MEET THE TEAM

COACHES

Welcome to the Youth Coaches page! Here, you’ll get to know the dedicated and experienced individuals who guide our athletes both on and off the mat. Our coaching team brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and expertise to help our wrestlers develop their skills, build confidence, and achieve their goals. From seasoned veterans to enthusiastic newcomers, each coach plays a vital role in shaping the future of our club. Explore their backgrounds, coaching philosophies, and what makes them a valuable part of our wrestling family.

YOU

Novice Youth Coach

You have a passion for wrestling and a genuine love for working with kids. You want to help young athletes develop confidence, skills, and a lifelong appreciation for the sport.

As our Youth Novice Coach, you’ll lead practices twice a week, guiding beginners through the fundamentals and building their wrestling abilities in a positive, encouraging environment. On Sundays, you’ll be at most tournaments, supporting your wrestlers as they put their training into action.

This is a paid position, perfect for someone with wrestling knowledge who’s committed to fostering growth and teamwork in our youth program. If you’re ready to make an impact and be part of the Wolves family, we want to hear from you!

Josh DeNault

Open Youth Coach

Coach Josh DeNault brings over 10 years of experience in coaching youth sports to the Clarkston Wrestling Program. Now in his 4th year coaching the middle school team, Coach DeNault has led the team to district championships in 3 of those 4 years, showcasing his ability to develop talent and drive success. His commitment to building both the athletic and personal growth of his wrestlers has made a lasting impact on the program.

In addition to coaching, Coach DeNault co-owns Player Prints alongside Coach Joe Berden. Together, they have proven time and time again to be an unstoppable team, working together to support the Clarkston wrestling community both on and off the mat.

Coach DeNault is also deeply involved in the program through his children. His son, Zeek, is a member of the middle school team, while his daughter, Paisley, is a Junior on the high school team and has earned top 3 finishes at the state level.

When he’s not coaching or supporting his kids, Coach DeNault enjoys the peacefulness of fishing and long walks on the beach, finding time to relax and recharge away from the mat.

Matthew Stoian

Cubs Coach

This is Matthew’s first official coaching role with the Clarkston Wrestling Club, but he’s no stranger to the wrestling room or the Clarkston community. With over 25 years of wrestling experience, Matt finished his senior season with a 40-7 record. He went on to coach as an assistant at his high school and middle school for six years before moving to Clarkston.

Since 2019, Matt has volunteered with the Clarkston Wrestling Program, and his commitment extends beyond sports—he’s also served as a trustee for Independence Township. His deep respect within the community was evident when they rallied around him during his battle with Lymphoma in late 2023.

Matt and his wife are active members of the Clarkston community, supporting their two daughters and son. We’re fortunate to have Matt take on this coaching role and know he’ll make a lasting impact on our wrestlers.

BOARD MEMBERS

The Parent Board of our Non-Profit Wrestling Club is a dedicated group of parents who support the program’s operations, from young beginners to high school athletes. We assist with scheduling, selecting tournaments, fundraising, and volunteer coordination to keep the club running smoothly. Our goal is to ensure all wrestlers have the resources, opportunities, and community support they need to succeed both on and off the mat.

Justin LeFevre

President

Justin has served as the President of our Wrestling Club since 2023. With children at all levels of the organization, he brings a unique passion and commitment to seeing the club grow and succeed. When he's not coaching on the mat, you’ll likely find him behind the camera, capturing the moments and successes of our wrestlers. Outside of the club, Justin loves to travel with his family—be sure to ask him about their next cruise adventure! His leadership and dedication to the club make him an invaluable part of our team.

Sara Zak

Treasurer

Sara brings a wealth of experience and a unique skill set to our board, having owned and managed several businesses, including her current venture, MI Prime Health, one of our top sponsors. With the club’s finances often juggling many moving parts, Sara’s business acumen makes her the perfect fit for the role of Treasurer.

Sara’s oldest child is a senior on this year’s varsity team, and she hopes her younger ones will follow in their big brother’s footsteps, continuing the Zak wrestling legacy. In her free time, Sara enjoys spending time with her kids at their cabin on beautiful Higgins Lake. Her dedication to both the financial health of the club and the success of our athletes makes her an invaluable asset to our team.

Joe Berden

Vice President

Joe has been an integral part of the Clarkston Wrestling Club since 2020 and is a familiar face in the Clarkston athletics community. With his children participating in a variety of sports, Joe has coached at multiple levels and is deeply invested in fostering youth athletics. As the owner of Player Prints, the primary supplier of team gear for Clarkston and surrounding areas, he plays a key role in supporting local sports programs. Along with his wife, Joe is heavily involved in the Clarkston Chiefs program, where he enjoys scouting and recruiting future wrestling stars. His passion for youth sports, community involvement, and dedication to the success of the wrestling club make him an invaluable leader on our board.

Jen Place

Secretary

Jen was fortunate to marry a former Clarkston wrestler, and together they introduced their son to the sport, where he quickly fell in love. Watching him grow as both an athlete and a person has solidified wrestling as a vital part of Jen's life. Her meticulous attention to detail and ability to manage complex tasks make her the perfect fit for the role of Secretary, especially when managing a large club of 125 wrestlers! In addition to her dedication to the wrestling program, Jen and her husband, Brenton, serve as vital members of the club. Brenton acts as our Youth Liaison, bringing his counseling background to support our young athletes. Outside of wrestling, Jen and her husband are the co-owners of Treeside Psychological Clinic, one of our top sponsors, where she continues to make a positive impact in the community. When the season is over, Jen enjoys spending time on her boat with her family, soaking up the sun, or in her garden, picking fresh produce for canning or creating delicious meals. Her dedication to both the club and her community makes her a key asset to our team.

Kayla Makki

Events & Fundraising

Kayla joined the Clarkston Wrestling Club with no prior wrestling background, but when her oldest son brought home a Parks and Rec flyer inviting kids to try the sport, her family embraced the challenge. Guided by their family motto, "get comfortable being uncomfortable," Kayla and her husband Joe dove right in. While it took time for both of her sons to experience traditional success on the mat, their ongoing dedication and drive to improve made them and their entire family fully invested in the sport. Kayla, along with Joe, can often be found mat-side at tournaments, coaching and supporting the athletes. She has truly enjoyed watching many of the kids grow, find their way, and build a sense of community within the club. With her experience in wedding coordination through KLM Events, Planning & Design, Kayla’s attention to detail and organizational skills made her a natural fit for her role as Coordinator of Events and Fundraising. Her ability to manage the finer details of events and her passion for supporting the wrestling community make her a key player in the success of our club’s initiatives.

COACHING SUPPORT TEAM

It truly takes a village, and our Coaching Support Team is essential to our success. Comprised of parents—some with prior wrestling experience and others learning as they go—these volunteers support our wrestlers both in practice and, more often, at tournaments. Their dedication ensures we never have to limit the number of wrestlers we can send to an event.

These parents have completed concussion and safety training and undergone background checks to ensure the safety of all athletes. Their time and effort are critical to making our season run smoothly!

If you would like to join our Coaching Support Team please reach out to the board for the proper steps.