Coaches

Hi! My name is Sydelle Bernstein and I'm the Vice President of Next Step Athletes. I am a three sport athlete at Staples High School. I have much experience helping younger children with sports, as I have coached my younger siblings teams, practices, and always enjoy doing individual lessons with my siblings. I have outdoor field space and an indoor space for basketball in my home therefore would love to coach your child here,of course with the proper safety precautions taken! I first picked up a basketball as young as age 7 or 8. I started playing for the Connecticut AAU team in middle school. I currently play for the Staples High School varsity team as a point guard/shooting guard. I also play varsity lacrosse for Staples High school. I play lacrosse year round, traveling the country with a club team called Connecticut Grizzlies. I received a Varsity letter in both sports my freshman year and was honored with the MVP award for the JV lacrosse team my freshman year. I am very excited to help/support your child in any way possible!

Contact: sydellebern@gmail.com

Highlights: https://sportsrecruits.com/athlete/sydelle_bernstein

Hi I'm Annabelle! I'm currently a junior at Staples. I first picked up a volleyball in the spring of 8th grade and haven't put one down since. That year I played for a club called TCA (now called NOVA) and I still play for NOVA on the 18's National Team during the club season. My freshman year of high school I was on the JV team, then my sophomore and junior year I played on the varsity team. This next fall I will be a captain for Staples. I am a setter, however, I have played every position as a hitter and back row as well. I'm in love with the sport and would love to help you improve in any way possible!

Contact: belunia18@gmail.com

Hi! My name is Gaby Gonzalez, and I'm a sophomore at Staples High School. I have been playing sports my whole life whether that be lacrosse, basketball, or soccer, you can always find me on the field. One sport in particular, soccer, has become my focus. I first started playing soccer at the age of 4, participating in the Westport Recreational League. I moved on to play of the Westport Blue Travel team for two years. Whereas now I play for a very competitive team, Connecticut Football Club (CFC) ECNL, that travels to places such as California and Florida in the spring. We are hoping to have another successful year with the goal of returning to Nationals for the 3rd year in a row. In addition, I have been the starting center back since freshman year on the Staples Girls Varsity soccer team in the fall. We had a very exciting season, as we finished our league as the #1 seed, went undefeated, and also won the FCIAC Confrence LL Championship. I am excited to announce that I was named First-Team All-FCIAC and I was just selected to be a captain for the 2020-2021 Staples Varsity team as a junior. My hopes and dreams are to play at the collegiate level. I am so excited to transfer my skill and knowledge of the sport over to your children and be the biggest help possible!

Contact: gabyjgonzalez@gmail.com or (203)451-1825

Hi! My name is Alex Wasserman and I am so happy to be apart of Next Step Athletes. As a kid, I tried many different sports, however, as a young child, I knew soccer was the sport for me. I have been playing soccer since the age of five beginning by playing on Rec. Soon after, I moved my way up to Westport Travel, and eventually, the club team CT Rush. I am now a member of the Varsity Girls Soccer team during the fall months, while playing on my club team, CT Rush during winter and spring in the EDP league. I am so excited to get to know you all and be your coach.

Contact: awass29@icloud.com or (203)963-9106

Hi! My name is Gabby Lantier! I am currently a sophomore at Staples High School, and I play for the Staples Girls Softball team, as well as the CT Angels based out of Darien. I have been playing softball since kindergarten, and I was brought up through the Westport Little League program. Other than a couple games here and there playing infield, I have always been an outfielder at heart! Being a righty hitter, and switching over to the left side recently I have been able to learn all aspects of hitting. I am always helping my teammates out whether its in the field, or in the batters box, and I would love to use my experience, and what I have learned from the game to hopefully make all of you love it just as much as I do. See you guys out on the field!!

Contact: ghlantier@gmail.com

Hi! My name is Jess Leon. I am a sophomore at Staples High School. I play field hockey and lacrosse. Last year as a freshman I was lucky enough to be on both varsity teams. The field hockey team has won the State Championship for the past FOUR years!! in 2019, we were also FCIAC co-champions. I start on left-mid, but love and can teach every position. In lacrosse, the team is on track to go really far this season. I can't wait to see the success that comes this spring. I play defense. Sport have impacted my life so much, from the friends, memories, coaches, and experiences, so I'm so excited to share my love for both sports with you guys!!

Contact: jessicaleon18@icloud.com