Meet the Coaches
Updated: Sep 20
As another season gets underway, we are excited to introduce the coaches leading the Markham Irish Rugby Club across all levels of the game. From long-standing club leaders to new additions bringing fresh perspective and experience, each coach plays an important role in shaping the environment, culture, and direction of our teams.
This year’s coaching group brings together a wide range of experience, from community and developmental rugby to university, provincial, and professional environments. Across every level of the club, the focus remains the same: creating a positive, competitive environment where athletes can continue to grow both on and off the field.
Minor (Minis)
The Markham Irish Minor program is led by a coaching group dedicated to helping our youngest players build skills, confidence, friendships, and a lasting love for rugby. Across U6, U8, and U10, the coaching staff brings a mix of long time club experience and fresh perspectives, with a shared focus on making rugby fun while helping young athletes learn and grow.
U6
Leading the U6 program is Head Coach Christopher Normandeau, who brings five years of coaching experience and a long history with the Markham Irish. Having played and toured with the club in the early days, Christopher enjoys seeing young players discover the same love for the game that has kept him involved. His approach brings plenty of fun to the field, giving players a positive introduction to rugby and the Markham Irish community.
U8
The U8 Coed program is led by Head Coach Karl Frigan, supported by Assistant Coach Erin Howe. Together, they help create an environment where young players can learn the basics of rugby while enjoying themselves and building confidence on the field.
Erin brings five years of coaching experience and has been part of the Markham Irish community since 2010. Having played rugby in high school and coached at the high school level, she brings both playing and coaching experience to the program. Her philosophy is simple: “Fun, Learn, Return!” Players can expect plenty of energy and laughter throughout the season, with the occasional visit from Erin’s dogs at festivals. Her own love for rugby began after travelling on a rugby tour to England and Wales before she had even started playing the sport.
U10
The U10 Coed program is led by Head Coach Gavin Howe, who brings three years of Mini and Junior coaching experience and a lifelong connection to the Markham Irish. Having first joined the club at 16, Gavin is now in what he believes is his 24th season playing for Markham Irish, while also enjoying the experience of coaching his three sons and the next generation of club players. His goal is to help athletes have fun, build relationships with teammates, and develop the skills and understanding that will support their love of the game. Players can expect to stay active while building their fitness, skills, and understanding of rugby.
Joining Gavin is Assistant Coach Dylan Soriano, who is entering his first year of coaching after being involved with the Markham Irish since 2018. Primarily a winger and fullback during his playing career, Dylan also became a rugby official in 2024, giving him another perspective on the game. Now stepping into coaching, he is excited to give back to the club and pass along the skills and lessons he learned from his own coaches. His growth mindset emphasizes doing your best, learning along the way, and having plenty of fun.
From first discovering the game in U6 to developing a deeper understanding of rugby in U10, this coaching group is helping create a strong foundation for the next generation of Markham Irish players.
U12 Youth Boys & Girls
The U12 Youth program is led by a coaching team with deep connections to the Markham Irish and a shared focus on helping young athletes build skills, confidence, and a lasting love for rugby.
Returning as Head Coach, Peter Ragell brings nine years of coaching experience, along with a long history in the game as a player and referee. Peter previously played for Markham Irish in the mid 1990s and later played in Bermuda with the Renegades. He has also spent more than 12 years as a Level II rugby referee in Ontario. Peter began coaching when his son started U8 rugby and has continued through U12, a stage he sees as particularly important as players transition into contact rugby. His approach combines respect, fun, teamwork, and skills development, with a focus on helping players safely build their knowledge and confidence in the contact game.
Supporting the program is Assistant Coach Lesley Gorman Lemieux, who brings both extensive playing experience and a strong connection to the club. Lesley played rugby for 15 years, including with Thornlea Secondary, the Yeomen, York University, and the first women’s Irish Canadian Rugby Club team before continuing with the club following the merger with Markham. A former team captain who has played every position on the field, Lesley brings a broad understanding of the game to her coaching. Her strengths based approach focuses on helping each player recognize what they can do well, with individual feedback to support their continued development.
With a combination of technical knowledge, playing experience, and a genuine enjoyment of working with young athletes, Peter and Lesley are focused on making U12 a positive step in each player's rugby journey.
U14 Youth Boys
The U14 Boys program is led by a coaching group with a wealth of playing and coaching experience, united by a shared focus on helping young athletes grow, enjoy the game, and discover what they can contribute as part of a team.
Leading the program is Head Coach Sachin David, who brings 10 years of coaching experience and a lifetime of rugby behind him. Having started playing at age nine in Sri Lanka, Sachin progressed through U20 rugby, represented Sri Lanka, and later played semi professionally while coaching a school team. After a decade away from the game, he found the Markham Irish and rekindled his love of rugby. His approach focuses on introducing players to the values of the game while helping them discover their potential, with plenty of fun along the way.
