Allegheny Coaches

Laura Zewe

Director

Coaching experience: I began my coaching career 17 years ago on the same court in Bridgeport, Pennsylvania where, at nine years old, I first fell in love with volleyball. Since then I’ve led successful club, high school, and middle school teams in the Philadelphia area, western Montana, and most recently Pittsburgh, PA, including multiple playoff appearances and a 2018 second place finish at the North East Qualifier at the 16s level. In 2019 I presented an educational session on coaching beginning volleyball at the American Volleyball Coaches’ Association Conference.

2020 marked the inaugural year for EC Power Allegheny. I am proud of our growth heading into the 2023 season and am grateful to be surrounded by a quality staff. Having worked over the past decade to growth both competitive travel and local volleyball in the Pittsburgh area, I couldn’t ask for more from the dedicated coaches and families who have made their mark with EC Power Allegheny.

Coaching philosophy: I believe that all athletes, regardless of where they are in their career, can learn and improve with focused skill development and an enhanced understanding of volleyball strategy and game theory. My teams train the physical along with the mental in an effort to become better students of the game.

Best volleyball moment: Coaching Frenchtown High School to a marathon 5-set on-the-road victory over Polson High School ending Polson’s two year, 18 match, at-home winning streak.

My life in sports...has been narrowly focused. I dabbled in a variety of activities from soccer to gymnastics as a youngster, and volleyball was the sport that stuck. Competing in high school and college, I transitioned to coaching after graduation. Since then, I’ve been increasingly involved in providing quality opportunities for positive sporting experiences for youth athletes.

When I am not coaching volleyball…I’m enjoying time outside with my family

My favorite subject in school: digital cartography for combining art and math to tell the story of the world around us

Last book I read: Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell

Favorite movie: Die Hard

Favorite quote: “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete” -R. Buckminster Fuller

Person I’d like to have dinner with: Annie Smith Peck (1850-1935) for her likely engaging stories of mountaineering adventures, conquered adversities, and shattered expectations

Something you don’t know about me: I’m a professionally trained field archaeologist and cartographer.

Renata Silva Gray

South Division Coordinator

Coaching Experience:
Club Volleyball: 10 years
College Volleyball: 2 Years
Robert Morris University – Volunteer Assistant 2016
California University of PA – Volunteer Assistant 2010

Coaching Philosophy: BE MENTALLY TOUGH!! As a coach I like to teach my athletes skills on and off the court, and one of the best skills you can learn is how to control the mental aspect of the game and life situations. God has given all of us gifts and talents and it is up to us how to best use them.

Best Volleyball Moment: Playing in the 2009 National quarterfinals match. We had won the first game and lost the following 3, however knowing it was my last match we left it all out on the court. I remember having to give an interview following the match and not having any energy left to even speak. I will always remember that day!!

My Life in Sports: I started playing volleyball at the age 11. I played in many different clubs in Brazil until I was 17. During my senior year of high school, I was playing the state championships with my club and I was recruited to come play in the United States at California University of PA. Melissa Myers was the head coach at the time and she told me I had to pass my SATs before coming to the university, since I did not speak English I started studying the “massive” SAT book. After studying for 5 months, 7 days a week, 12 hours a day, I passed my SATs and finally come to CalU. Freshman year was tough since I still did not speak English fluently, but with the help of my coaches and teammates I learned how to speak English and be a better leader on and off the court. I had a great career at CalU and it helped shape me to who I am today. I have had amazing coaches in my life that helped me mentally, physically, and spiritually. My goal is to do the same to the athletes that I get to coach each day.

When I’m Not Coaching Volleyball… I’m either working or I am spending time with my husband and fellowshipping with friends.

Favorite subject in school: Math

Last Book I Read: The Discipleship Gospel

Favorite Movie: The Sound of Music

Favorite Quote: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34

The person I’d Like to Have Dinner With: My mother!!!

Something You Probably Don’t Know About Me: I am a prayer warrior. So if you need prayer let me know! 🙂

Laurie Cortazzo

Coach

Coaching Experience: 2nd season at East Coast Power Allegheny, Pittsburgh Elite for 7 years, Shaler Middle School for 3 years

Coaching Philosophy: I coach because of the love I have for the game of volleyball. I also coach because of the athletes, helping them to love the game as well as learn the skills, develop determnination, work ethic, leadership skills, connection with and respect for others. I also want the athletes to play together as a team, play hard, and reach their full potential, all while having fun.

Best Volleyball Moment: As a player, I have two best volleyball moments:
1. In high school, winning the WPIAL and PIAA state championship twice, in my junior and senior years.
2. In college, winning the PSAC championship in my junior year.
As a coach: having one of my past teams finishing 3rd at the Steel City Freeze Tournament.

My Life in Sports: Growing up, I played softball. Once middle school started, my volleyball career started. I played volleyball and basketball through high school, but volleyball was definitely my sport of choice. I played club volleyball for Pittsbrugh Golden Triangles (which is PEVA now). I went on to play volleyball at Slippery Rock University, where we won the PSAC Championship in my junior year and made it to the Div II Sweet Sixteen that year. We were the runner up in the PSAC my senior year and also made it to the Div II Championships. I was named PSAC Player of the Year in my Junior and Senior years.
I was brought back into the volleyball world when my sister, Jen Flynn Oldenburg, returned to Pittsburgh. I thank her every day for bringing me back into the volleyball life. I truly love volleyball and am grateful to be coaching young athletes.

When I’m Not Coaching Volleyball…I am traveling to see my sons, one lives in NYC and the other is a Junior at IUP and he plays hockey, so I go and see his games. My dog, Twyla, and I are training for her to be a therapy dog, so we take classes for this. I also enjoy reading, walking, working out, and binging shows on Netflix or Hulu.

Favorite subject in school: English

Last Book I Read: I read all the time, it is one of my favorite past times. I am currently reading the Eva Rae Thomas series.

Favorite Movie: Legally Blond or Grease, can watch either of them at any time!

Favorite Quote: Life isn’t about finding yourself…life is about creating yourself.

The person I’d Like to Have Dinner With: Princess Diana

Something You Probably Don’t Know About Me: I was a Middle Hitter in high school and college!

Renata Silva Gray

Coach

Coaching Experience:
Club Volleyball: 10 years
College Volleyball: 2 Years
Robert Morris University – Volunteer Assistant 2016
California University of PA – Volunteer Assistant 2010

Coaching Philosophy: BE MENTALLY TOUGH!! As a coach I like to teach my athletes skills on and off the court, and one of the best skills you can learn is how to control the mental aspect of the game and life situations. God has given all of us gifts and talents and it is up to us how to best use them.

Best Volleyball Moment: Playing in the 2009 National quaterfinals match. We had won the first game and lost the following 3, however knowing it was my last match we left it all out on the court. I remember having to give an interview following the match and not having any energy left to even speak. I will always remember that day!!