Meet the Coaches
- May 21
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 23
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.
Below are some of our most recent coach highlights. Check back in because we'll be updating new coaching bios on a weekly basis.
Coming Soon:
Minor (Minis) Coed
U12 Youth Boys & Girls
U14 Youth Boys
U18 Boys
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.
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 coaching 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 after being part of the club’s U18 Boys coaching staff last year. 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.
*Stay tuned for the release of new coach bios each week.
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