COACHES

Coach David Blau first played Ultimate in High School, circa 1981. During his playing days he was a two-time College semifinalist at Cornell University, a six time National Champion, and four time World Champion with New York Ultimate, and a two time Masters Champion. After retiring from competitive play, David coached at the youth, college, club, and pro levels, winning both a Club National Championship and an AUDL Pro Championship in a coaching role.

“I feel very fortunate to have a role within the Empire organization. Finding ways to contribute to the goals of the team provides a tremendous amount of satisfaction to me, and I like being a part of a league that is expanding Ultimate’s audience.”

Coach Charlie Hoppes has been an ultimate coach for 14 years, with significant coaching experience at the Youth Club, High School, College, Club and Pro levels. Charlie coached the Messiah Falcons Men's Ultimate team for nine years and was named the 2019 Ohio Valley Men's College Coach of the Year. Hoppes has served as the Head Coach of Philadelphia Patrol since the team's inception in 2014, qualifying for USA Ultimate Club Nationals three times. He currently continues to coach Patrol and DEVYL Boys U-20 in the Youth Club Division. 

  • Won (2) Maryland High School State Championships with Urbana in the Open Division, 2007 and 2009

  • Served as an Assistant Coach for the Philadelphia Phoenix in 2014 and 2015, and for the Philadelphia Spinners in 2015

  • Hired to be the Head Coach of the Philadelphia Spinners in 2017

  • Had #11 retired in his honor at Messiah University

“The Empire have been the model of excellence in professional ultimate for a while. It is an absolute honor and thrill to coach the defending champions. I cannot wait to get started.” ​

Coach Anthony Nuñez has been involved in ultimate since he was 14 years old. He learned the game at the birthplace of Ultimate, Columbia High School in Maplewood, NJ. Anthony has been coaching for 23 years and has coached at the Youth, College, Club and Pro levels. Anthony has served as one of the coaches of Philadelphia Patrol since 2016, qualifying for USA Ultimate Club Nationals twice. He currently continues to coach Patrol, Westfield High School's ultimate team and is the head coach and a founding member of the DEVYL Boys U-20 team in the Youth Club Division.  

  • Won 13 New Jersey State Championships, 11 as Coach of Columbia High School and two with Westfield High School

  • 2010 New Jersey State Coach of The Year

  • 2010 1st Place and 2016 2nd Place Finalist with Delaware Valley Youth Ultimate Team at Youth Club Championships

  • 2008 1st Place Eastern High School Championship with Columbia High School

  • 2013-2016 New York Rumble Coach

“The New York Empire is a program that is rich with tradition. I am very excited to be a part of this organization and cannot wait to work with these very talented athletes.”