OUR COACHES

Ahwatukee Lightning Ladies Lacrosse has assembled a team of excellent coaches that are skilled and have experience that is focused for each of the age groups they are assigned to! Our coaches are enthusiastic about the sport and one thing is for sure, they will first and foremost ensure the kids have fun and develop their own passion for the game! Find out a little more about each of our coaches below!

COACH TORREY

Middle School Team Coach

Hello everyone! I am coach Torrey Graves and I have been with the Ahwatukee Lightning for the last four years. Prior to joining the Lightning, I coached at Mountain Point High School and Desert Vista High School. Before I made the transition to coaching, I played midfield for Arizona State University! Most of my coaching experience comes from coaching middle school girls lacrosse. I had the pleasure of coaching our middle school girls Lightning and Xtreme team through multiple regular seasons and tournaments like America’s Finest Rivalry, The Southwest Classic, and
Encore Vegas. I am happy to say that many of the girls I have coached, now play varsity for Desert Vista High School! My goals for coaching are to give the girls a solid technical foundation of skills, that they can continue to build upon as they progress into high school, instill the discipline that is needed to compete in this demanding sport, and positively impact them as not only players, but as individuals.

COACH ASHLEI

Youth Team Coach

My name is Ashlei Piazza and I am super excited to be coaching youth! A little about myself, I have been playing lacrosse for over 5 years…3 of them with with Ahwatukee Lighting. Currently I am the varsity goalie for the high school team at Desert Vista. Along with high school lacrosse I have played on a travel team that’s been all over the US. I have experience with every position on the field starting with taking the draw to being in cage. I helped last year coach the youth and am beyond excited to be head coach! Can’t wait to meet all you and my players! See you soon!

COACH DANNY

Youth Team Coach

I grew up in Mesa and started playing from 7th grade through my senior year as attack and midfield. Now, I live with my wife Kat, and two daughters Teagan (8) and Tippie (6) in Ahwatukee.

I’m excited to be involved in a great program the Ophardts started. This season I'm measuring my success as a coach in smiles per practice. Let's tire those kids out!

COACH JEREMY

Youth Team Coach

I grew up in Awhatukee graduating from Desert Vista High School in 2003. I was part of the very first DV lacrosse club where I was asked to learn and play by Will Nolan. My best memories from that period of life come from playing lacrosse year round with the club. My wife Stephanie and I have two daughters Anna age 8 and Ava age 5 who are on the team. I look forward to a super fun season and building memories with everyone involved.

COACH AMANDA

Pixie Team Coach

Hello, My name is Amanda Piazza and I have been playing lacrosse for 6 years. I started on Vortex, then when Lightning started, I moved right over. I have been a defender the whole time, but I know how the field works from other positions. Currently I play varsity for Desert Vista High School and was on their championship team last season. I love the game of lacrosse and enjoy teaching so many new girls how to play. Hope to see you soon!

COACH PAYTON

Youth Team Coach

Hi! My name is Payton and I am currently a student at Desert Vista high school. I have been playing lacrosse for just a little over 4 years and absolutely love everything about the sport. I am a captain on the Desert Vista girls lacrosse team this year and play club lacrosse throughout the off season. I love spending my time giving back to the community and helping others fall in love with the sport that I love. I can’t wait to continue coaching all of you!!

COACH ERIC

Pixie Team Coach

I grew up in the Chandler/ Mesa area and went to Dobson High. I have played competitive sports since I was 5 years old dribbling a soccer ball around town and have been trained by some of the top elite programs growing up.

After High school I joined the Elite Forces of the United States Marine Corps and served 10 years in both foreign and domestic lands. After my time in the military, I felt it was time to slow down and enjoy life to the fullest with my wife Michelle and two daughters, Kentlee (Dance) & Collins (Lacrosse).

Lacrosse has been a passion I share with my daughters and there is nothing more enjoyable than being out there on the field with her and her teammates! I am very excited to be a part of this great program in our community and I look forward to an amazing season and making fun memories with Collins and all her friends!!!