Our Team

Meet Coach Fausto Arias, a basketball aficionado whose passion for the game ignited at the tender age of ten. Beginning his journey on the court at 11, playing CYO basketball in 1981, Coach Arias’s love affair with the sport evolved into a coaching odyssey that would leave an indelible mark on the basketball landscape.

In 1987, as a junior in high school at Blessed Sacrament School in Jackson Heights, N.Y., Coach Arias seized his inaugural coaching opportunity. Tasked with perennial underdogs lacking in talent, he defied the odds, transforming them into formidable competitors. Infusing every training session with unwavering determination and a burning desire to succeed, Coach Arias instilled in his players the belief that “hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”

Throughout his coaching tenure, Coach Arias embraced a gender-neutral approach, recognizing talent and passion irrespective of gender. His coaching philosophy, inspired by his sister Perla, emphasized equality and intensity in training, shaping not just basketball players but also young men and women prepared for life’s challenges.

Coach Arias’s impact extended beyond school gyms, as he lent his expertise to various A.A.U. teams, including the Long Island Heat, Almighty Force, Team Underrated, and The Long Island Rough Ryderz. However, it is at St. Gertrude’s where his coaching prowess reached new heights. Guiding a 4th-grade team during the 2021–22 season, he nurtured raw talent with patience and care, molding them into not only skilled athletes but also exemplary individuals equipped to navigate life’s journey.

In addition to his coaching endeavors, Coach Arias is now a special education teacher at Rachel Carson Middle School in Queens, NY. He also coaches the Hillcrest HS JV basketball team and has recently joined the coaching staff of NY Select, further solidifying his commitment to developing the next generation of basketball talent.

Coach Jeannie emerges as a standout figure renowned for her exceptional shooting prowess and tenacious defensive skills, earning accolades across junior high, high school, and college basketball arenas. Beyond the court, Jeannie also serves as a NYC Corrections officer, where her grit and determination shine through as she competes for the department against law enforcement agencies along the eastern seaboard.

Jeannie’s basketball journey commenced at the powerhouse Brentwood Middle School and High School before she transferred to Calhoun H.S., leading her team to the runner-up position in the Long Island Championship finals during her junior year. Her basketball prowess extended beyond local courts, as she excelled with the A.A.U. Silver Bullets organization, leaving an indelible mark from Massachusetts to New Orleans.

At Farmingdale State, Jeannie’s shooting accuracy became legendary, with her three-point precision striking fear into opponents. Her seamless transition from the court to the Department of Corrections underscores her unwavering commitment to excellence and fair play. As a coach, Jeannie embodies the same principles of hard work and fairness, leveraging her extensive knowledge and experience to empower both boys and girls to unlock their full potential.

Her invaluable expertise makes her a prized addition to the Team Blue Wave staff, where her dedication to fostering growth and development resonates deeply with our mission. We consider ourselves fortunate to have Coach Jeannie as part of our team, and we look forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly bring to our players and program.

Jordan’s basketball journey began as soon as he could grasp a ball, destined to command the court as a point guard. His CYO career commenced in 4th grade at Our Lady of Grace in West Babylon, N.Y., before continuing at St. Martins in Amityville, N.Y. However, it was in the 7th grade when a coach from Queens recognized Jordan’s talent and recruited him to play for Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Ozone Park, N.Y., where he shone as the starting point guard for the 8th-grade team.

Upon entering high school, Jordan sought to remain in Queens and was recruited by Coach Gerard Ciagliaro of Francis Lewis H.S. Varsity. Concurrently, he honed his skills with the Long Island Rough Ryderz A.A.U. organization for three years, earning MVP honors in 2019. Jordan’s high school career saw him excel on the Junior Varsity team in his first year, leading them to the city playoffs. Advancing to the varsity team the following year, he displayed promising talent until the pandemic halted play.

With basketball temporarily on pause, Jordan transitioned from the hardwood to the boxing ring, training under the guidance of former world champion Joan Guzman. His multifaceted training regimen has honed his skills and elevated his potential to new heights. Despite his youth, Jordan boasts a wealth of knowledge and experience gleaned from both basketball and boxing, making him an ideal trainer for aspiring young athletes.

As he embarks on his coaching journey, his unique blend of basketball expertise and boxing discipline promises to inspire and empower young kids and teenagers alike to reach their full potential on and off the court.