The People Behind CAL Sports Academy
Our CAL Family is an important part of everything we do.
Our coaches, instructors, and staff bring different experiences, strengths, and talents to CAL Sports Academy, but they share a common responsibility: creating positive experiences that help young athletes learn, develop, compete, and grow.
We look for team members who care about young people, take pride in their work, communicate professionally, continue learning, and understand the influence a coach or mentor can have on an athlete’s development.
Our coaching staff is expected to maintain applicable safety certifications and required background clearances. Basketball coaches complete applicable coaching education and certification requirements based on their roles and programs.
We invite you to learn more about the people who help bring our mission of Strength Through Sports to life every day.
Have questions about our coaches, programs, or athlete development opportunities?
Contact CAL Sports Academy.
Executive Team
Corey A. Lord
Founder & President
Meet Corey A. Lord
Founder | Coach | Mentor | Speaker | NCAA Official
36+ Years Coaching & Mentoring • Founder of CAL Sports Academy • NCAA Basketball Official • Speaker • Entrepreneur
For more than 36 years, Corey A. Lord has dedicated his life to helping young people build confidence, leadership, discipline, and character through sports. As the Founder and Owner of CAL Sports Academy, he has impacted thousands of athletes and families throughout Montgomery and Bucks Counties while using sports as a platform to teach lessons that extend far beyond the game.
Originally from Barbados, Corey began his athletic journey as a standout soccer player and track & field athlete before continuing his athletic career in the United States. He became a New York State High School record holder and collegiate record holder at Alfred State College, where he competed at the national level.
Since founding CAL Sports Academy in 2006, Corey has used sports as a platform to teach life lessons that extend far beyond the court. Through camps, clinics, leagues, teams, private training, mentoring, and speaking engagements, he has helped young athletes develop confidence, accountability, perseverance, teamwork, and personal growth.
In addition to leading CAL Sports Academy, Corey serves as an NCAA basketball official, motivational speaker, mentor, and community leader. His experience as an athlete, coach, entrepreneur, and official provides a unique perspective that helps athletes and families navigate both sports and life.
Whether working with athletes, parents, coaches, or community members, Corey’s mission remains simple: help people discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and become the best version of themselves.
Devyna Lord
Operations Manager
Cordell Lord
Basketball Director & Sports Administrator
Coaches and Instructors
Shen Lord
Basketball & Soccer
Name: Coach Shen
Position: Basketball & Soccer
Favorite quote: “Every child deserves a champion- an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can be.”
You’ll see Coach Shen on the court during Soccer clinics and assisting with Basketball clinics.
Coach Shen is a graduate of North Penn School District and has been a participant in local area sports (Soccer, Track, Swimming and Cheer). She knew at a young age that she had a love for Soccer and Track and Field.
She played for TYA soccer and participated in Track and Field in Middle School and High School. She also participated in AAU Track.
Coach Shen graduated from Cabrini University with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She also completed her Master’s in Special Education (K-8).
Cordell Lord
Basketball Director
Name: Cordell Lord
Position: Basketball Coach & Sports Instructor
Favorite Quote: “Play Fast, Play Hard!”
