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Our Coaches
Assistant Coaches
JAMES CHRISTIE
Coach & President of GSE
James Christie is the the Founder and President of Granite State Elite (GSE) and the current coach for GSE 16U Black and GSE 18U Black. James and his wife Sarah founded GSE with a mission to create a competitive travel softball organization that felt like a family.
James has coached at a number of different levels including Babe Ruth Town leagues, Junior High School, High School and for ASA programs. One thing for James that is always a constant, is that the energy you bring to the table as a coach is what you can expect to get back out of your kids and that will hold true for every coach at GSE.
He considers his coaching style to be unique. He is demanding and expects a lot out of the girls, but is also extremely fair, open, and honest. James makes the game fun to both practice and play while focusing on mechanics and fundamentals to ensure that the whole team gets better, not just a few. His teams are known for solid defense, aggressive hitting, and attention to detail. He is a big believer that if you can do the small things, big things will happen.
James believes the lessons you learn playing softball transcend the sport. Respect, accountability, drive, focus, and team work are all fundamentals of his coaching style.
He is certified by both ASA and Babe Ruth for coaching and he played baseball his whole life. He also played collegiate sports, so he is very familiar with the recruiting process and what it takes to play at that level academically and athletically.
The lessons that James has learned playing sports have helped him be successful in his everyday life, and he feel it is important to impart as much of that on the kids that he coaches as possible. The balance of being demanding, yet fun is what has kept his players coming back and continuing to grow both athletic and as confident young adults.
James has coached at a number of different levels including Babe Ruth Town leagues, Junior High School, High School and for ASA programs. One thing for James that is always a constant, is that the energy you bring to the table as a coach is what you can expect to get back out of your kids and that will hold true for every coach at GSE.
He considers his coaching style to be unique. He is demanding and expects a lot out of the girls, but is also extremely fair, open, and honest. James makes the game fun to both practice and play while focusing on mechanics and fundamentals to ensure that the whole team gets better, not just a few. His teams are known for solid defense, aggressive hitting, and attention to detail. He is a big believer that if you can do the small things, big things will happen.
James believes the lessons you learn playing softball transcend the sport. Respect, accountability, drive, focus, and team work are all fundamentals of his coaching style.
He is certified by both ASA and Babe Ruth for coaching and he played baseball his whole life. He also played collegiate sports, so he is very familiar with the recruiting process and what it takes to play at that level academically and athletically.
The lessons that James has learned playing sports have helped him be successful in his everyday life, and he feel it is important to impart as much of that on the kids that he coaches as possible. The balance of being demanding, yet fun is what has kept his players coming back and continuing to grow both athletic and as confident young adults.
DAVE MILLETTE
Head Coach 18U & 12U Black
Coach Millette is excited to be joining GSE! He has coached travel fastpitch from 2004 to present. In addition to coaching in North Carolina, he has coached players in NH, ME and VT.
His experience includes:
Record 258-62-3
23 Championship Wins
4X USA Softball State Titles
2X NSA State Titles
Undefeated 2016-2017 Season
2017 Top 5 Finish in the USSSA National
2018 Top 10 Finish in the USSSA National
2021 Head Coach, 14U HPP, USA Softball
“Watching my players succeed is my favorite thing about coaching. Seeing their faces and their reactions when they hit that first home run or strike that batter out on a pitch they have been working so hard to master. My goal as a coach is to see my players succeed on and off the field.” - Dave Millette
His experience includes:
Record 258-62-3
23 Championship Wins
4X USA Softball State Titles
2X NSA State Titles
Undefeated 2016-2017 Season
2017 Top 5 Finish in the USSSA National
2018 Top 10 Finish in the USSSA National
2021 Head Coach, 14U HPP, USA Softball
“Watching my players succeed is my favorite thing about coaching. Seeing their faces and their reactions when they hit that first home run or strike that batter out on a pitch they have been working so hard to master. My goal as a coach is to see my players succeed on and off the field.” - Dave Millette
ANDREA BRUNEAU
Head Coach 16U Black
As a pitcher and lead-off hitter, Andrea was a four-year varsity starter at Souhegan High School in Amherst, NH. During that time, she earned multiple first-team All-State recognitions. As a Senior, she was recognized as the Class I Player of the Year after earning 500 career strikeouts, breaking the school record for strikeouts in a single game (17), batting .600, and winning the state championship. She went on to play Division II college ball in the NE-10 Conference for UMass Lowell and Saint Anselm College as a lead-off left fielder and pitcher. She earned multiple student-athlete recognitions, most notably an induction into the National College Athlete Honor Society for Saint Anselm College in 2007 - an honor bestowed upon only five athletes across the college each year. Andrea brings over fifteen years of coaching experience running clinics and private lessons for ages 10-18.
