Staff

Ms. Malena Lair Ferrari Sports Department Chairperson and Athletic Director

If you have any questions, please contact your coach or Ms Lair Ferrari: mlairferrari@giswashington.org 

Mr. Mohammad Rad -Girl's and Boy's Soccer Coach and Middle School Coach

Mohammad Rad is a dedicated and accomplished UEFA B-Level soccer coach passionate about the game. With over 12 years of coaching experience both in Germany and the US, Mr. Rad has successfully helped players both technically and tactically. He was also a semi-pro soccer player in Germany and believes in a positive and inclusive setting such that players can reach their full potential while enjoying the game. His passion and commitment to soccer are evident in his continuous pursuit of new skills and certificates while staying on top of the most advanced techniques and strategies. He believes in inspiring and motivating players by advancing each individual’s full potential. Mr. Rad is currently the head soccer coach at the German International School in Potomac, MD, and has held multiple coaching positions in Virginia and prior to that in Krefeld, Germany. He lives with his wife and daughter in Vienna, VA, and enjoys the support of his family in being avid soccer followers of multiple leagues worldwide.

Contact email: mrad@giswashington.org

Mrs. Burcu Yildiz Yenigün - Volleyball

Burcu Yildiz Yenigun was born and raised in Turkey. She is an ex-professional volleyball player and graduated from Akdeniz University Sports and Science Faculty as a certified 3. Tier volleyball and 1. Tier swimming coach. She coached the Akdeniz University Men / Women Volleyball Team, Turkish Ziraat Bank Men Volleyball Team and worked at IMG Academy Florida as a volleyball coach. She is married and has an eight-year-old daughter. Her passion is all about sports and health and to share her knowledge with those  she is coaching. Her priority is safety, discipline, and learning with fun. She is focused on teaching students as a group while making sure each athletes makes individual improvements. Mrs. Burcu Yildiz Yenigun is very excited to be coaching at the German International School Washington D.C. and looks forward to helping students discover their talents.

My e-mail address is yildizlar.burcu@gmail.com
My cellphone number is (202) 873 3136

Mr. James Finizio - Cross Country, Track, and Conditioning

James Finizio is a highly experienced and accomplished head track coach with over a decade of experience in the field. He served as the head coach for the Cheetah track team at the City of Rockville Recreational Sports Department from 1989 to 2002, where he managed and trained up to 81 co-ed students per year, ages 6-15. He was responsible for organizing practices three times a week after school for two hours at Wooten HS Track, and leading the team to weekly meets at Richard Montgomery HS. During his tenure as head coach, James Finizio led the Cheetah track team to the City Championships against six other teams, culminating in the last week of the season. He also served as a two-time head coach for the Combined Rockville Recreational League State Team at the state championships held at Hershey PA. James Finizio is a member of the National Youth Sports Coaches Association and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Radiologic Technology. He is also a certified Radiologic Technologist and has extensive experience in medical imaging, having managed the medical imaging for the Washington Football Team and the Washington Nationals since 2009 and 2015, respectively. He has two adult children and has lived in Rockville City for 37 years.

Mr. Rashad Murphy - Basketball

Rashad Murphy was born and raised in  Washington, DC. He is currently a semi - professional basketball player for the DMV Warriors. He also tried out for two NBA G - League teams, the Capital City Go-Go & the Greensboro Swarm. Mr. Murphy has played four seasons at the high school level at Phelps ACE HS (D.C) before playing at the college level for Allegany College of MD for two seasons. He then played one season at St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, FL.

Mr. Murphy loves to work with the youth, building their character and preparing them for real world success as well as any challenges that they may come across. He will bring so much excitement, passion, and mental discipline towards the game of basketball. He has traveled all parts of world, training with one of the best athletes. From the NBA, WNBA, NFL, D1 Athletes, sports legends, and more.

His passion and dedication to the game of basketball has always resonated with him throughout his life. Mr. Murphy loves the game and applies it to his everyday life in order to grow as a person, coach, & player. He is very excited to be coaching at the German International School Washington D.C. and looks forward to helping students reach their full potential in order to achieve their goals and aspirations. His number one goal is to prepare every student athlete for college and life. His daily model is “It’s Bigger Than Basketball”.

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Justin Trell - Basketball Coach