Cordell Lord is a part of the CAL Sports Family! From the time he was given his first basketball, Cordell has played in the In-House leagues, Travel team, volunteered as a Jr Ref was an assistant coach and now landed as the head coach of our high school teams. He graduated from North Penn High School. During his career at North Penn High School, he was a four-year varsity point guard starter for the boys’ basketball team, while also being a captain his senior year. He currently holds the all-time record for most assists in a season and in a career by a player. During his time at North Penn High School, he was recognized and invited to play overseas in Hawaii and Las Vegas in 2013. He also participated in track and field as a sprinter for one season, making qualifying time to compete in Penn Relays. Coach Dell was a student-athlete at Immaculata University, graduating with B.A. Science Degree in Exercise Science and concentrating in Sports Management. He also minored in Business Management and Human Resource Management. Cordell has completed his master’s degree at West Chester University and has also completed his Master of Public Administration as well as earning certificates in Athletics and Sports Management, while being an Assistant coach for the Men’s basketball team from 2019-2021, helping the program be ranked in the nation at one point, and being the head of development with the bigs on the team. Coach Dell moved on to coaching in the high school world, becoming the Assistant Head coach for Faith Christian Academy’s Boys basketball team, while helping them win their first District Championship in over 5 years. Coach Dell is currently the Assistant Head coach for Varsity Boys Basketball at North Penn High School, his Alma mater, and helped lead the program to their first win in states in the 2022-23 season. With having the opportunity to coach at the high school and college level, Coach Dell is active in the community working with athletes to help further their skills and reach their full potential.
You will see Coach Dell coaching in camps, specialty clinics, and AAU here at CAL Sports Academy.
Ethan Blom
Basketball Coach
Name: Coach Ethan
Position: Basketball Coach
Favorite Quote: “I think the good and the great are only separated by the willingness to sacrifice”
Coach Ethan grew up in Delaware County before going to Penn State University. There, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems with a minor in Economics before moving to Philadelphia for 3 years. Ethan now lives in Swarthmore, PA with his wife Chesa and dog Asher.
Coach Ethan played basketball at Strath Haven High School. He got his start coaching at Strath Haven Middle School in 2019. From there he started working at CAL in 2020, coached JV boys basketball at Strath Haven High School from 2021-2023, and is currently a coach at North Penn. Coach Ethan especially loves coming back to CAL after the high school season, and seeing how the young athletes have grown in skill and size in such a short time.
Matthew Fletcher
Basketball Coach
Name: Matthew Fletcher
Position: Basketball Coach
Favorite quote: “Accept the things you cannot change. Have the courage to change the things you can… and have the wisdom to know the difference.”
Coach Matt grew up playing basketball and loving the sport alongside his family. He played his freshman year of high school at William Tennent High School, but unfortunately experienced a career-ending injury shortly thereafter. Coach Matt went on to coach for 5 years in the Warminster Basketball Recreational League, going back to his own youth playing grounds. He stayed actively engaged in the game and continues to play in leagues and pickup games every week for his love of the game. Coach Matt is looking forward to make his mark on the game and the new athletes he gets to work with!
“I’ve fell in love with basketball at a very young age, the court is truly my happy place. I knew after my first time coaching that it was something that gave me purpose. There is no better feeling than helping someone reach their goals and better themselves on and off the court. I’m very excited to be a part of the CAL Sports family and can’t wait to make an impact!”
Jordan Gold
Basketball Coach
Craig Rosenberger
Basketball Coach
Name: Coach Craig
Position: Basketball Coach
Favorite quote: “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life…that is why I succeed.”
Coach Craig went to Lansdale Catholic High School and played basketball all four years. He then started varsity his last two seasons at LC and was also named a captain his senior year. He continued his basketball career at Delaware Valley University while also graduating in four years with a bachelor’s degree in landscape design and build in 2021. He currently has his own Hardscape company and is also coaching basketball at Lansdale Catholic High School in the winter.
Coach Craig was also apart of Cal Sports in High School and participated in AAU and offseason workouts. He learned a lot about the game of basketball and even more importantly about life outside of the gym. He looks to give back to the community and help young athletes become the best versions of themselves. He is extremely passionate about the game and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask him.
Aylssa Martin
Basketball Coach
Name: Alyssa Martin
Position: Basketball Coach
Favorite quote: “coming Soon”
Alyssa graduated from Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School, where she was a four-year varsity player in both basketball and softball. She went on to play basketball at Ursinus College, where she led the team in three-point percentage her freshman year and became a team captain her senior year. She also served as an assistant basketball coach at her alma mater, Gwynedd Mercy Academy, for the 2023-24 season. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Psychology from Ursinus College, and a Master’s in Exercise and Sport Science, Concentration in Sport and Exercise Psychology, from West Chester University. She is currently an applicant for Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) certification and has previously worked with athletes of all ages on their mental game.
