his career at Archbishop Carroll High School, he taught high school theology, helped with the boys' freshman and JV basketball teams, and served the football program as an assistant Varsity defensive line coach, JV defensive coordinator, and film coordinator. Today, Eller teaches Upper School Theology at Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, where he also serves as an Assistant Varsity Coach and Director of Basketball Programs, overseeing operations and personnel for MS and US basketball. Originally from San Jose, CA, Eller holds a BA from Boston College and an MEd from the University of Notre Dame. He is excited to join PVT and collaborate with passionate coaches, grow with dedicated athletes, and bring immense love to all that he does on and off the court!
Coach Joe Limarzi
Assistant Coach, PVT 15U Purple
Coach Joe Limarzi has been coaching basketball at all levels for over 30 years. A native of Silver Spring, Maryland, Coach Limarzi attended Gonzaga High School and Georgetown University. After graduation, he became a graduate assistant coach at Spalding University, in Louisville, Kentucky. He then returned to the area to coach high school basketball at several schools, including serving as an assistant to Hall of Fame coach Morgan Wootten at DeMatha High school. Throughout his coaching career, Coach Joe has combined a passion and enthusiasm for the game with a love of teaching and improving dedicated student athletes. He teaches math at Holy Redeemer School in College Park, MD and is currently the Head JV coach and a varsity assistant at Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bethesda, MD.
Coach Daniella Farriel
Head Coach, PVT 2028 Grey & Assistant Coach PVT 15U Purple
Bio Coming Soon..
Coach Stella Gougoufkas
Assistant Coach, PVT 17U HGSL
Bio Coming Soon...
Coach Darren Pagan
Head Coach, PVT 2030 Purple
Coach Darren is a fond believer in the importance of athletics for youths. Having grown up in the D.C. area, Darren was attached to sports from a young age, playing basketball and football for the Metropolitan Boys & Girls Club, and soccer with MSI. He would go on to play point guard and outside linebacker at St. Albans School, in addition to coaching 4th grade boys from St. Albans. Darren is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and obtained his Master of Business Administration and Master of Finance from the University of Maryland. Having coached both boys and girls of many ages, Darren embraces the opportunity to help kids relate athletics to academics, realize their potential athletically, and compete at all times.
Coach Shani Shwartz
Assistant Coach, PVT 2031
Bio Coming Soon...
Coach Tony Taylor
Head Coach, PVT 2028 Purple
Coach Taylor is a seasoned basketball coach with a wealth of experience and expertise earned through mentoring athletes across various levels, including high school, middle school, and AAU. His impressive journey includes holding the esteemed role of first chair varsity assistant at Holton Arms School for 5 years where he concurrently excelled as one of the Head Middle School coaches. Additionally, Coach Taylor has left a mark during his impactful previous three-year tenure with PVT. Dedicated to constant improvement, Tony Taylor has enriched his coaching portfolio through roles at John Wall Basketball Camp and Bradley Beal Basketball Camp. Originating from DC, Coach Taylor attended St. John's College High School and DeMatha Catholic High School where he participated in basketball, track, and cross country. Ultimately propelling him to become a D1 track and cross country player at Morgan State University. After a brief two0year hiatus, his enthusiasm to reconnect with the sports burns brighter than ever, powered by a passion that remained resolute.
Coach Skip Pagan
Assistant Coach, PVT 2030 Purple
Assistant Coach Skip has had a love affair with basketball since the third grade. Having grown up in the
D.C. area Skip was inspired early watching the development of the fourth best basketball player to come
out of Washington D.C., Auston Carr. Skip played high school basketball at Northwestern prior to
attending the University of Maryland and obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. Not
being recruited to play in college, Skip continued to develop his skills and knowledge of the game playing
at the hot spots throughout the D.C. area against top collegiate and professional players. Skip started his
coaching career teaching his son, Darren, and coaching him at the Metropolitan Boys & Girls Club for
several years. His coaching career continued through coaching the St. Albans School J.V. boys team and
winning the Montgomery County Summer League championship. Prior to joining PVT, Skip coached for
two summers a Amateur/Professional team that reached the quarter finals. Skip believes that team
sports is a microcosm of life, learning to be successful in team sports will give you the roadmap to
success in life.
