The volleyball program has won two state championships, five region championships, and 14 district championships, all under head coach Jill Raschiatore. Coach Raschiatore is now retiring after 25 years of coaching, leaving behind a legacy of not just athletic accomplishments but personal impacts on student’s lives.
Coach Raschiatore has coached hundreds of athletes and was even named, “Coach of the Year” for the state of Virginia in 2021. Before her time at Stone Bridge, Coach Raschiatore’s own love for volleyball began in high school and continued during her time playing volleyball at West Virginia University. Raschiatore coached for 11 years at Park View High School before taking her expertise to start the volleyball program at Stone Bridge.
“I always played sports in high school, and I found that they opened doors for me later in life,” Coach Raschiatore said. “I loved the camaraderie with my teammates and the challenge of competition. I just had so many benefits as an athlete, and I wanted to help others have that opportunity and hopefully inspire others.”
Throughout her time coaching, numerous players have gone on to compete at the collegiate level. Coach Raschiatore taught her athletes the skills and strategies needed to excel on the court and built a foundation of personal discipline and strong work ethic for all players, whether or not they continued to play volleyball beyond high school.
“She’s one of the reasons why I wanted to continue my volleyball career and play at the collegiate level,” former SBHS student and former Virginia Wesleyan University player Trisha Guevara said. “When I came into Stone Bridge, I was nervous to be the only freshman on varsity but she helped build my confidence. Coach reshaped my thinking from a negative aspect into a positive one when it came to making mistakes. Coach Raschiatore has helped shape me into the player I am today.”
Coach Raschiatore has set a standard for excellence that other coaches admire and strive to emulate. Her dedication, expertise, and ability to connect with her team have made her a role model within the coaching community.
“Coaching with her was more viewing her as a mentor if anything,” former Stone Bridge JV coach and current Rock Ridge Head Coach Buzz Laird said. “She is the best at organizing practices, always learning, always wanting to be better, and give more to the players. She showed me how to be a good coach.”
Coach Raschiatore has always emphasized the importance of fostering a family-like bond within the volleyball program. Regardless of whether it was a freshman, junior varsity, or varsity team, Coach Raschiatore made sure every player felt valued, connected, and part of something bigger than themselves. Her attention to detail allowed her to understand the various needs of each player and to put them in a position to succeed.
“Every team and every player is different and unique–it’s not one player that fits all,” Coach Raschiatore said. “I remember a few years ago I was coming up with practice plays during my lunch break, and I had to explain to another teacher that I make new ones all the time. Every team and every person has different strengths and weaknesses, and I have to realize that early and adjust what we practice and what we do as a team.”
Coach Raschiatore admits some of her favorite seasons were those where the team was not expected to do well but ended up surpassing all expectations. Her favorite part about coaching was being able to see the progress and improvement of each player and watch the team come together for a common goal.
“She is a tough-love coach,” junior Izzy Moore said. “She always pushed my teammates and I, but it’s because she sees potential in us that we don’t. Coach genuinely cares about us and keeps up with our personal lives. Of course, I will miss her helping me with my math homework before games.”
Coach Raschiatore’s energy and leadership has been such an integral part of creating and sustaining success in the volleyball program. While Coach Raschiatore has stepped away from coaching, she will continue to serve the Stone Bridge community as a math teacher.
“Coach Raschiatore has such a love and passion for the game that it’s contagious,” team parent Hayley Doyle said. “As a parent on the sidelines, you can see the joy she gets from coaching. I knew her when I played volleyball in high school 24 years ago, and the same passion shines through her today.”
