Coaching Staff
Who We Are
Kim Popieniek
Founder & President
Founder and President of the New England Shockwave softball organization, Kim Jeffs Popieniek is one of the top pitchers in Division III softball history. She was a two-time All-American and four-time All-Conference player for Plymouth State University where she went on to become pitching coach. She also coached at Wheaton College. Kim is the founder and owner of Maximum Performance Pitching, Kim's ability to mentor and develop pitchers is evident in the selection of her pitchers as the 2016, 2017, 2018 Massachusetts Gatorade Players of the Year.
781-223-4192
Ron Newman
Director
Ron has coached club softball for NE Shockwave since 2014. In his role as Director, Ron organizes and operates 4 Shockwave USAA tournaments as well as coaching Shockwave's 2nd year, 14U team. Ron's finest expertise is in instructing hitters, utilizing cutting edge technology and industry best practices, coaching athletes to proficiency in pitch selection and solid mechanics.
508-415-9503
Emily Berardi
Head Coach 18U
During her four years as a pitcher at Wheaton College, Emily was recognized for her numerous achievements both as a pitcher and a hitter. Her team won the 2015 NEWMAC Regional Championship and competed in the NCAA Super Regional Championship as one of 16 teams in the country. In 2014 and 2015, Emily represented team USA.
617-429-8322
Jeff Riley
Program Coordinator
Head Coach 16U
Jeff has been coaching for over 16 years, many of those with the Whitman Hanson Softball Association. For 3-years, Jeff was head coach at the South Shore Vocational High School and is currently an assistant coach at Wheaton College. Jeff has been a member of the New England Shockwave for 4-years. His passion and dedication to the development of his players and to the organization is unmatched.
781-803-0712
Caroline Green
Assistant Coach
Caroline graduated from Brockton High School with a 4.42 GPA. She is committed to Stonehill College in the fall of 2021. She plays catcher and 3rd base.She has been a member of the Shockwave family since 2016.
508-740-2867
Alex Soqui
Assistant Coach 12U & 18U
Alex graduated from Simmons University with a Master's Degree. She was a four-year pitcher for the Simmons Sharks and Played with the New England Shockwave for three years as a pitcher and first baseman. As a four-year starter at new Bedford High School, Alex was named as a member of the Standard Times Super Team and All-Star Team as well as being named a Big Three All-Star. She is happy to be back to share her knowledge and love of the game.
Ellie Swindler
Assistant Coach
Ellie is a rising sophomore at Wheaton College and is a first year coach with New England Shockwave after playing there for several years. Ellie strives to not only share a love of the game with her players, but to bring together a group of girls to grow as individuals and as a cohesive unit.
Sofia Knopf
Assistant Coach
Emily Berardi is in her fourth year with NE Shockwave. She played in the South Shore Stealers organization and was a pitcher and hitter at Wheaton College (MA). After receiving her degree from Wheaton, Emily earned her Masters of Art in Teaching at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is currently a Latin teacher in Newton, MA.
774-219-3610
Emily Dyer
Assistant Coach 12U
Emily has been a member of the New England Shockwave since 2014. She played on the 18U team from 2014-2017 as a catcher, second baseman and utility player. In 2019, she took on a coaching role and has coached on all age levels. Emily is a graduate of Plymouth State University, where she earned a BS in Exercise and Sports Physiology and plans to attend graduate school to earn a Doctorate of Physical Therapy.
