![A woman stands in front of a wall with a wizard drawing and "Wizard Nation" text, with a school building and the name "Michelle Denisco Varsity Volleyball Coach" on the left.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784555628/wsk12nyus/hjj6rghrfpto6dui0mpz/Wvillegraphics800x455px_2.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784555628/wsk12nyus/hjj6rghrfpto6dui0mpz/Wvillegraphics800x455px_2.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1784555628/wsk12nyus/hjj6rghrfpto6dui0mpz/Wvillegraphics800x455px_2.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1784555628/wsk12nyus/hjj6rghrfpto6dui0mpz/Wvillegraphics800x455px_2.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1784555628/wsk12nyus/hjj6rghrfpto6dui0mpz/Wvillegraphics800x455px_2.png","width":1600}])
Michelle DeNisco has spent a lifetime around a volleyball court, and now she's leading one of her own as Washingtonville High School's new varsity volleyball coach.
As a player from middle school through college, Coach DeNisco has worked her way up through the program's ranks, coaching at the modified, travel and junior varsity levels before joining the Wizards program last season. Now, she's stepping into the varsity head coaching role for the first time. She also works in Washingtonville's Pupil Personnel Office, where she supports students in grades K-5 as a secretary.
As she prepares for her first season, Coach DeNisco's priorities extend well beyond the scoreboard. She's building a program rooted in communication and connection.
"I want the girls to communicate both on and off the court," she said. "It's not about winning or losing if we can't become a team."
Her goals for her players are layered: sharper skills, real confidence, and a lasting love for the game, paired with a steady emphasis on academics, character and community involvement.
It's a coaching philosophy built on positivity and competitiveness in equal measure, the kind of environment where athletes look forward to practice, push themselves to improve and genuinely enjoy the ride.
Outside of volleyball, Coach DeNisco has a new favorite way to spend her time: caring for her newborn daughter.
"I just had a baby girl that is my favorite hobby and she will be Washingtonville Volleyball's number 1 fan!" she said.
With her first season now ahead of her, Coach DeNisco is ready to lead the Wizards forward.