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.

Albany, NY – April 2, 2025 – Excelsior Empire Regional Volleyball Association (Excelsior), one of New York State’s USA Volleyball Regional Volleyball Associations, is seeking dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to join its Board of Directors. As a nonprofit organization committed to growing the sport of volleyball and providing opportunities for athletes to learn, play, and thrive, Excelsior is looking for leaders who are passionate about the game and eager to make a lasting impact.

Why Join the Board?

Board members play a crucial role in shaping the direction of Excelsior, overseeing governance, driving strategic initiatives, and supporting the continued expansion of youth and adult volleyball programs throughout the region. This is a unique opportunity for individuals with experience in sports management, nonprofit leadership, business development, or a deep-rooted love for volleyball to contribute to the growth and success of the sport.

A Message from Leadership

“We are excited to welcome new voices and fresh perspectives to our board,” said Scott Wilhelm, CEO of Excelsior. “Our goal is to provide high-quality volleyball experiences for athletes of all levels, and strong leadership is key to making that happen. If you are passionate about making a difference in the volleyball community, we encourage you to apply.”

Board Member Responsibilities

Excelsior’s Board of Directors meets monthly to discuss policies, help plan events, and ensure the region continues to provide high-quality programs. Board members serve on a volunteer basis and have the opportunity to shape the future of volleyball in New York State.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications by April 9, 2025. To apply for these positions, click here. For more information about board responsibilities or Excelsior, please contact Scott Wilhelm.

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Excelsior Empire Regional Volleyball Association is thrilled to announce the appointment of Reid Hartl as Boys Coordinator. Hartl brings a deep passion for the sport of volleyball, extensive coaching expertise, and a commitment to youth development that aligns with Excelsior Empire’s mission of fostering excellence in volleyball for players of all ages and skill levels.

Background on Reid Hartl
Reid Hartl is no stranger to the Excelsior Empire community. Over the years, he has played multiple roles in the region, building a reputation for his dedication to youth athletics and a hands-on approach to player development. Previously, he served as a coach and Club Director for the Kraken Volleyball Club, which offered high-quality training and competitive opportunities for New York’s young athletes until it closed during the pandemic. He then advanced his career at Russell Sage College, where he has led the Gators men’s volleyball program for three seasons, guiding them to a New England Volleyball Conference (NEVC) Championship Tournament appearance in 2022 (debut season) and 2024 (most recent season).

In addition to his collegiate experience, Hartl coached at Vassar College and with high school programs at Guilderland and Shaker, honing a versatile coaching approach. His achievements also extend to youth club volleyball as a coach with Sporting Albany Volleyball Club, Team LVC, and now working with Capital Sliders.

Hartl’s experience as both a player and coach includes multiple team accomplishments, such as guiding teams to IREVA Regional Championships and competing and coaching in many more under the Excelsior name. His philosophy emphasizes positive reinforcement, skill development, and leadership—aligning perfectly with Excelsior Empire’s mission to create growth opportunities for athletes on and off the court.

As Boys Coordinator, Hartl will lead efforts to grow boys’ volleyball throughout New York State, providing direction and support to clubs, coaches, and athletes. His approach centers on creating a positive and inclusive environment where young athletes can thrive. Hartl will collaborate closely with regional programs to ensure that players are equipped with top-tier training, leadership opportunities, and pathways for personal growth.

“We are excited to have Reid join our team,” said Scott Wilhelm, CEO/Commissioner. “Reid’s vision and dedication to youth sports development make him the perfect fit for our organization. We look forward to seeing him shape the future of boys’ volleyball in New York State and inspire the next generation of athletes.”

With years of coaching experience and a record of fostering competitive success, Hartl is ready to lead Excelsior Empire’s boys’ programs into an exciting new era. His appointment reflects the Association’s ongoing commitment to provide high-quality volleyball opportunities and establish a solid foundation for growth in boys’ volleyball.

About Excelsior Empire Regional Volleyball Association:
Excelsior Empire Regional Volleyball Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to building and promoting the sport of volleyball across New York State. As a proud member of USA Volleyball, we create opportunities for youth and adult athletes to play, learn, and thrive in volleyball through training programs, tournaments, and community engagement. Our mission is to nurture talent, inspire sportsmanship, and make volleyball accessible to all.

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Balltime, the world’s first AI-powered volleyball platform, is proud to announce its partnership with Excelsior, one of the 40 regions of USA Volleyball. This collaboration will provide Excelsior athletes, coaches, and families with access to Balltime’s advanced video analysis tools, delivering AI-driven insights to enhance player performance and development to upstate New York.

This exciting partnership gives Excelsior-affiliated clubs exclusive access to Balltime’s AI-powered platform at a special discounted rate, empowering athletes at every level to elevate their game and shine in the recruiting process. With some of the region’s top clubs already harnessing the power of Balltime, including Team LVC and Northeast Thunder Volleyball Club, this collaboration is set to take volleyball performance to new heights.

“We are delighted to partner with Excelsior to make our AI-powered platform accessible to volleyball athletes and coaches throughout the region. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in empowering players with the tools they need to enhance their skills and succeed in the sport, both on and off the court.”

Dan Banon, CEO of Balltime.

“We are thrilled to partner with Balltime to bring cutting-edge video analytics to our volleyball programs. We’ve been following Balltime for a while now and after meeting the team and learning more about their platform, we saw it as the perfect fit for our region,” said Scott Wilhelm, Excelsior Commissioner.

In addition to Balltime’s AI video analysis tools, this partnership aims to enhance the recruiting process for athletes looking to play at the collegiate level. The ease of video breakdowns, highlight creation, and sharing features will help Excelsior athletes stand out to recruiters nationwide.

