Albany, NY – June 4th, 2025 – Excelsior Empire Regional Volleyball Association (Excelsior) is thrilled to announce the addition of three dynamic individuals to its leadership team. These new appointments reflect Excelsior’s commitment to continued growth and excellence in providing opportunities for athletes to play, learn, and thrive in the sport of volleyball across New York State.
“We’re excited to welcome Jake, Alex, and Christine to the Excelsior team,” said Scott Wilhelm, CEO of Excelsior. “Each of them brings unique expertise and energy that will enhance our ability to serve the volleyball community and take our programs to the next level.“
Joining our team are three fantastic additions! Please welcome:
Jake Coulter, Outdoor Chairperson – Jake Coulter brings a dynamic mix of leadership, creativity, and volleyball passion to his role as Outdoor Chairperson. With nearly a decade of experience in the sport and a strong foundation in organizational leadership, Jake is poised to take Excelsior’s outdoor volleyball programming to exciting new heights.
His leadership journey began early—at just 20 years old, he served as the director of his hometown summer camp and president of his college rugby team, showcasing a deep-rooted commitment to youth development and team-building. Today, Jake co-owns a media production company, where he channels his talent for communication and innovation into every project—skills that align perfectly with Excelsior’s vision of expanding and energizing outdoor volleyball across New York State.
A competitive beach volleyball player for the past four years, Jake has traveled the region playing in tournaments and building connections within the community. On the indoor side, he has coached for three seasons with Syracuse Volleyball Club, recently guiding the 15U girls team to a regional championship title—a testament to his ability to develop talent and inspire success.
Jake joins Excelsior with a clear mission: to elevate and unify the outdoor volleyball scene. Whether it’s on sand or grass, he’s passionate about expanding access, connecting communities, and creating more opportunities for athletes of all backgrounds to play and thrive.
“I’m honored to join Excelsior and excited to help grow outdoor volleyball across the region. There’s so much potential here, and I’m ready to hit the sand running!” – Jake Coulter
Alex Duncan, Adult Chairperson – Alex Duncan has long been a driving force in adult volleyball throughout the region—and now, it’s official. As Excelsior’s new Adult Chairperson, Alex brings his deep-rooted passion and experience to the forefront to elevate adult volleyball programming across New York State.
For years, Alex has collaborated with Bob LeCaris, Club Organizer of Schenectady Volleyball Club, to co-host more USA Volleyball-sanctioned events, giving adult athletes greater access to competitive 6v6 play. His hands-on leadership has already helped Excelsior’s adult teams become more prepared and competitive—most recently supporting them as they headed into the USAV Adult Open National Championships.
With a strong background in adult programming and player development, Alex is committed to growing and enriching the adult volleyball experience. Under his leadership, Excelsior aims to build a more vibrant, connected, and competitive adult volleyball community—one that thrives alongside our junior programs and cements the region as a hub for athletes of all ages and skill levels.
“Volleyball has always been a huge part of my life. I’m looking forward to building up adult leagues and creating new ways for players to stay connected and competitive.” – Alex Duncan
Christine Capasso, Tournament/Insurance/Results Coordinator – Christine brings a unique blend of administrative expertise and on-the-court experience to her new role with Excelsior. As a Contract Specialist with Albany Med Health System, she has honed her skills in process management, compliance, and organizational precision—skills that translate seamlessly into her work supporting tournaments and clubs.
A former collegiate volleyball player and now entering her fourth year coaching with Saratoga Volleyball Club, Christine combines her passion for the sport with a deep understanding of its operational needs. Her dual perspective as both an administrator and coach ensures efficient tournament coordination, accurate results tracking, and comprehensive insurance oversight.
Christine has already hit the ground running, leading multiple policy updates and streamlining tournament scheduling. As the upcoming season approaches, she will take the lead on additional key initiatives, including insurance administration and results management—critical components to ensuring a smooth and successful experience at all Excelsior events.
“I’m thrilled to contribute to the volleyball community by ensuring seamless tournament experiences and supporting the growth of this incredible sport that has been such a big part of my life.” – Christine Capasso
These additions mark another step forward in Excelsior’s mission to provide high-quality volleyball experiences throughout New York State. With a strengthened leadership team, Excelsior is poised to continue building momentum and creating even more opportunities for athletes at every level.