Russell Oost-Lievense Joins Varsity Staff
There will be a new — but very familiar — face on the varsity sidelines this fall.
Russell Oost-Lievense moves from head reserves coach, to varsity assistant. He joins head coach Dan Woog, assistant Kurt Dasbach and goalkeeper Jim St. Andre, filling the spot that became vacant when Tom Henske retired due to the demands of his career in finance.
“This was a sought-after position,” said Woog. “The list of applicants was long and strong. But Russell is a grand slam. He had huge support from his players, their parents, and other coaches. He’s young, passionate, a student of the game, a motivator, a teacher — and a Staples graduate. He knows our program, he’s fully committed to it, and he has the great respect of everyone in it. He has coached at every level here — and played here — so he has a broad perspective of what we do.”
After serving as Staples’ tri-captain in 2007, Russell played at Hartwick College. He majored in English and special education, then became an assistant coach there. He also coached in the Oneonta, New York youth program.
Russell spent several summers running a camp on Cape Cod. He now works as a special education teacher in Darien, and coaches with the Beachside Soccer Club.
“Russell will fit in well with Kurt, Jim and me,” Woog said. “We’ll continue building on the environment Tom helped create. We’re all very excited about the fall.”
Woog also announced Reilly Lynch — Russell’s assistant with the reserves — as the reserves’ new head coach. A 2-year captain and All-State player at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, he helped found a club team at the University of Connecticut that qualified for the regional tournament in its 1st season. He served as JV and assistant varsity coach at Somers High in 2015, winning a class “S” state championship, before joining the English department staff at Staples.
“Everyone loves Reilly,” Woog said. “This is a great new role for him too.”
Russell Oost-Lievense
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