She served as the varsity head coach at Souhegan High School for nine seasons, all with winning records and playoff appearances, four final four showings, and one semi-final finish. In that time, her teams became known for their sportsmanship and consistently competitive division presence, often placing in the top four seeds at the end of the regular season. Her coaching style aims to foster the full potential of every player by holding high standards for work ethic and building confidence. In her final year with the program, Andrea was awarded the 2017 Class I Coach of the Year recognition following a first-place regular season finish and semi-final playoff appearance. She is incredibly proud to have program alums who went on to play for quality Div I and II programs such as Fairfield University, Stonehill College, and the University of New Haven.
She served as the varsity head coach at Souhegan High School for nine seasons, all with winning records and playoff appearances, four final four showings, and one semi-final finish. In that time, her teams became known for their sportsmanship and consistently competitive division presence, often placing in the top four seeds at the end of the regular season. Her coaching style aims to foster the full potential of every player by holding high standards for work ethic and building confidence. In her final year with the program, Andrea was awarded the 2017 Class I Coach of the Year recognition following a first-place regular season finish and semi-final playoff appearance. She is incredibly proud to have program alums who went on to play for quality Div I and II programs such as Fairfield University, Stonehill College, and the University of New Haven.
COREY DURFEE
Head Coach 16U Gray
RICHARD STEVENS
Head Coach 16U Blue
Rich has been involved in the softball community as a player for the past 15 years. Playing local leagues as well as competitively all over the country.
His love for the game is what got him started in coaching both adults and youth, with a focus on development. He has coached different age groups within the CYBSA league in Claremont for six years and the travel Babe Ruth team.
He is currently the Head Coach of Claremont Middle School.
Last year he coached GSE 14U Blue, and that experience gave him the opportunity to help in player development and provide them the tools they need to succeed in life as young ladies. The game of softball is a team sport where you become a family. The bond the girls carry with them for life.
He hopes that the dedication he shows to the girls will hopefully teach them the commitment they will need to succeed in their own lives.
His love for the game is what got him started in coaching both adults and youth, with a focus on development. He has coached different age groups within the CYBSA league in Claremont for six years and the travel Babe Ruth team.
He is currently the Head Coach of Claremont Middle School.
Last year he coached GSE 14U Blue, and that experience gave him the opportunity to help in player development and provide them the tools they need to succeed in life as young ladies. The game of softball is a team sport where you become a family. The bond the girls carry with them for life.
He hopes that the dedication he shows to the girls will hopefully teach them the commitment they will need to succeed in their own lives.
MIKE BOISVERT
Head Coach 14U Blue
Coach Boisvert started his coaching career with the Farmington 500, where he coached from the tee ball level to 12U. During that time, he was an assistant coach for Lakes Region Chaos at the 10U level and finished the season as head coach. The following season he began coaching at Granite State Elite at the 10U level, where he led the team to a Class A state title. He has continued coaching at GSE for a 12U season and is currently working toward his second 14U season. Last school season, he also coached at Kingswood Regional High School as the Junior Varsity Head Coach.
Coach Boisvert has obtained his Umpires certification, Level 4 Ace certification, yearly Safesport, and is currently CPR and First Aid certified for adults and pediatrics and AED certified. He is always looking and working towards growing as a coach and mentor. He attends yearly trainings and conventions to further his knowledge.
