Head Coach TLS Shock
Stefan Stamate
Stefan’s volleyball journey began at the age of 13 at club level and has continued through many years of competitive and co-ed play. He has also coached a variety of age groups with the Waterloo Tigers Volleyball Club over five seasons, including four at the OVA level. These experiences have shaped my passion for coaching and my commitment to athlete development.
At Stefan’s core, he is driven by mentorship. Whether at work or on the court, he finds fulfillment in helping others grow, overcome challenges, and build confidence. He believes coaching is about more than technical development—it is about supporting athletes as they develop both as players and as individuals.
His philosophy aligns strongly with a development-focused environment like Smash Raiders, where growth, effort, and team culture are key. Stefan emphasizes being a supportive teammate, maintaining a positive attitude, and consistently working to improve. He encourages athletes to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and reset quickly with a focus on the next play.
A major focus in Stefan’s coaching is the mental side of the game. His work with athletes on confidence, resilience, and the power of positive self-talk—helping them understand how mindset directly impacts performance. He wants athletes to trust themselves, stay engaged, and compete with purpose.
Above all, Stefan believes sports are a powerful tool for teaching life lessons: accountability, teamwork, perseverance, and passion. His goal is to create an environment where athletes feel supported, challenged, and motivated to give their best—both on the court and beyond it.