Nariyah Turner
Basketball Coach
Name: Nayirah Turner
Position: Basketball Coach
Favorite quote: “Only the disciplined ones in life are free. If you are undisciplined, you are a slave to your moods and your passions.” – Eliud Kipchoge
Nariyah Turner is a versatile 5’6″ all-around player and dedicated basketball coach from Southwest Philadelphia. Playing basketball since 9 years old at a small league in west Philadelphia, she started her official school journey at Mastery Charter Shoemaker, where she played varsity as early as 7th grade. Going into high school she transferred to Constitution High School , starting varsity again in her 9th and 10th grade. Covid came along and had her last transfer was Mastery Pickett- where her team went to the Public League Championship for her senior year — In those years Nariyah gained experience with top AAU programs like Philly Triple Threat, K-Low Elite, and Team Final.
She went on to play JUCO at Lackawanna College, earning a starting spot as a freshman and serving as team captain her junior year. Currently continuing her playing career at Cheyney University, Nariyah brings leadership, high-level experience, and strong values to every court she steps on.
Her coaching and playing philosophy are grounded in six core values: discipline, accountability, determination, potential, work ethic, and teamwork. Through every season, it’s been hustle, discipline, and passion that have guided her—qualities she now strives to instill in the next generation of athletes.
Paige Monastero
Volleyball Coach
Annalise Ruppel
Volleyball Coach
Name: Annalise Ruppel
Position: Volleyball Coach
Favorite quote:
Bio coming soon
Emma Thornton
Volleyball Coach
Name: Emma Thorton
Position: Volleyball Coach
Favorite quote: “We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.”
Emma has started playing volleyball in middle school and has since fallen in love with the sport. For the past 8 years, she has dedicated herself and her time to playing any chance she could. She graduated from North Penn High school after playing on the volleyball team for all four years as an Outside Hitter. She is currently attending Binghamton University in New York and majoring in Psychology. She has been playing on the Binghamton Women’s Club Volleyball team for the past two years. Received award for outstanding play in Women’s Club Volleyball Northeast Women’s Volleyball Club League Championships Regionals in Cortland this last season.
Ed Surrey
Photographer
Great Programs Start With Great People.
Our coaches, instructors, and staff are an important part of the experience we provide to every athlete and family who participates in CAL Sports Academy.
Different Strengths. One Team.
Our team is made up of people with different backgrounds, experiences, talents, perspectives, and strengths. We believe those differences make our organization stronger.
We want team members to feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, learning from one another, and contributing their strengths while working toward a common goal: creating positive experiences for young athletes and their families.
We Invest in Development.
Just as we expect our athletes to continue learning and improving, we want our coaches and staff to grow as well.
Depending on the position, team members may have opportunities to work alongside experienced coaches, receive feedback and mentorship, strengthen their teaching and communication skills, develop as leaders, and take on additional responsibilities as they grow.
Work That Makes an Impact.
Working at CAL Sports Academy is about more than teaching a sport. Our team members have an opportunity to influence how young athletes develop confidence, discipline, teamwork, leadership, sportsmanship, and a healthy approach to competition.
We look for people who are dependable, prepared, positive, coachable, professional, and committed to creating an environment where young athletes can learn and grow.
Opportunities to Join CAL Sports Academy
We offer opportunities for part time coaching, seasonal coaching, sports instruction, internships, and other positions based on the needs of our organization.
Experience requirements vary by position. Some opportunities are designed for experienced coaches who are ready to lead, while others allow developing coaches to learn alongside experienced members of our staff.
Current Employment Opportunities
We are currently accepting applications for a variety of coaching and employment opportunities. Review the positions below to find the opportunity that best matches your experience, interests, and availability.