Our Coaches

Our coaches bring a wealth of technical knowledge and experience to our ski team. They are constantly striving to increase their technical and tactical knowledge of ski racing through education from the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA), the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA), and the National Ski Patrol (NSP). They ensure athletes’ long-term improvement by providing our high school racers with a solid understanding of the fundamentals of racing techniques and tactics. Skiers of all levels can subsequently improve their involvement with the Sparta Alpine Race Ski Team.

Rod Calafati

Head Coach

Rod is an inspirational coach who has a great capability to connect with racers and get them to perform at their best. His passion for alpine ski racing is evident in his work with the Sparta Ski Team over the past eight years, where he has successfully led both the boys' and girls' ski teams to impressive achievements. Under his guidance, the team secured two consecutive Public School State Championship titles in 2023 and 2024, along with receiving the NJISRA Sportsmanship Award for the past five seasons. Rod's leadership has been crucial to the team's success, and his dedication has not gone unnoticed, as he was honored with the prestigious title of "NJ Ski Coach of The Year" for four consecutive years, from 2022 to 2025. Additionally, Rod served as the Coach of the NJ State Ski Team at the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Eastern Regional High School Championships in New Hampshire.

Apart from his coaching responsibilities at Sparta High School, Rod also imparts his knowledge and skills in Vermont, where he serves as the Head Coach at Stratton Mountain for the U14 Alpine Racers. He is the visionary behind the innovative "Don't Just Ski. RACE." alpine training programs and ski instructions, which reflect his deep love for skiing and his dedication to nurturing the potential of young athletes. Rod's influence transcends the local level, as he continues to make significant contributions to the ski racing community through his involvement in various programs and associations. His role as the President of NJISRA (New Jersey Interscholastic Ski Racing Association) further underscores his commitment to the sport and his desire to promote excellence in ski racing.

coach@SpartaSki.com

Assistant Coach

Serena Calafati

Assistant Coach

University of Vermont Graduate | Former SHS alpine racer & ski team Captain.

serena@SpartaSki.com

Assistant Coaches

Claudia Calafati

Assistant Coach

claudia@SpartaSki.com

Evalyn Fitzsimmons

Assistant Coach

Former SHS Racer | SHS Substitute Teacher | CPR, First Aid & AED Certified

evalyn@SpartaSki.com

Therese Calafati "Mrs Coach"

Coach's Aide

Sparta Ski Team Coach's Apparel Lead | Former President Sparta Ski Boosters 2019 to 2022 | Don't Just Ski. RACE. Program Director

therese@SpartaSki.com

Our Captains

Captains are selected as leaders on and off the hill. They are a great resource for new athletes on the team to answer questions and be positive role models. Please seek them out to assist you in any way. Find out what it takes to become a Team Captain.
* Each season one to four ski racers may be named team captains. Team captains are often announced before the start of the new race season. Additional team captains may be named at the end of dry-land training or during the season.