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 (2002-2005) where she went on to become pitching coach. She was also the pitching coach at Wheaton College (2013-2015). 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. Kim's favorite part of coaching is developing people first, players second. She finds teaching young athletes an appreciation for process, integrity, and development to be the most rewarding aspects of coaching.
781-223-4192
Jeff Riley
Director
Head Coach 12U
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 an assistant coach at Wheaton College. Jeff has been a member of New England Shockwave since 2018. His passion and dedication to the development of his players and to the organization is unmatched.
781-803-0712
Emily Berardi
Coach
Emily Berardi has been a part of Shockwave since 2017. She played in the South Shore Stealers organization and was a pitcher and hitter at Wheaton College (MA). During her four years as a pitcher at Wheaton College (2012-2015), 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. 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 and was inducted into Boston Latin Athletics Hall of Fame for Softball, Basketball and Golf in March 2025.
Emily Dyer
Coach
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 all age levels. Emily is a graduate of Plymouth State University, where she earned a BS in Exercise and Sports Physiology and currently attends graduate school pursuing her Doctorate of Physical Therapy.
