Staff and Coaches
If you have questions about anything related to athletics at Saint Mary's School, please feel free to contact the appropriate people as listed below.
Accordion
SMS Athletic Department
Robert Weltz, Director of Athletics
rweltz@sms.edu | 919-424-4058
Kay Weninger, Assistant Director of Athletics
kweninger@sms.edu | 919-424-4056
Kelsey Mancini, Athletic Trainer
kmancini@sms.edu | 919-424-4000
Saints Club
Fall Sports
CROSS COUNTRY
John Hall, Head Coach
Jennifer Hummel, Assistant Coach
VOLLEYBALL
Kay Weninger, Head Coach
Kweninger@sms.edu
Virginia Fitch, Assistant JV & Varsity Coach
Stephanie Webb, Head JV Coach
GOLF
Robert Guzzo, Head Varsity Coach
Rsguzzo@yahoo.com
TENNIS
Virginia "Gina" Minton '82C, Head Varsity Coach
Vem106@aol.com
Louisa "Lou" Garvey '82HS '84C, Assistant Varsity Coach
Lisa Gwyn, Head JV Coach
FIELD HOCKEY
Amy Stopford, Head Varsity Coach
amystopford@gmail.com
William Lehrmann, Assistant Varsity Coach
Mia Jafari, Head JV Coach
Winter Sports
Swimming
Robert Geiger, Head Varsity Coach
robertcgeiger@gmail.com | 919-424-4000
Margaret Geiger, Assistant Varsity Coach
Virginia Fitch, Assistant Varsity Coach
Basketball
Rob Weltz, Head Varsity Coach
Rweltz@sms.edu
Melissa Ramel, Assistant Head Varsity Coach
Kay Weninger, Head JV Coach
Kweninger@sms.edu
Kelsey Mancini, JV Assistant Coach
Spring Sports
Lacrosse
Meredith Primm, Head Varsity Coach
mprimm@sms.edu | 919-424-4000
Mia Jafari, Head JV/Varsity Assistant Coach
Softball
TBA, Head Varsity Coach
Soccer
Penn Lunger, Head Varsity Coach
plunger@sms.edu | 919-424-4000
Kara Mulligan, Assistant Varsity Coach
TBD, Head JV Coach
Track & Field
John Hall, Head Coach
JHall@sms.edu | 919-424-4000
Jennifer Hummel, Assistant Varsity Coach
Virginia Fitch, Assistant Varsity Coach
Coaches Bios
Amy Stopford | Head Varsity Field Hockey
Amy Stopford is the head coach of the Saint Mary’s varsity field hockey program. Amy played collegiate field hockey at Duke University, where she was a first-team All-American, finalist for the NCAA Division-1 National Player of the Year, and a team captain. This will be her 10th year coaching and fourth year as the head coach at Saint Mary’s School, where she is excited to continue to develop the program and make it more competitive. Coach Stopford enjoys coaching younger players and, in addition to her position at Saint Mary’s, she coaches for club and recreational teams in the local area. Outside of coaching, Amy leads international medicine educational programming over the summer, teaches fitness classes, and is training to be a yoga instructor. Amy holds two master’s degrees in global health and business management as well as being certified in CPR, personal training, laughing yoga, and open water diving.
William Lehrmann I Varsity Assistant Field Hockey
William Lehrmann is the varsity assistant coach of the Saint Mary’s varsity field hockey program. William is from Caracas, Venezuela, and came to the United States in 2015 after meeting his wife while playing field hockey. William began his career with coaching in Venezuela as head coach of the Caracas Sports Club. Extending his coaching experience and love for the game to the United States, William works with the TarDevils Field Hockey Club out of Durham, N.C.
William has also achieved recognition and accolades as a player and coach outside of the Saint Mary’s gates, including 11 years on the Venezuelan National team, serving the last two years as Captain; 2015 SEC conference champion; and a third-place finish with the Miami Surf Club in the 2017 Adult National Field Hockey Tournament.
“Saint Mary's gave me my first opportunity and I appreciate it,” says Coach Lehrmann. “After coaching here for two seasons, I know it's a great school with great people and I am enjoying it a lot.”
