In a celebration of dedication, passion and athletic excellence, Wakefield Country Day School honored two coaches — Suzanne Zylonis and Gustavo Tisera — by inducting them into the newly established school’s Coaching Hall of Fame.
This initiative, spearheaded by Athletic Director Nile Patel, aims to recognize individuals who have made a lasting impact on the school’s athletic programs.
Suzanne Zylonis
Zylonis, a varsity volleyball coach for two decades and five-time coach of the year in conference, transformed the WCDS volleyball program into one of the school’s most supported and celebrated sports. Known for her ability to inspire her team and the school community, Zylonis led Wakefield to state tournaments, conference championships and two undefeated seasons.
“Coach Zylonis brought unmatched energy and excitement to our volleyball program,” said Patel. “She made the sport approachable and fun, encouraging countless young women to try something new and build their confidence on and off the court.”
And beyond the game, Zylonis continues to leave a lasting impression on her players.
“Ms. Z is the ultimate coach, teacher, and mentor any student could hope for. She started as my volleyball coach but quickly became so much more. Even beyond the court, I would often visit her just to talk, and she was always there to listen and offer support,” recalled Song Yi Chang, WCDS ’06.
Another 2006 graduate, Allison Russo, said, “Coach Zylonis was a wonderful influence on all of us and served as an excellent role model who exhibited warmth, compassion, and creativity. As a coach, she encouraged us to push ourselves and perform at our best while always modeling kindness and consideration for everyone.”
Maeve Dale (WCDS ‘15) shared, “The thing that makes the historically great coaches legends is that what they taught their players transcended the game they were playing, and I truly consider this to be the case with Suzanne.”
Gustavo Tisera
Equally celebrated and commended was Gustavo Tisera, a 12-year coach of both the girls’ and boys’ varsity soccer teams. Known for his passionate coaching style, Tisera turned the girls’ team, affectionately called the "Margaritas" (Spanish for "daisies"), into a powerhouse of success.
“Coach Tisera played a pivotal role in shaping both my character and athletic abilities. He also taught us about the significance of health, wellness and stretching, which not only improved my performance but also laid the groundwork for my future career as a nurse,” said Class of 2020 graduate Emma Cotter.
“Whether it was in the classroom or on the field, Mr. Tisera always pushed us to be our best. He had a special way of building up our confidence even when playing the most challenging teams,” said Elida Drew, whose athletic career at WCDS saw coaching from both Zylonis and Tisera.
Tisera’s impact extended far beyond the girls’ team, as his dynamic leadership shaped the boys’ varsity soccer program with equal energy and dedication.
“Coach Tisera’s dedication to his teams was extraordinary,” Patel remarked. Patel was coached by Tisera from 2014-2018. “His demeanor and way of coaching always allowed us to play our own style. He pumped us up in practice and conditioning, adequately preparing us for what we were facing.”
Tisera won coach of the year awards in conference from 2009-2013, and again in 2015 and 2017.
Through their leadership, Zylonis and Tisera embodied the school’s athletic motto: "Humble in victory and gracious in defeat.”
"Both Coach Zylonis and Coach Tisera have not only built successful teams but have also shaped the lives of so many young athletes," Patel concluded. "We are immensely grateful for their years of passionate service."