Dear Crestwood Family & Friends,

     We always strive to provide the best for your children and this carries through to our top notch sports staff.  We are adding coaches and sports assistants in many key areas to give your child that extra attention and expertise to help get them to the next level.

     Ken Korder is Crestwood's new Athletic Director.  He will focus on our sports culture by expanding our individual and team activity offerings while exposing campers to the healthy components of sports. Ken had a similar role for the past 15 years at a sleepaway camp. He is a graduate of SUNY Cortland with a teaching degree in Physical Education, and also holds a Masters Degree from Penn State University in Athletic Administration. Currently a Physical Education teacher at Hewlett High School, he has been recognized for excellence as both an instructor and athletic coach.  Before starting his teaching career, Ken gained notoriety as an outstanding coach in Division One Basketball, having twice guided teams to NCAA tournaments.  

      Barry Schmerler will direct our Kindergarten Sports Program. He is an accomplished Physical Education teacher and coach and has been a part of the Crestwood family since 1996. His enthusiasm and love for children is contagious. Our campers will get a sound base to build on as they grow athletically under Barry's guidance.

     Ed Tierney, our Pre-School Sports Director, is proud to be entering his fifth summer as the head of the Pre-School Sports Program.  Ed has degrees in Physical Education and Sports  Administration.  During his tenure at Crestwood, Ed has left an impact on every one of his young athletes.   

Karim Shabazz is our Basketball Director.  After tearing apart New York State High School Basketball as a 7'1" star for Woodmere Academy, Karim then pursued an NCAA Basketball intercollegiate experience at Florida State University and finished off at Big East powerhouse Providence College. He passed on the NBA draft to pursue a successful basketball career in Europe. But all the slam dunks in the world could not come close to what gives Karim real joy. "I gave up professional basketball and found my new passion. I just love teaching children and I can't imagine doing anything else right now in my life."  Our campers are very happy that he has made Crestwood his summer job all these years. Jason Oder is Crestwood's new Basketball Assistant.  He was a star basketball player at Holy Trinity High School and will be playing Division III basketball in the fall at Mount St. Mary's. He has also worked as an instructor at multiple basketball camps. 

Brad Shafran, Crestwood's new Tennis Director, is a former nationally ranked junior tennis player who played No. 1 doubles on the Men's tennis team at George Washington University. Still a competitive player, he is one of the top teaching pros at Bethpage Park Tennis Center. Brad finds "pure joy" in passing on his passion for the sport to first time players and challenging experienced ones looking to advance their game. The Directors of Bethpage Tennis, Keith Kambourian and Steve Kaplan will also be directly involved in overseeing the teaching process and skill development. We are also happy to welcome back our returning Tennis Pros, Liz Waxer and Daniel Sedgh. 

Peter Ruff is Crestwood's new Soccer and Lacrosse Director.  Excitement abounds when you meet Peter.  He was a standout Soccer and Lacrosse player at Adelphi University and is now an accomplished Physical Education Teacher and Coach.  Chris McBride, the new Soccer Assistant, was an all county soccer player for Northport High School. He currently plays on the SUNY Cortland men's soccer team. 

    Peter Linderman is Crestwood's new Softball Director. Peter spent many years as a coach and instructor at a sleepaway camp. He is a certified physical education teacher and softball coach at Jericho Middle School.  He also coaches basketball at Jericho High School. Jessica Kowalski is the new Softball Assistant. She played Division II softball at Mercy College. She is also the head coach of a girls travel softball team.

     In addition to our new sports coaches and assistants, we have our returning talented and experienced staff of sports specialists for other areas, including Mike Lacher at Hockey with new Hockey Instructor Corey Mavleos and Eric Gottesman at Golf.