BASKETBALL COACHES IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY
Meet the Fairfield Fierce Coaching Staff
Fairfield Fierce was founded in 2016 with a simple mission: build a program where players receive elite instruction and develop the confidence, discipline and character needed to succeed in sports — and in life.
Our coaches teach the game the right way — with a focus on fundamentals, effort and teamwork.
Coaching Staff
Below is our core staff. Each season, coaches are matched to teams based on experience level, coaching style, age expertise and personality fit — ensuring every group gets the right leader for their development.
Scott Lipow
Program Director
Scott founded Fairfield Fierce in 2016 after coaching numerous AAU and travel programs throughout Connecticut. With 15+ years of coaching experience, Scott has developed hundreds of players across Fairfield County.
Scott emphasizes confidence, resilience, team-first play and high-IQ basketball — all grounded in detailed fundamentals and clear teaching points.
Tara Bennett
Girls Director
Tara is known for her ability to build disciplined, competitive and confident girls teams. A former collegiate player, she brings a deep understanding of player development, leadership and culture.
Tara emphasizes accountability, teamwork, communication and a commitment to doing things the right way on and off the court.
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Ricot Lominy
Trumbull Director
Ricot, a former two-year varsity starter at Trumbull High School, brings a fun but competitive approach to coaching. He stresses fundamentals, confidence and creating an environment where kids love the game.
Ryan LeMoigne
High School Prep
Ryan brings energy, positivity and strong fundamentals to every team he leads. With over 5 years of coaching experience, he focuses on teaching spacing, decision-making, effort and team culture.
Ryan is known for his communication skills and ability to connect with players while pushing them to improve every practice.
Dan Michel
Middle School
Dan brings a lifelong passion for basketball, experience as a high-level youth referee, and two years as head coach at Tomlinson Middle School. He emphasizes discipline, toughness and team accountability.
Michelle Cavanaugh
Fairfield Director
A three-year varsity starter and lifelong multi-sport athlete, Michelle brings 5+ years of rec and youth coaching experience. She focuses on fundamentals, confidence and preparing young players for more competitive levels of basketball.
Matt Bindner
Milford Director
Matt played four years of Division III basketball before coaching freshman, varsity and youth travel teams. He joined Fierce in 2017 and is known for his structured practices, attention to detail and ability to prepare players for high school basketball.
Deirdre Hynes
Head Coach
A standout high school scorer and former Sacred Heart University player, Deirdre brings 25+ years of coaching experience across basketball, field hockey and lacrosse. She emphasizes toughness, leadership and preparation for the next level.
John Redding
Stratford Director
John played both JUCO and Division II college basketball, earning All-America honors. With over a decade of coaching experience, he focuses on guard skills, spacing, physicality and competitive toughness.
Darren Lee
Head Coach
Darren is a current Fairfield Ludlowe High School boys assistant coach and former varsity captain. He specializes in teaching defensive positioning, spacing and next-level offensive concepts.
Jon Dinihanian
Head Coach
Jon played at Bunnell High School before coaching at Greens Farms Academy. He now oversees Club & Intramural Sports at Fairfield University and has a Master’s in Communication — which shapes his leadership style and player development approach.
Ryan LeWorthy
Head Coach
A Fairfield, CT native, Ryan has spent years coaching middle school athletes and preparing them for the next level. His primary goal is simple: to ensure every player is equipped with the skills, habits, and confidence needed to succeed in high school basketball and beyond.