Coach Boisvert has obtained his Umpires certification, Level 4 Ace certification, yearly Safesport, and is currently CPR and First Aid certified for adults and pediatrics and AED certified. He is always looking and working towards growing as a coach and mentor. He attends yearly trainings and conventions to further his knowledge.
KEITH MCHUGH
Head Coach 14U Black
Coach McHugh has been a coach for 12+ years, instructing young ladies ranging from T ball to the 16/18U level. He had ten wonderful years in the Hooksett and Londonderry Youth Athletic League, where they experienced great success developing softball IQ, sportsmanship, and more importantly, fun! Coach McHugh is very excited to enter his 3rd season with GSE after coaching the developmental team in 2021 and the 12U group this past summer. He enjoyed the laughter and the success they achieved through the players' hard work. He is also the current head coach for the Londonderry middle school from 2021 to the present. They are 2x Class M Champions for Southern NH.
Coach McHugh considers himself an old-school coach, teaching an aggressive new style of play on the field. Practices are at a very fast "game speed" pace because that is what the players will see on the field from our opponents. He strongly believes in the work ethic of his teams. He wants kids with heart who love the game. Those kids may not always be the most talented players, but with hard work, they can achieve amazing things.
Coach McHugh considers himself an old-school coach, teaching an aggressive new style of play on the field. Practices are at a very fast "game speed" pace because that is what the players will see on the field from our opponents. He strongly believes in the work ethic of his teams. He wants kids with heart who love the game. Those kids may not always be the most talented players, but with hard work, they can achieve amazing things.
JASON WESSLING
Head Coach 14U White
Jason Wessling, originally from Mangilao, Guam, is now residing in Deerfield, NH. He has twenty years of military service and 17 years with the Naval Special Operations Community. Father of 5 children. He played Varsity sports all four years of High School, and continued to play in adult leagues. Coach Wessling payed multiple sports in and out of high school. Football, Wrestling, Basketball, Baseball, and Jiu Jitsu. He even pursued a short carrier in Pro MMA.
Coach Wessling has experienced coaching everything from 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, and Junior High School softball to advance military freefall. His expertise is thinking outside the box and getting 12 individuals to work as one team to play at the top of their game.
He can find what motivates players and positively use that to aid in achieving their goals and potential. He has the ability to keep practices fun, motivating, and meaningful so that players leave feeling like they have accomplished something as individuals and as a team.
Coach Wessling has experienced coaching everything from 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, and Junior High School softball to advance military freefall. His expertise is thinking outside the box and getting 12 individuals to work as one team to play at the top of their game.
He can find what motivates players and positively use that to aid in achieving their goals and potential. He has the ability to keep practices fun, motivating, and meaningful so that players leave feeling like they have accomplished something as individuals and as a team.
KEITH LECLAIR
Head Coach 14U Gray
Keith has been coaching sports since his junior year in high school, coaching middle school basketball. He has coached boys' and girls' basketball, baseball, and softball at all levels. He started coaching rec softball 11 years ago and worked through the Babe Ruth organization. Keith has managed tournament softball teams for the last eight years, from 10U through 16U. In 2018 he organized the NH 16U Babe Ruth team that won the Diamond Bracket at the World Series in Treasure Coast, FL.
Keith is always looking for new ways to teach and inspire athletes. He became a certified umpire three years ago to learn more about the game. He also enjoys to other coaches and umpires, watching other teams play, and listening to the athletes he coaches.
Keith believes greatly in respecting the game, umpires, opposing teams, and all the athletes that he has the pleasure of coaching. He demands the same from anyone involved in his teams. In 2018, the 16U Babe Ruth team also won the Best Sportsmanship Award while playing at the World Series.
While he focuses on physical mechanics, he believes that the mental part of softball might be the most important part of the game, and because of that, his teams spent a lot of time talking about the "why's" of the game. Communication between coaches and players and understanding the game will always be a staple of what his teams try to accomplish.
Keith is always looking for new ways to teach and inspire athletes. He became a certified umpire three years ago to learn more about the game. He also enjoys to other coaches and umpires, watching other teams play, and listening to the athletes he coaches.