Coach Jade Gibbs
Assistant Coach, PVT 2027 Purple
Coach Jade Gibbs has loved the game of basketball since she was 8 years old. Jade was born in Birmingham Alabama where she finished her varsity letter in basketball at John Carroll Catholic High School. After high school, she went to Wiley College where she completed one year in the NAIA division. After one year she went back to Alabama where she continued her basketball career at Birmingham Southern College for four years. During her four years, her team won the SAA championship and Jade won the teammate of the year. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology. After undergraduate, she had different opportunities to play semi-pro and in various women's leagues. Jade has an extreme passion for the game of basketball and teaching others about the game of basketball. Jade has continued her passion for basketball with Coaching for PVT. Coach Jade has been with PVT for the past two years serving as the head coach for our 2028 team and is looking forward to now supporting our 2027 players. Jade has a passion for teaching the girls and is grateful for the opportunity to give back all the knowledge she has learned over the years in basketball to the players.
Coach Aaron Bowe
Assistant Coach, PVT 15U Grey
Bio Coming Soon...
Coach Sam McGarth
Assistant Coach, PVT 2032/2033
Growing up in the D.C. area, Coach Sam has been involved in basketball for over 15 years. He began managing at Bishop O’Connell as his first job in basketball and he fell in love with the sport . He attended the University of Arizona where he proudly cheered on the Wildcats every chance he could while pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies, the highlight of Coach Sam’s college experience was student teaching. Coach Sam has coached, assisted in open gyms, and been involved in training and development programs. He loves being around basketball and currently works in professional sports. Coach Sam is excited to bring his energy and passion for the game to the PV Thunder program
Coach Krysta Davis
Head Coach, PVT 2028 Grey
Coach Krysta Davis has a passion and love for the game. She attended high school in Charlotte NC where she played basketball and Track & Field. After high school, she continued education and played on the basketball team for Brevard College. She majored in Criminal Justice with a minor in Business Administration. After graduating, Krysta started to coach and be a mentor for young women. She wants to help young women advance their skills and succeed not only on the court but also off the court. We are excited to have Coach Krysta bring her passion to PVT!
Coach Mara Fitzgerald
Head Coach, PVT 2029 Purple
Coach Mara Fitzgerald (Coach Fitz) was born and raised in Pittsburgh and moved to Washington, DC after graduating from Penn State in 2018. She started playing basketball at a young age, building strong roots with a local Pittsburgh girls AAU team similar to PVT. She played four years of varsity basketball at Oakland Catholic High School, making it to the PA state championship her junior year. She went on to play club basketball at Penn State, leading her team to four regional championships and earning regional MVP twice. She was also named a Club Basketball All-American after reaching the National Championship her freshman year. Coach Fitz moved to the DMV in 2018 and sought out coaching opportunities, ultimately making a connection at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School where she has served as the assistant varsity coach since 2019. Coach Fitz believes that fundamental skills as well as developing basketball I.Q. at a young age are critical for growth as a competitive basketball player. She's excited to coach and mentor young players and prepare them for the more competitive basketball that comes at the high school level.
Coach Mary Margaret Holden
Coaching Staff
Coach Mary Margaret, or as the girls call her, Coach M, has now been coaching at PVT for 2 years. Mary Margaret grew up in Charlottesville, VA where she played basketball from elementary school through high school. Mary Margaret then attended Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC where she studied English, Film and Media Studies, and Studio Art. Mary Margaret now works in D.C. as an event planner at a non profit. While she’s not working or coaching basketball, Mary Margaret likes to hike and spend time with her friends and family.
Coach James Daniel III
Head Coach, PVT 16U Purple
Coach James Daniel III comes to PV Thunder with many years of experience in many different levels. Starting in a small church league all the way up to starting up a brand new program at his current position at Evergreen Christian School. He was also the Head Girls Basketball Coach at Timberlake Christian in Forest, VA. Here he coached the team to the semi-final game and placed third in VACA State Tournament. Timberlake is also the school that graduated the #1 rebounder in the state and also ranked in the top 5 in the nation! His experience also includes coaching for The Fulton School in St. Albans, MO, Holy Cross Regional Catholic School in Lynchburg, VA, and coaching the elite level of high school basketball athletes at Bishop O’Connell High School and the Fairfax Stars AAU program. Coach James believes in teaching: “I believe students should be taught the game of basketball rather than be coached. Being a student being taught in the classroom helps a student achieve academic excellence. The same goes for the game of basketball. An athlete should be taught the game of basketball to help them each achieve excellence on and off the court” While playing basketball at a different undergraduate programs , he earned a National Title, averaged 23 points, 11 rebounds. As a college athlete, Coach James led his team in scoring as well as the league. The amount of passion, knowledge, and experience that James is able to bring to the PV Thunder program will only help boost the level of those he has the privilege to coach. We are happy to have him apart of the program!
