Crisafulli began his coaching career in 1983 as an assistant to the late Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association (PVCA) Hall of Fame coach Linda Renzi at Richland High School, where Renzi led the Rams to multiple state titles.
He then wanted to take his experiences and carry them to North Star when he took over as the Cougars’ varsity coach in 1991, after serving as the junior high coach and a varsity assistant for a season.
“Being that I was involved with Richland and helped with several championship caliber teams, I was trying to get back there with my own team,” Crisafulli said. “North Star had already had success and been in the state playoffs. I wanted to get my players to experience what those former North Star and Richland players and I had experienced.”
Now, with 2020 being his 30th season at North Star’s helm, Crisafulli’s squads have accomplished numerous feats, while he earned more than 500 career wins, and counting.
In his tenure, Crisafulli has led the Cougars to three PIAA state championship appearances in 2008, 2015 and 2016, with all being runner-up finishes. North Star also earned a third place finish in 2007.
Though North Star has not earned a PIAA gold medal under Crisafulli, the Cougars have still won many championships, covering 12 total conference titles between the WestPAC and the now-defunct Appalachian Conference, 13 Somerset County championships and 19 District 5 crowns, which includes the Cougars’ current run of 16 straight dating back to 2004.
To describe the success of the North Star program, Crisafulli narrowed it down to one word — consistency.
“The biggest thing I can think of is that the program has been very consistent,” Crisafulli said. “The work ethic of the players, and their attitudes, have been very consistent for the time I’ve been here. Of course, you can’t do anything for any period of time without the grace of God. I’m very blessed to be in the position that I’m in, and I’m blessed with the girls I’ve had to coach. The other consistent part has been the support of the school district, the community, the boosters and my assistant coaches.”
The work ethic shows, as several of Crisafulli’s players, both past and present, have continued on to play volleyball in college. Jackie Stanko is a 2017 graduate who currently plays at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Cougars’ senior middle hitter Sydnee Ashbrook recently committed to play volleyball at Mercyhurst University.
Crisafulli said seeing his players advance to the next level is one of the most rewarding parts about being a coach.
“As a coach, you can count wins and losses, but when you can help a kid get an education, and be able to use the sport to help them get an education, that’s the biggest thing,” he said. “To know that you’ve been able to help them further their lives is an indescribable feeling.”
While also serving as one of the Greater Johnstown Volleyball Club coaches since 1990, Crisafulli is an active member of the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) and is on the National Selection Committee for AVCA High School All-Americans.
He also joined Renzi in the PVCA Hall of Fame as an inductee in the Class of 2013. Crisafulli then took over as the President of the PVCA Council the following year.
Reflecting on his coaching career that is nearing the four-decade mark, Crisafulli said he still finds his job very enjoyable, and hopes to continue doing it as long as he can.
“As I get older, the players get younger, and that keeps me young,” he said. “Just being in the gym is enjoyable, but the kids always keep us on our toes. If the dedication of athletes continues to be at the level its at, with the work ethic and attitude, I’m not sure how long I’ll do it. I’m OK with sticking around as long as the district will have me.
“I once had another coach tell me, ‘When coaching becomes a job, that’s when it’s time to get out.’ Well, it hasn’t become a job yet. I still have fun doing it, and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s coming.”
Star (4-2) hosts Rockwood on Monday.