Antonio “Tony” Paris is a professional basketball Coach & Trainer. He’s trained and coached NBA players like Jason Thompson, Louis King, Ryan Thompson, Trevon Duval, Amile Jefferson, Kris Jenkins, Brad Wannamaker, Dajaun Wagner, Jon Kasibabu, Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson, Omari Spellman and many more…
Pioneer Academy Head Coach Antonio “Tony” Paris is a professional basketball Coach & Trainer.He’s trained and coached NBA players like Jason Thompson, Louis King, Ryan Thompson, Trevon Duval, Amile Jefferson, Kris Jenkins, Brad Wannamaker, Dajaun Wagner, Jon Kasibabu, Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson, Omari Spellman and many more…
Coach Tony is originally from New York City and made the transition to the South Jersey area after creating programs for the youth in his community. He’s coach high school basketball for 12 years, a substitute teacher for 5 years and helped his team win 2 division titles as an assistant Coach.
Coach Tony continued creating youth programs by starting a basketball league, educational activities and senior citizen programs. He became the Head Coach at Burlington County College for 1 year, before joining the staff at Rutgers Camden University. As An assistant at Rutgers, Coach Tony was responsible for player development and helping the team reach the conference playoffs for the first time in years.
As a Player: Tony Paris won MVP of the year, Tournament MVP and 1st team all conference at CUNY, Manhattan Community College. He transferred to Hunter College, where he studied Computer Science and even furthered his education with a degree in Film Production. After joining PhillyCam and Scribe Film School, Coach Tony began working with NBC Sports, Comcast and ESPN on several Sport Documentaries. As an Artist: Coach Tony is an Oldschool Hip Hop Artist and has toured with some of the legends and pioneers in Hip Hop.
He helped the Philadelphia Spirit, ABA Professional team to their first division/conference title and playoff berth. Coach Tony also defeated two China National teams in consecutive years. As a Head Coach, Coach Tone has won 4 coach of the year awards, including Philadelphia Regional Market Championship Coach for ESPN/Ballup Classic. He’s won two Regional Championships in the ESPN/TBT Professional Tournament in New York and Syracuse Regions. He helped develop players from University of UPenn, Temple, Drexel, Lincoln, LaSalle, St. Joe’s, Villanova, Manhattan College, Iona College, Rider University, Duke, North Carolina and many more…
Head Coach Antonio “Tony” Paris of Pioneer Academy brings professionalism, character, a wealth of basketball knowledge and a winning attitude to the basketball program. He is committed to building a National program and developing Student/Athletes to be successful in the classroom and on the basketball court.
Bernard Boa has been a strength and conditioning coach for 6 years, second year with Pioneer Academy. Previous experience was as a volunteer coach for Essex County basketball men's team and Poise basketball AAU program. He also has experience working with professional football (NFL) players, collegiate soccer, wrestling and basketball players. Getting athletes mentally and physically prepared for their sport is a passion of his. His motto is StayReady stay consistent. With this mentality and help athletes he works with will become a better version of themselves.
Matthew Silvestri comes to Pioneer Academy starting the 2022-2023 school year with excitement to grow our Pioneer Academy Athletics Department. Mr. Silvestri graduated from Manhattan College in Riverdale, New York. While earning his degree in Health and Physical Education, he was a member of the schools NCAA Division 1 Men’s Swimming and Diving team.
In his college years while being a student athlete, he also worked at the prestigious Horace Mann School. He assisted many aspects of their athletics department that offers 30+ sports for students in Middle and High School. His main role was Associate Head Coach for Varsity Water Polo and Swimming. Other roles he was assigned include, set up and breakdown for varsity games, running the scoreboard for basketball, baseball, soccer, and softball. As well as assisting the Strength and Conditioning coaches in the Athletic Training room and state of the art weight room.
After graduating College, Coach Matt moved back home to Howell, New Jersey where he taught grades 6-12 Physical Education at Central Jersey College Prep Charter School. While also serving as the head varsity coach for Shore Regional High School girls and boys swim teams.
In the Summer you can find Coach Matt on the beach in Sea Girt, New Jersey where he is a member of the town's Ocean Rescue Beach Patrol. He enjoys participating in New Jersey lifeguard tournaments specifically in rowing events against other patrols from the state. He is also an avid surfer and surfing instructor at the Sea Girt Surf School. Coach Matt is a certified Emergency Medical Responder, as well as a CPR and First Aid Instructor.
Matt sees the vision of growing Pioneer Academy into a successful Athletic Department and can’t wait to add more teams yearly for the students of Pioneer Academy. He has a strong aquatic background, but is passionate about all sports. With his vision and the support from the staff and administration the sky's the limit for athletics at Pioneer.
I was born and raised in Mendoza, Argentina, where I attended College to become a Physical education teacher. I moved to The United States of America shortly after graduating, and I continued my education at Montclair State University to become a Health education teacher. Throughout my childhood I played sports thus, I still love to participate in friendly soccer and volleyball games.
My career started in 2006 when I was teaching physical education to elementary school students at All Saints Day School in Hoboken. I then taught at Ma’ayanot High School where I coached cross country, track and field, and took part in the Zumba and CPR/AED clubs.
I also worked in Montague and Haskell in the Public school district for 6 years where I coached soccer for two seasons, and implemented a Health and Physical education program to students in Kindergarten through 8th grade level.
I love helping young people learn about the benefits of exercise including building strong bodies, having fun, and working together! In my classes I encourage sportsmanship, teamwork, and personal growth. In Health and Wellness class I promote critical thinking and decision making, and I guide students to keep a healthy mind and body through positive behavior.
I love spending time with my husband, Daniel and my two children, Christina and Gabriel. Traveling around the world and learning about new cultures is our favorite thing to do. In my free time I enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, playing soccer, swimming, hiking and mountain bike riding. Overall, I am excited to start a new year teaching physical education at Pioneer Academy.