Coach Jay Evans
Head Coach, PVT 2031 & Assistant Coach, PVT 2030 Purple
Coach Jahny “Jay” Evans was born in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. As a child, he grew up with a love for soccer, but found his way onto the hardwood! It was in 7th grade, when we realized he could dunk a basketball and the rest is history. He attended the Washington Jesuit Academy and went on to play JV and Varsity at Bishop O’Connell High School. He was recruited by the Coast Guard Academy and a couple of other schools for basketball. He has played intramurals and played for the school team at Montgomery College and plays intramurals and practice team for the University of Maryland. He currently has an Associate’s degree in Elementary Education, and is pursuing his Bachelor’s in Communications (Fall 2022). He has coached both boys and gurls from age 5 onto 13. He brings to the table energy, a sense of camaraderie, and a focus on the development of skills and the mind for the PV Thunder!!!
Coach Garrison Carter
Assistant Coach, PVT 2029 Grey
Coach Garrison Carter is a dedicated basketball coach and mentor. Growing up in Clarksburg, he honed his skills on the I-270 basketball courts, developing an understanding of the sport from a young age. He played 4 years of basketball at Walter Johnson High School, where he frequently held the crucial role of guarding the opposing team's top scorer, forcing him to learn how to guard different types of players from perimeter players to athletic wings and forwards. Currently serving as an Assistant Coach for the Northwest High School boys varsity basketball team, he brings his expertise in defensive strategies and smart basketball leadership to the team's development. Beyond the team setting, Garrison's impact extends through his role as a coach and trainer at Pat The Roc Skills Academy where he hosts classes and personalized one-on-one lessons, he empowers players to refine their skills and reach their full potential.
Coach Lauren Lassiter
Assistant Coach, PVT 16U Purple
Coach Lauren Lassiter has loved basketball since she was seven years old. She began playing AAU
basketball in Chicago, Illinois before moving to Buffalo, New York. In Buffalo, she played for four years at
Williamsville South High School where her team won the New York State Championship in 2015. After
graduating, Lauren attended Florida Southern College where she studied political science, history, and
economics/finance. She graduated in May of 2022 and moved to Washington, DC where she works as a
Data Associate for a nonprofit. Lauren is excited to build her coaching and leadership skills while giving
back to young players.
Coach Avery Richardson
Assistant Coach, PVT 2029 Purple
Coach Avery Richardson is originally from Bear, Delaware. He played 3 years of varsity basketball in Delaware before transferring to Olympus Prep in NJ to play nationally. Coach Avery had a successful college career at Delaware State University. While new to the DMV, he is no stranger to the game and teaching the game to youth players. Coach Avery has experience working and coaching at camps. He is looking forward to sharing his expertise with the players of PVT!
Coach Mia Lloyd
Head Coach, PVT 2030 Grey
Coach Mia Lloyd was born in New York then moved to Virginia and graduated at Forest Park High School as a 4 year Varsity player with an advanced diploma. She started her college basketball career at Garrett College, where she was a two year starter and captain with accolades including Region 20 2nd team and MD JUCO All Conference awards. Shortly after Coach Mia transferred to the University of the District of Columbia to finish out her basketball career and business management degree. At UDC, she was a two year starter and captain with accolades including reaching her 1000points in her senior year and ECC all conference awards as well as Student Female Athlete of the Year. Coach Mia started coaching at Woodbridge High School in 2020 as the JV Head Coach and Assistant Varsity Coach for Girls Basketball. In addition to coaching, she trains girls and boys between the ages of 6 through 18 , girls/boy and works high school basketball camps during the summer. She is excited about joining the PVT Fam and sharing her knowledge with the future!
Coach Irene Haramis
Student Coach
Irene Haramis is a senior at Winston Churchill High School, where she has played on the varsity team for the last four years. She has been a member of PVT since 6th grade and has played a year up for the past 5 years! Irene will be continuing to play basketball at Dickinson College next year. Throughout the years, Irene has served as a mentored for younger PVT players and helped coach at basketball clinics/camps. In 2020, she helped start an outdoor training company for elementary and middle school players (Train Bounce Back), where she has run 100s of individual/small group training sessions as well as clinics and camps. She is looking forward to sharing her knowledge and passion for the game with future PVT rising stars!