Assistant Coach Kirk Serjeantson brings 25 years of coaching experience and 30 years of playing experience to the group. His rugby journey has included university, provincial, and club rugby with UWO, the University of Guelph, the University of Toronto, Ontario, Markham Irish, and North Halton. Kirk enjoys sharing his love of the game with both new and experienced players, with a coaching philosophy centred on preparing players to practise the way they play. Alongside skill development, players can expect plenty of fun and the occasional appearance from his infamous hotdog roller.
The third member of the coaching group is Assistant Coach Richard Chilcot, who brings 12 years of coaching experience and a deep connection to the Markham Irish. Richard has played rugby in the UK since the age of six, representing a variety of schools and clubs before becoming part of the Markham Irish community when his sons joined in 2010. His coaching approach focuses on personal growth within a fun team environment, helping players recognize their individual abilities and the contribution they can make within the team. Players can expect an approachable and supportive coach who wants them to work hard, enjoy themselves, and make the most of their time on the field.
With such a strong mix of experience and enthusiasm, the U14 Boys coaching staff is ready to help players build their skills, confidence, and love for the game while enjoying the journey together.
U14 Youth Girls
The U14 Girls program is led by a highly experienced coaching group deeply connected to the club, focused on helping young athletes build confidence, develop skills, and enjoy their introduction to competitive rugby in a positive and supportive environment.
Leading the group is Head Coach Jim Monk, who also serves as Vice President of the club. With extensive coaching experience across U12, U14, U16, U18, Senior Women, and high school rugby, Jim brings a strong understanding of player development at every stage. As a father of three daughters and a long-time advocate for girls’ rugby, he is passionate about helping young athletes grow through the game. His approach blends structure, preparation, and fun, ensuring players are supported while learning to work hard and enjoy the process.
Supporting the program is Assistant Coach Janice Monk, who brings more than a decade of experience coaching high school girls rugby, along with additional time coaching U10, U12, and U14 programs within the Markham Irish. Janice is focused on helping athletes build confidence in their abilities while emphasizing teamwork, enjoyment, and the life lessons that come through sport. Her coaching philosophy centres on player progression and creating an environment where athletes feel comfortable learning and improving together.
Assistant Coach Debbie Smrz, who also serves as the club’s Director of Rugby for U6 to U12, brings nearly a decade of coaching experience across multiple youth age groups. Known for her energy, enthusiasm, and ability to connect with young athletes, Debbie is passionate about helping players find their role within the team and build confidence through effort and positivity. Her approach emphasizes leading by example, high energy sessions, and making sure rugby remains fun, inclusive, and rewarding for every player.
Together, this coaching group combines deep club involvement, extensive youth development experience, and a shared commitment to building confident, engaged, and well-supported young athletes.
U16 Junior Boys
The U16 Boys program is led by a dedicated coaching group that combines experience, player development expertise, and a shared passion for helping young athletes grow both on and off the field.
Returning as Head Coach, Mike Paspalofski brings six years of coaching experience and a player-first approach centered on confidence, collaboration, and continuous learning. A long-time supporter of the game and the Markham Irish community, Mike focuses on creating a supportive environment where players are encouraged to be creative, learn from one another, and build confidence through experience.
Supporting the program as Performance & Strategy Director is Connor McDonald. With seven years of coaching experience and a background that includes the Ontario provincial pathway, senior men's rugby, and collegiate coaching, Connor brings a strong focus on skill development and performance. His philosophy of being "extraordinary at the ordinary" emphasizes mastering the fundamentals while preparing players to execute under pressure.
Assistant Coach Scott Kisiel contributes a growth-minded approach backed by a decade of playing experience, including four years with Humber College. With a focus on defensive standards and player development, Scott is committed to helping athletes build confidence while continuing to progress in all areas of the game.
Joining the coaching staff this season is Assistant Coach Aidan Graham. Although entering his first year of coaching, Aidan brings a genuine passion for rugby and a strong connection to the player experience, having progressed through high school, club, interbranch, and senior rugby environments. His focus is on helping athletes develop confidence, understand their role within the team, and enjoy the process along the way.
Together, this coaching group is committed to creating an environment where players can develop their skills, build confidence, and establish the foundations that will support them throughout their rugby journey.
U16-U18 Junior Girls
The Junior Girls program is led by a dynamic coaching group with strong roots in the club and a shared focus on development, confidence, and creating a positive environment where athletes can continue to grow on and off the field.