Mia Jafari I Head JV Field Hockey & Head JV Lacrosse
In 2017, Mia finished her first season coaching field hockey, although, she is no stranger to the Saint Mary’s athletic department, due to her involvement with the Saints’ lacrosse program.
Upon graduating from Michigan State in 2015, Mia moved to Chapel Hill, N.C., to be closer to her family. Now residing in Raleigh, Mia drove by the Saint Mary’s campus for a year and was always impressed with the grounds. When a job opportunity opened for coaching, she jumped at the chance to be part of the Saints athletic department. Mia started coaching in 2010 by working with middle school field hockey players within the North Carolina community as well as internationally. Returning stateside, she has found several ways to get involved with lacrosse and field hockey student-athletes from middle school to high school to college programming.
Serving multiple positions from head coach of field hockey and head JV lacrosse coach at the Detroit Country Day School to head women’s lacrosse coach at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Mich. to varsity assistant field hockey coach at Cary Academy, while coaching three all-state field hockey players and numerous lacrosse All-Americans. Mia has prided herself on coaching Rookie of the Year (WHAC award) and New Comer of the Year (NWLL award) recipients, two state semifinal appearances in 2013 and 2014 with Detroit Country Day field hockey team, and earning an invitation to nationals with Lawrence Technological University in its second year as a program in 2015.
Mia holds a master of science degree in sports psychology from Michigan State University and a Master of Business Administration from Davenport University. Additionally, Mia has certifications as a Level I and Level 2 Coach through US Lacrosse, Double-Goal Coach and Double-Goal Coach II, and with the Positive Coaching Alliance.
John Hall I Head Cross Country & Track & Field
John Hall came to Saint Mary’s School in 2014 after teaching and coaching in Colorado. In addition to coaching he teaches Latin and is residential faculty at Saint Mary’s. He hikes, backpacks, and skis avidly. Running track and cross country in high school changed Coach Hall’s life, and he is thrilled at the opportunity to pass on the sport to high school athletes.
Jennifer Hummel I Varsity Assistant Cross Country & Track & Field
This is Jennifer Hummel’s first year as an assistant coach with the cross-country team. Jennifer is a graduate of North Carolina State University, graduating in 1997 and 1999 with degrees in biological science and science education. She is Saint Mary’s science department chair and teaches AP Environmental Science and Chemistry. While living in Valdosta, Georgia, and teaching at a Georgia Independent School Association member school, Jennifer began coaching boys’ and girls’ cross-country in 2011 and started their track and field program. The Highland Christian Academy boys eventually went on to win first in region and third in the state of Georgia in 2013 and 2014. Jennifer enjoys coaching because it allows her to see another side of her students that is different from what she sees in the classroom setting. When not teaching science and running, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter in the great outdoors.
Stephanie Webb | Head JV Volleyball
Originally from Connecticut, Stephanie holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education and health from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, where she also played club volleyball and softball. She made her way to Raleigh in 2014 and is currently the director of student life at Saint Mary’s.
She started her coaching career during summer camps while at UNC-W, which fueled her passion to study sport leadership in graduate school at Virginia Commonwealth University. Stephanie brings an array of knowledge and experience to our athletic program from coaching at the middle school to high school levels in various sports including volleyball, basketball and softball. Since coaching at Saint Mary’s, she has enjoyed getting to know the girls in a different arena at in addition to giving full support and sole focus to the development and success of these young women.
Virginia Fitch | Varsity Assistant Volleyball & Varsity Assistant Swimming
Virginia is looking forward to her first season at Saint Mary’s School with volleyball and swimming. A Raleigh native, ‘Coach V’ was a tri-sport athlete in volleyball, swimming, and track and field at Sanderson High School. During her downtime, Coach V played volleyball for NC Elite Volleyball Club as a middle blocker; and prior to high school swam for New Wave Swim Club.
After graduating from Sanderson in 2010, Coach V continued her career at American University in Washington D.C. While there she aided in the team’s back to back Patriot League Championships and NCAA First Round Appearances. For her junior and senior seasons, Coach V transferred and returned to her home state at East Carolina University; and is a proud 2014 Pirate graduate. While in college, she continued to find time to keep her passion for swimming alive by cross-training for volleyball.
