"It is what you learn after you know it all that counts." -- John Wooden
BRIAN RUBINO
Brian Rubino has been the Director of the Capital District Post Players Camp since the camp's inception. He has worked with some of the top college and high school post players in the Capital District, including Anita Kaplan (Bethlehem H.S., Stanford University), Tanya Hansen (Albany H.S., Rutgers University) and Nikki Hilton (Troy H.S. and George Mason University); as well as Melanie Halker (Siena College, 2nd all-time leading scorer, former MAAC Player of the Year and currently playing professionally in Europe), Liz Lops (Siena College, 3rd all-time leading scorer, former MAAC Player of the Year) and Bronwyn Tobin (Siena College, team's leading scorer in 1999-2000, 2nd team all-MAAC). He has also worked with Post Camp alumnists Amanda Blackstone, Mohonasen H.S. and the University of Delaware, Jessica Tremblay, Colonie H.S. and Oswego State and Kristen Dessignue, Shenedehowa H.S. and Bryant College.
Rubino coached at Catholic Central H.S. in Troy for 6 seasons, from 1981-1986. His career coaching record at Catholic Central was 106-31. During his 6 year tenure, Catholic Central captured the Section II, Class A title on one occasion and were runner-ups on two occasions. Rubino was named Coach of the Year by the Troy Times Record in 1984 and by the Times Union and the Times Record in 1986. Rubino moved on to Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he served as Assistant Coach for one season. The team enjoyed one of its best records in the school's history. Rubino also served as Head Coach of the Adirondack Region in the Empire State Games from 1987-1989, where his teams captured two gold medals and one silver medal (overall record 11-1).
Rubino moved on to Siena College, where he was an Assistant Coach under Gina Castelli for 6 seasons, including the season that the Saints compiled their best overall record in the school's history (24-4). Rubino also served as the Director of the highly successful Siena basketball camps.
In recent years, Rubino has also conducted private tutoring sessions for individuals or small groups, and clinics for high schools (Mohonasen, Corinth, Colonie, Shaker, Cobleskill, Catskill, Averill Park, Maple Hill, Schoharie) on many topics, including the "fine points" of post play. Rubino has also conducted clinics for several area AAU programs, including the Albany Capitals, Empire Nighthawks and Saratoga Sparks.
Rubino is available for tutoring sessions, where players are offered one-on-one attention. For more information, return to the home page and click on "Private Tutoring Available".
Rubino received his BBA from Siena College in 1980 and currently works for the New York State Office for the Aging. He, his wife Tracey and son Anthony reside in Colonie.
"I will get ready and then, perhaps, my chance will come." -- John Wooden
VALERIE O'DELL
Valerie O'Dell has been the Co-Director of the Capital District Post Players Camp since its inception. O'Dell played at Schalmont High School from 1984-87 and graduated as the school's all-time leading scorer. O'Dell accepted a scholarship to play at Siena College. During her senior season at Siena (1991), O'Dell was selected captain and led the Saints to a 21-7 record. She led the team in scoring at 19.3 ppg (53rd in the nation) and rebounding at 9.3 rpg. She was named the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Player of the Year following the 1991 season. O'Dell completed her career as a 1000 point scorer.
A standout student as well, with a degree in finance, O'Dell was named to the MAAC All-Academic Team and she was named GTE second team Academic All-American. After graduation, O'Dell was invited to Spain for a professional tryout before returning to Siena to serve as an Assistant Coach under Coach Gina Castelli. O'Dell served as an Assistant Coach during the season when Siena had a 24-4 record, the best record in the school's history.
O'Dell also played in the Empire State Games for 7 years and her teams captured 3 silver medals and 3 bronze medals.
To honor her for her outstanding career, O'Dell was inducted into Siena's Hall of Fame in 1997.
O'Dell currently works as an Accountant with the Public Employees Federation (PEF). She resides in Duanesburg with her husband Jim and sons Zachary, Jesse and Shane.