Returning as Head Coach, Elissabeth “Lis” Avramenko brings five years of coaching experience alongside more than a decade of playing experience across Canada. In addition to leading the Junior Girls program, Lis also serves as the club’s Director of Women’s Rugby and Child Protection Officer, reflecting her continued commitment to supporting athletes both within the game and beyond it. Her approach emphasizes teamwork, trust, communication, and continuous development, with a strong belief that focusing on the process will lead to results.
Supporting the group is Assistant Coach Sharon Cho, who also serves as the club’s Director of Safety. A long-time Markham Irish player with experience in both 7s and 15s, as well as collegiate rugby with Durham College, Sharon brings a high-energy and encouraging presence to the program while helping foster a positive and supportive team environment.
Also joining the staff is Backs Coach Taylor Weatherall. Having spent six years with the Markham Irish and three years with the Seneca Sting, Taylor brings valuable playing experience and a high-intensity approach to the backs unit.
Together, this coaching group brings a strong balance of experience, energy, and player-focused leadership as they continue building a supportive and competitive environment for the Junior Girls program.
U18 Junior Boys
The U18 Boys program is supported by a coaching group that brings together club experience, a strong understanding of the game, and a shared focus on preparing athletes for the next stage of their rugby journey.
Leading the program as Head Coach and Program Director is Brett Domenchuk, who returns to oversee the U18 group and help guide the overall direction of the program.
Performance & Strategy Director Samuel Mace also brings valuable experience to the U18 program, while also working with the Senior Men’s program as Forwards & Attack Coach. With four years of coaching experience, Sam takes a player centric approach that empowers athletes while placing a strong emphasis on skills development. His coaching is driven by the connections he builds with players and the opportunity to help them achieve things they may not have thought possible. Sam brings high level playing and coaching experience to the group, having played professionally with the Toronto Arrows and semi professionally in England, while also serving as Head Coach of the Leeds Beckett Women’s 1XV. He currently coaches Ontario West Senior Women’s and York University Men’s Rugby, adding a valuable connection between the club’s junior and senior programs. Players can expect plenty of passion from Sam throughout the season.
Working alongside Brett and Sam is Assistant Coach Grant Seppanen, who brings five years of coaching experience and 12 years of playing experience across high school and men’s rugby. Grant has played primarily at wing forward and is passionate about the culture and community that make rugby unique. His coaching approach combines fitness, skill development, and team play, with an emphasis on enjoying every moment of the season.
Completing the coaching group is Assistant Coach Joshua In, who joins Brett, Sam, and Grant in supporting the U18 athletes throughout the season.
Together, the coaches help players continue developing their skills, understanding of the game, and confidence as they prepare for the transition into senior rugby.
Senior Women
With over a decade of coaching experience and a player background that spans club, provincial, and national levels, Braeden brings a strong foundation of knowledge and high performance standards to the program. His philosophy is centred on skill development and building a team first mindset. Every session is designed to challenge players, support their growth, and create an environment where individuals can improve while contributing to collective success.
Players working with Braeden can expect structure, accountability, and clear goals. The focus is not only on performance, but on helping each athlete unlock their full potential throughout the season.
Now entering his fourth consecutive year leading the Senior Women’s program, Braeden continues to guide the group’s development and direction on and off the field.
Senior Men
The Senior Men’s program continues to build on established leadership, with a new addition joining the coaching group this season.
Returning this year are Head Coach and Program Director Fabian Rayne and 2XV Coach Martin Coe, both long-time contributors who have helped shape the program through consistency, structure, and clear direction.
Fabian oversees the overall direction of the program, setting standards for preparation and performance across both the 1XV and 2XV. Alongside his work with the Markham Irish, he has been named Coach of the Year in each of the past two seasons at Humber, guiding the Hawks in back-to-back Men’s OCAA titles. Martin leads the 2XV and brings a strong background in player development. Having started coaching at the junior level within the club before moving into the senior ranks, he maintains a strong connection to the club’s pathway and plays an important role in supporting player progression.
This season also sees Samuel Mace step into the Senior Men’s group as Forwards and Attack Coach while continuing while continuing his work with the U18 Boys coaching staff. Already familiar with the environment, he adds an extra layer of detail and intent to the group’s approach. Sam brings high-level experience, having played professional rugby with the Toronto Arrows and semi-professionally in England. He previously served as Head Coach of Leeds Beckett Women’s 1XV and is currently coaching with the Ontario West Senior Women's and York University Men's Rugby. His approach is player-centric, with a focus on skill execution, decision making, and helping athletes achieve things they never thought possible. The goal is to create an environment where players are challenged, supported, and able to take the next step. Ask what he brings this season and the answer is simple: passion.
Together, this coaching group blends experience with fresh perspective, continuing to support a program built on development, competitiveness, and a strong team environment.
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