STRIVE Athletics provides sport instruction and development to athletes of all ages. We focus on both sport performance and psychology across a wide offering of programs including individual skill instruction, team training, and camps, while developing a positive athletic culture through hard work, dedication, and honesty. STRIVE Athletics looks to build on that foundation and provide a healthy, competitive environment for the athletes of today.
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Meet Our Coaches
DJ Corrao
Founder and Director of STRIVE Athletics
DJ Corrao is the founder and director of STRIVE Athletics (formerly, DC12 Soccer). He has organized youth sports programs since 2010 when he was tabbed Director of the Boys Soccer camp at St. Anthony’s High School. In 2012, he opened the DC12 Soccer Camp and has served as the Technical Director in partnership with Village of the Branch Soccer Club over the last decade.
In addition to his pursuits in youth sports, DJ spent more than a decade involved in collegiate athletics, as a student-athlete and coach. Most recently, he served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at NCAA Division II, Assumption College until 2018. During his time in Worcester, MA he saw multiple players earn NE10 All-Conference and All-Academic honors while guiding the program to their best season and first NE10 tournament appearance since 2009. In addition to team success, the highlight of his time at Assumption was mentoring Hector Sola to the international stage as he earned a spot on the National Team of Puerto Rico and participated in World Cup qualifying.
Stephen Lauria
Trainer – STRIVE Staff Member Since 2019
STRIVE allows athletes to learn about the game and create relationships with teammates and coaches. The culture that has been created focuses on every athlete, coach and parent being on the same page and learning together. STRIVE is definitely the place to be.
Bernadette Savino
Trainer – STRIVE Staff Member Since 2016
STRIVE offers a great experience for athletes of all skills levels to challenge themselves and grow within their sport. Camp allows our trainers to connect with athletes in an environment that allows them to be creative, work hard and have fun. One of the best parts of camp is seeing the individual growth in each athlete year after year.
Phil Towler
Camp Director – STRIVE Staff Member Since 2013
Camp is the highlight of my year. Having the opportunity to work with such an amazing group of athletes, coaches and staff is a privilege. This environment allows young athletes to focus on development of skills and mindset, while having fun and competing in a safe environment. I am proud to have been involved with this brand for 10 years and look forward to many more.
Quintin Volpe
Trainer – STRIVE Staff Member Since 2021
Camp is an awesome opportunity for the trainers to give back to the communities we grew up in. It’s a great week for passing on the love of the game and challenging athletes to reach their potential. All of this while allowing athletes and trainers to have fun in a low-pressure environment.
Testimonials
Over the past nine years these camps have been nothing short of excellent with a top-notch staff. The combination of technical skills and game like situational training is what differentiates this camp from any other my son has attended.
Peter Schneider
President, Village of the Branch Soccer Club
DJ and his team of trainers have continually provided outstanding soccer skills training for children of all changes. My three girls have attended these camps for several years and have always had a positive athletic experience.
Tom McGowan
Board Member, Village of the Branch Soccer Club
Working with DJ and the entire camp staff has without a doubt made me the person I am today. Today, I am a commissioned officer in the United States Army. The lessons I’ve learned from the dedicated staff and from DJ, helped prepare me for the real world, both on and off the field.
Brian Reardon
Former Player, Village of the Branch Soccer Club