Coach V has since coached at NC Elite for seven seasons concentrating in player technique and development ages 10-14; and lead position specific training for 14-18-year-olds. Coach V is excited to help student-athletes achieve their volleyball and swimming goals at Saint Mary’s.
Kay Weninger | Head Varsity Volleyball & Head JV Basketball
Bio coming soon.
Kelsey Mancini | JV Assistant Basketball
Ms. Mancini is a graduate of UNC-W with a bachelor’s degree in athletic training. In addition to joining the coaching staff at Saint Mary’s, she has been the school’s athletic trainer for three years, working with the Athletics Department, as well as working with non-athlete students and staff. She was born and raised in Raleigh, and attended Apex High School, where she was a two-sport athlete playing basketball and softball all four years. She made such an impact during her four years at Apex High, that she received Most Valuable Female Athlete of 2009 at the end of her senior year. She continues to enjoy watching sports of any kind, due to her extensive history of athletics and her current career choice. She looks forward to helping others achieve their highest potential, not only through her coaching skills at the JV basketball level, but also with her athletic training skills; to help educated the girls on how to be keep their bodies healthy and lead an overall healthier lifestyle.
Virginia "Gina" Minton '82C | Head Varsity Tennis
Gina Minton ‘82C is the head coach of the Saint Mary’s School tennis program. Gina is a Raleigh, N.C., native who started her playing career at Wilson High School. Gina furthered her tennis career on the college level at Saint Mary’s College playing for North Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame Coach Mary Lou Jones. Coach Minton has enjoyed coaching at Saint Mary’s School the last three seasons due to her love for the game and the school. Today, Coach Minton continues to play in several USTA leagues in the Raleigh area.
Louisa "Lou" Garvey '82HS '84C | Varsity Assistant Tennis
Louisa ‘Lou’ Garvey ’82HS ’84C is the varsity assistant coach of the Saint Mary’s tennis program. Lou, and her daughter, are Saint Mary's alumnae. Coach Garvey started playing tennis at Saint Mary’s under Coach Mary Lou Jones. Coach Garvey is thrilled to be coaching at Saint Mary’s again with Coach Minton. Today, Coach Garvey continues to play with the USTA Women’s League Tennis (4.5) as well as coaching challenge soccer through CASL.
Lisa Gwyn | Head JV Tennis
Lisa Gwyn is the junior varsity head coach of the Saint Mary’s tennis program. Lisa is a Raleigh native who started her playing career at Broughton High School. Coach Gwyn is in her second year of coaching junior varsity and developing the Saint Mary’s tennis student-athletes. Coach Gwyn enjoys being on the Saint Mary’s campus and a part of the athletic staff, as her daughter is a member of the Class of 2019.
Robert Guzzo | Head Varsity Golf
Bio coming soon.
Meredith Primm | Head Varsity Lacrosse
Meredith Primm is entering her second season as the Saints’ lacrosse head coach. She hopes to build on the foundation of success that the girls established last year and has high hopes for the program. Prior to arriving at Saint Mary’s School, Ms. Primm coached SOUL Lacrosse in Tampa, Fla. She was responsible for building the goalie program curriculum and served as an assistant coach for all age groups. She also worked as an assistant coach for Academy of the Holy Names.
Ms. Primm is a graduate of The Benjamin School, where she learned to love the game and helped lead her team to district and conference titles. She was a member of The LaxManiax club team and went on to play college lacrosse at Florida State University. While at FSU, she was a one-year captain and voted the team MVP in her senior season.
Ms. Primm is a proud FSU alum and loves to be able to support her beloved Seminoles. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and child sciences, which she puts to use each day as a member of the student life team at Saint Mary’s School. She is currently pursuing certifications in coaching weightlifting and strength training, which she believes will better her as a coach. She is excited for the future of Saint Mary’s lacrosse and can’t wait to see how the program continues to grow.
Penn Lunger | Head Varsity Soccer
Penn Graves Lunger begins her first season at Saint Mary's as head coach of the varsity soccer team in 2018.