Keith believes greatly in respecting the game, umpires, opposing teams, and all the athletes that he has the pleasure of coaching. He demands the same from anyone involved in his teams. In 2018, the 16U Babe Ruth team also won the Best Sportsmanship Award while playing at the World Series.
While he focuses on physical mechanics, he believes that the mental part of softball might be the most important part of the game, and because of that, his teams spent a lot of time talking about the "why's" of the game. Communication between coaches and players and understanding the game will always be a staple of what his teams try to accomplish.
ZACH EATON
Head Coach 12U Blue
Coach Eaton has been coaching for over ten years at all levels, starting at tee ball and working his way up into middle school. He has his USA softball coach certification. His past coaching positions include town-level rec, middle school, all-stars, and travel programs, manager for multiple baseball and softball programs in Little League, Babe Ruth, and USA softball organizations. For each managerial position, Coach Eaton was nominated and elected by other board members and peer coaches. His volunteer positions include over a decade as a multiple board position holder on the Auburn Baseball and Softball Board, a Parks and Rec supporter, and multiple year board member on the Lamprey River board as a player agent dealing with the all-star program and off-season clinics.
Coach Eaton's overall philosophy for coaching is dedication, attendance, sportsmanship, attitude, and respect, all while having fun. He has coached undefeated teams and winless teams. For him, the focus will be not on the result but on the opportunity of bringing a group together to achieve one goal. Watching the players succeed, whether it’s on or off the field is why Coach Eaton strives to be a better coach.
Coach Eaton's overall philosophy for coaching is dedication, attendance, sportsmanship, attitude, and respect, all while having fun. He has coached undefeated teams and winless teams. For him, the focus will be not on the result but on the opportunity of bringing a group together to achieve one goal. Watching the players succeed, whether it’s on or off the field is why Coach Eaton strives to be a better coach.
SAMANTHA MILLETTE
Head Coach 14U MILLETTE
KERRY WINFREY
GSE Recruiting Coordinator and Strength Trainer
Kerry Winfrey is the head trainer and owner of Onyx Athletics. He is a recent graduate of Davidson College as a Presidential Scholar with a B.S. in Economics. While studying at Davidson, he was a member of their Division 1 Track and Field program. His main events were short sprints (100m, 200m, & 400m) and the occasional self-imposed practice in the long jump pit. Coach Winfrey has had a passion for sports ever since he laced up the skates at three years old as a hockey player (his first love).
The experience, knowledge, and expertise Coach Winfrey has gained from his time at Davidson, coupled with his experience as an athlete, are irreplaceable and the main driving forces of his success as a personal trainer and business entrepreneur. Throughout his life, he has participated in organized football, basketball, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, and track. Each sport has brought its own unique perspectives and experiences that he can apply to his everyday life and the sports he plays today. He is always eager to learn more about the fitness sphere and relay this knowledge to the Onyx Tribe to support their best interests! He has completed the National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer course and continues to look for opportunities to further advance his skills in this field.
Coach Winfrey wants to inspire athletes to take that next career jump! He is eager to continue learning more about fitness and relay this knowledge to the Onyx Tribe to support their best interests! As a fitness enthusiast and sports fanatic, he looks to share the knowledge he has gained throughout his own athletic career and training.
The experience, knowledge, and expertise Coach Winfrey has gained from his time at Davidson, coupled with his experience as an athlete, are irreplaceable and the main driving forces of his success as a personal trainer and business entrepreneur. Throughout his life, he has participated in organized football, basketball, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, and track. Each sport has brought its own unique perspectives and experiences that he can apply to his everyday life and the sports he plays today. He is always eager to learn more about the fitness sphere and relay this knowledge to the Onyx Tribe to support their best interests! He has completed the National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer course and continues to look for opportunities to further advance his skills in this field.
Coach Winfrey wants to inspire athletes to take that next career jump! He is eager to continue learning more about fitness and relay this knowledge to the Onyx Tribe to support their best interests! As a fitness enthusiast and sports fanatic, he looks to share the knowledge he has gained throughout his own athletic career and training.
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