“Balltime AI has been a game-changer for my team,” said Nathaniel Shuart, Communication & Marketing Director and Coach for Excelsior. “My co-coach, parents, and players have all embraced the platform and absolutely loved it! Last season, we saw significant improvements in both coaching techniques and player performance. It’s an invaluable tool that has not only enhanced our training but also boosted how our girls view themselves, motivating them to take the next step in improving both their own skills and their teammates.” 

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About Excelsior Empire

‍Excelsior Empire is dedicated to promoting volleyball as a lifelong sport through its administration of USA Volleyball (USAV) Regional programs. With a focus on developing competitive teams across all age and skill levels, Excelsior ensures high-quality tournaments, coaches, and officials. The organization prides itself on earning the respect of athletes, parents, and school administrators, while also serving as a trusted resource for volleyball communities beyond USAV. Excelsior offers a wide range of programs, including juniors and adult competitions, high-performance training, and referee and coach development, with plans to expand into beach volleyball, collegiate programs, and broader outreach.

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About Balltime

‍Balltime is the next-generation video and analytics platform for volleyball, entirely powered by AI. Created by volleyball players, Balltime’s mission is to democratize access to pro-level video and analytics tools, supporting athletes in the recruiting process. Individual families, youth clubs, high schools, collegiate programs, and international teams all use Balltime’s platform to break down film, view stats and analytics, and create highlight videos. Balltime is headquartered in Tel Aviv and backed by some of the biggest names in the sport, including Phil Dalhausser, Carli Lloyd, Zoe Fleck, and Taylor Crabb. Learn more at www.balltime.com or on Instagram at @balltime.ai.

July 16, 2024 – The Excelsior Empire Regional Volleyball Association (XLRVA) proudly announces the election of new officers, ushering in a dynamic era of leadership for the organization. Scott Wilhelm of Lisbon has been elected as Commissioner, alongside Vanessa Volpe-Rivera as Vice President, with Lauren Chyle and Caryssa Leland-Ahigian joining as new board members.

Scott Wilhelm, an esteemed member of XLRVA, will commence his 4-year term as Commissioner on August 1. Wilhelm’s extensive experience within the organization, having previously served as Tournament Coordinator, Insurance Coordinator, and Results Chairperson, makes him exceptionally qualified for this pivotal role. As Wilhelm prepares for the upcoming season, he has already begun assembling a dynamic team to create positive effects while advancing the region. He stated, “As I move into the new role of Commissioner, I look to our past to see what we have done and make sure that we stay true to our mission.” He also expressed his gratitude to Goldstein and McNeil for their years of dedication and for allowing him to grow within the association before stepping into his new role.

Vanessa Volpe-Rivera, the longest-serving board member, will transition into the role of Vice President. Volpe-Rivera’s illustrious coaching career includes tenures as head coach at Saint Rose College and leading the Excelsior All-Star teams. She stated, “I am excited to move to this position and am looking forward to assisting Commissioner Wilhelm into a new era of Excelsior Empire.” Volpe-Rivera also thanked Mrs. Goldstein for her years of dedication, guidance, and service in shaping XLRVA.

XLRVA welcomes two new Board of Directors members, Lauren Chyle and Caryssa Leland-Ahigian. Chyle, a distinguished coach in the Syracuse area with Club Syrv and Onondaga VBC, and Ahigian, a coach from Storm VBC, bring a wealth of coaching knowledge and enthusiasm to the leadership team. Both will serve 3-year terms.

With this announcement, XLRVA extends its heartfelt gratitude to Hazel Goldstein, former Commissioner since 2018, and Mike McNeil, former Vice President and Officials Chairperson, for their unwavering commitment and contributions to the region. Goldstein will continue her involvement as Events Coordinator, focusing on the growth and development of volleyball tournaments within the region.

For further information, please contact: 

Scott Wilhelm
Commissioner
Excelsior Empire Regional Volleyball Association
(315)-854-2657
Scott@xlvball.org

About XLRVA:
The Excelsior Empire Regional Volleyball Association is dedicated to creating opportunities for youth and adult athletes to play, learn, and thrive in the sport of volleyball. As one of New York State’s USAV regions, XLRVA oversees numerous club volleyball organizations, fostering the growth and development of volleyball throughout the state.

Join the Empire

Are you passionate about growing the sport of volleyball? Excelsior Empire Regional Volleyball Association is looking for dedicated individuals to join our team! This is your chance to make a lasting impact on the volleyball community in New York State. Bring your ideas, leadership, and enthusiasm to help us elevate the game for athletes of all ages. Apply today and be part of something truly special!

Check out our open positions below and see which role you might be interested. To apply, please go to https://forms.gle/LkLti4V6Ynu3ssFo9 and submit your information through that form. If you have any questions feel free to contact our Commissioner, Scott Wilhelm.

Viewer Our Open Roles:

Tournament & Insurance Coordinator

The role of the Tournament Coordinator is to assist XLVB members in the sanctioning, scheduling, and running of tournaments. The Tournament Coordinator will approve or deny applications to hold tournaments on certain dates based on established guidelines and policies.

Juniors Results Chair

Assists Tournament Coordinator and Adults/Juniors Directors by quality assurance of tournaments based on review of AES, results, rosters, and other deliverables.

Boys Coordinator

Similar to the Juniors Coordinator but will only focus on growing and maintaining the boys side of the sport. The main goal for this position is to foster growth and maintain opportunities for our younger male players to enjoy the sport of volleyball.

Board Member

This is your chance to make a lasting impact on the volleyball community in New York State. Bring your ideas, leadership, and enthusiasm to help us elevate the game for athletes of all ages. Apply today and be part of something truly special!