She is the daughter of a Saint Mary’s alumna and grew up in eastern North Carolina. Ms. Lunger left home her sophomore year in high school to attend St. Andrew's School in Delaware, where she lettered in three varsity sports. She returned to North Carolina to play college soccer and earn a B.A. in English at Davidson College. A four-year starter at Davidson, she was voted co-captain and earned a most valuable player award her senior year. In 2010, Ms. Lunger earned an M.A. in English from the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College. She taught 14 years of high school English at Blair Academy in New Jersey and St. Andrew's School in Delaware and is currently volunteering for the Triangle Literacy Council.
Her coaching resume includes assistant and head coaching positions at St. Andrew's and Blair. At Blair, Ms. Lunger led the team to the New Jersey State Prep A title game in 2012. She has coached numerous Division I and Division III soccer players. Along with returning assistant coach, Kara Mulligan, she will seek to bring a competitive edge and positive mentality to the Saints soccer program.
Penn, her husband Eric, and their two young boys are excited to spend time on the beautiful St. Mary's campus! Go Saints!
Kara Mulligan | Assistant Varsity Soccer
Kara Mulligan is in her second year as Saint Mary’s assistant varsity soccer coach. After playing her entire life and as an all-state athlete in high school, she walked on to the Campbell University women's soccer team her freshman year of college. After transferring and graduating from Appalachian State University, she knew she wanted to continue to be involved with the sport of soccer in a new way. While coaching younger kids was inspiring, she was looking for an opportunity to not only coach at a higher level, but to have the opportunity to invest in the girls on a team. As someone who competed against the Saints in high school, Ms. Mulligan knew the caliber of the program, and knew she could not pass up the opportunity at Saint Mary’s. Her experience as a player and coach has helped shape her skill and love of the game which she now hopes to pass on to the soccer players and students at Saint Mary's.
Ms. Mulligan lives in Raleigh and works in institutional advancement at N.C. State University. She is excited to share with the girls not only her love for soccer, but many lifelong skills that come from learning to be on a team, winning, and losing.
Robert has several years of additional coaching experience at the year-round and summer-league levels. He was an assistant coach from 2010 to 2017 with the Marlins of Raleigh, where he worked with younger and developing swimmers. Robert also served as head coach of the Shepherd’s Vineyard Killer Whales swim team in Apex, N.C., from 2012 to 2016 and guided the team to five straight TSA Southern League Championships.
Robert grew up swimming year-round in Raleigh with New Wave Swim Team and competed for Enloe High School where he was a part of three straight NCHSAA 4A state titles. Robert graduated as a valedictorian from N.C. State University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He is pursuing his master’s in accounting at NCSU and will begin work at Johnson Lambert, LLP next year as an audit associate.
Robert is a lifelong student of swimming technique and enjoys teaching and analyzing stroke mechanics. He is excited to build on last year’s fifth place finish at the NCISAA state championships and encourages all Saints fans to come watch our home meets!
Coach Margaret has been coaching swimming for more than eight years, working for teams across North and South Carolina. She previously coached for SMRT (Southern Marlins Racing Team) in Charleston, S.C., as well as Southall Swim Club, and the NC State University Club swim team in Raleigh.
Margaret started swimming competitively at age four and continued her swim career through her junior year at Enloe High School, specializing in the breaststroke.
Coach Ramel is in her first year as the varsity basketball assistant coach. She was the head varsity basketball coach at Cathedral Catholic High School in San Diego, California, from 2006-2010. During her tenure, Coach Ramel’s teams were four-time Western League champs going undefeated for three straight seasons. CCHS won the Division III San Diego CIF title in 2008, and Coach Ramel was named the San Diego Section Coach of the Year.
As a player, Coach Ramel was a four-year varsity starter for Reno High and led the school to two 4A Zone Championships in 1998 and 2000. Her senior year, she was named the Nevada State Player of the Year. She played Division-I college basketball at the University of San Diego, where she was a two-time WCC All-Academic selection and named the team’s best defensive player in 2004. While earning her teaching credential, Coach Ramel served as a graduate assistant coach for her alma mater. Coach Ramel also has a bachelor’s degree in history from USD and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction in technology from Grand Canyon University.
“The opportunity to teach and coach in an all-girls’ environment is unique and exciting,” says Coach Ramel. “It is special to be a part of helping to shape and empower the female future leaders of the world! I love that the girls are extremely supportive of each other and that the SMS community truly is a family.”