About the Team

• TAF Junior Triathlon Development [501(c)(3)] is a non-profit, USAT High Performance triathlon program which provides a training group for junior triathletes that will give them a solid foundation from which to improve their skills no matter their ability. We are serious about what we do, BUT we have fun doing it. Athletes having fun will have a better chance to reach their fullest potential.

• The team is for athletes from 13 to 19 (Youth and Junior Elite) and U25** (as of Dec 31st 2022) years old. We are a USA Triathlon High Performance Team. Athletes currently on the team com from MA, CT, NY, NE, and Bermuda.

• During the season, the team practices 1-2x per week in person and offers 1-2 times per week via the internet for athletes that wish it. Athletes who live outside a reasonable travel distance can  train one on one via Web Conference online video. Included will be any team training sessions you can attend as well as support services at team events. Contact us for details and pricing!

• The team is based out of the Central Massachusetts Area which includes Metro-West. We have a team of consultants which includes a sports orthopedic surgeon, licensed dietitian, physical therapy practice and a doctor of sports psychology which will help round out your child's experience.

• The cost for the 2022 Season is:                                            

             $875

*There are several individual training options that are more intensive that athletes can choose from, and the full team program is included. Contact Matt for pricing and availability.

 

Program Description-                                                     

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Draft Legal Track- The focus of these these athletes is racing in the national draft legal events (minimum 2- not including Nationals). Their  H.S. sports plate reflects activities that support this goal.  Attendance at practices should be consistent and they must log their workouts on Training Peaks every week.

Non-Draft Legal Track- These athletes are still trying to find where they want to go in the sport of triathlon. These athletes may have not yet built a draft legal resume or have a major deficiency, specifically swimming, (race results, low benchmarks) in one or more of the disciplines which would have a high risk of getting lapped out of a draft legal race. We will work with these athletes to help them either find success in the non drafting format of the sport or coach them up to where they need to be to race draft legal on a consistent basis. As stated above, this doesn’t mean that they can’t race draft legal- we encourage it. This is NOT a fixed designation and may be changed if warranted or desired.

 

The Coaching Staff

 

Matt Valyo

Team Director/Head Coach

Matt, formerly  Talent ID Liaison at USA Triathlon, is certified as a Level 2 and Youth/Junior Coach, and a Certified Personal Trainer with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He has a BS in Exercise and Sport Science with a concentration in clinical exercise physiology from Fitchburg State University in Massachusetts where he also conducted research on junior and youth elite triathletes. Matt has been coaching U19 and U23 athletes since 2006 as well as directing multiple national and international development camps for the past 13 years.

 

Gabriella Stolpinski

Assistant Coach

Gabby has been racing with TAF since she was 13. Entering her last season in the juniors she has earned her USA Triathlon Level 1 coaching certification. Her racing career includes 3 Talent ID Series podiums including the 2015 Northeast Talent ID Series Championship. She earned her degree in education from the University of Connecticut.

 

Sue Sotir

Swim & Sports Psychology Consultant

Sue is a USAT Level III coach and has more than 15 years swim coaching experience at many different levels. She holds a PhD in Sports Psychology.