GLOCESTER – Two educators who serve as directors for the Foster Glocester School District in their fields of expertise were named Coach of the Year in their respective sports by the National Federation of State High School Associations for the 2024/2025 season.
Michael Joyce was named boys wrestling coach of the year and David Carnevale received the award for eSports.
Joyce, a 24-year teacher at Ponaganset High School who serves as chairman of the English Department, has also served as athletic director for the district since 2023. A Ohio native credited with building the school’s wrestling program into a regional powerhouse, Joyce led the team from 2015 to 2021, when he moved into the assistant coach position.
“Each year, the National Federation of State High School Associations recognizes coaches and officials around the country for their outstanding service and unselfish devotion to interscholastic athletics,” noted a write up on the recognition in the PHS newsletter this month. “Individuals selected to receive the Coach of the Year honor are chosen based upon their performance as a coach on and off the field and the positive work they have done with the athletes in their program.”
Carnevale, who came to Ponaganset in 2022 as director of technology after serving in the same role for the Tiverton School District, started the high school’s eSports program that same year.
The Rhode Island Interscholastic League has offered electronic sports – school-based video game competition – for the past six years. As Carnevale was recognized for his success with the PHS team at the School Committee meeting this month, Supt. Renee Palazzo read a blurb on the National Federation’s position on the sport.
“NHFS has recognized that eSports in high school is a rapidly, rapidly growing, officially sanctioned activity where students compete in video games fostering teamwork, communication and leadership while boosting engagement and academic performance bridging traditional gaps by reaching non-athletic students and creating pathways to STEM careers and college scholarships, similar to traditional sports but played online with coaches and structured seasons,” Palazzo noted.
At RIIL’s eSports State Tournament held at the New England Institute of Technology this year, the PHS team took first place in Mario Cart 8 Deluxe in 2025 and runner up in Rocket League.
Carnavale’s program recently received a $2,500 grant from the ACT Foundation.
“Nominees for the official Coach of the Year Award must exemplify the highest standards of ethical conduct and moral character and carry the endorsement of your respective high school,” noted Palazzo of the coach.
“It’s been two, three years since you’ve started this and you’ve been to state championships,” said Palazzo. “I’m really proud.”
