Rob Traverse - Head Coach (18U Blue Team)
Director and Coach, Rob Traverse has led the RI Fire n’ Ice softball program since its inception 13 years ago. Under his direction, RI Fire n’ Ice has grown into an elite softball program on and off the field.
A veteran in the coaching ranks, Traverse has spent 20 years as head softball coach at East Providence High School before retiring from the position in 2019. He coached the Townies to the Southern Divisional Championship in 2001, 2004 and 2005 and has over 230 wins to his credit in division I. During his tenure, the Townies have qualified for the Division I state playoffs 19 out of 20 years. In 2019, the team received the Sportsmanship Award for D1 while finishing 11-5 on the year. In 2016, the Townies received the "It Takes a Team Award" by the Providence Journal. Traverse was named “Division I Coach of the Year” in 2013 and reached the Final Four in 2017 for the first time since 2005. In addition, he has provided instruction at numerous softball and baseball camps throughout the region for the past 32 years.
As a player, Traverse was a standout second baseman for East Providence High School earning all-star and all-state selections in 1985. He went on to play Division I collegiate baseball at the University of Rhode Island from 1985 to 1989 and was named team captain in his senior year.
Traverse graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1989 with a degree in education and after a 33-year career in the East Providence School Department, he is a senior advisor and Director of Civic Programming for the Secretary of State.
Joe Bell - Assistant Coach (18U Blue Team)
Coach Joe Bell joins RI Fire n' Ice as assistant of the Blue Team. Coach Bell was a standout outfielder at Pilgrim High School in the early 90's and went on to play at the University of Rhode Island. Coach Bell's knowledge of hitting and the outfield position is a welcome addition to FNI.
Rich Fonseca - Head Coach (2023 Red Team)
Coach “Fons” returns for his sixth year with FNI. Coach Fons was a standout college baseball player who played for former Red Team Coach, John LaRose at Johnson and Wales University. After graduation, Fons also served as one of Coach LaRose’s assistant coaches at JWU. His knowledge of the game, experience as an infielder, love for fitness, and calming influence always makes Coach Fons a welcome sight. He will serve as an instructor to both teams but be the head coach to the Red '23 Team.
Eric Soares - Assistant Coach (2023 Red Team)
FNI is lucky to have Coach Eric as the lead assistant of the Red '23 Team. Coach Eric was a former head coach of the RI Thunder Gold 14U team four years ago. A real student of the game, Coach Eric loves to teach and discuss hitting. His demeanor and knowledge of the game has made Coach Eric a valuable asset to FNI.
Joe Baris - Head Coach (Red Prospect Team)
Coach Joe brings his knowledge and experience to RI Fire n' Ice from the RI Crush organization. Coach Joe was a standout player at West Warwick High School in the early 90's and went on to play at Sacred Heart University. Coach Joe is a veteran of travel softball and someone who orchestrated the partnership between RI Fire n' Ice and RI Crush.
Mark Silvestri - Assistant Coach (Red Prospect Team)
Coach Mark joins FNI from the RI Crush organization. Coach Mark, an excellent player in his own right, has an innate feeling for the game and brings a sense of humor and realistic approach to the FNI coaching staff.
Ally Beaton - Head Coach (14U Team)
Coach Beats will be entering her 6th year as a coach at FNI. As the former 18U Blue Showcase Team's top assistant for the past 4 years, Coach Beats brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as both coach and player. A graduate of Assumption College, and a Hound all-time great, Ally earned DII All-East Region in her senior year. In addition, Coach Ally earned First Team All-NE 10 multiple times as well as being the runner-up for “Female Athlete of the Year” at Assumption in her sophomore season. Coach Beats was named captain in both her junior and senior years as a Hound. Ally is one of the greatest players to ever play for FNI and brings attention to detail and ability to connect with the players and coaches alike. While at Smithfield High School, Coach Beats was named Providence Journal First-Team All-State for each of her four years.
Bri Castro - Assistant Coach (14U Team)
Coach Bri is in third season as an assistant coach. Coach Bri was a standout catcher and second baseman at URI for four years, before graduating in 2017. Recently, Coach Bri was invited to try out for the Colombian National Team with the hope of competing in the next Olympic games. She brings an expertise in the area of catching and also a first-person experience at what it takes to play at the D1 level. Coach Bri will once again, be an invaluable mentor to our young ladies.
Mackenzie Richards - Assistant Coach (14U Team)
Coach Mack is in her second year with FNI as an assistant coach. A standout player at Cranston East, playing under Coach PJ Bessette, Mack went on to a stellar career at Assumption. A 3-year starter at the hot corner, Mack was a true leader for the Hounds both on and off the field. She brings a competitive edge that will certainly rub off on our players.
Lon Hall - Head Coach (12U Elite Team)
Coach Lon comes to FNI as a veteran of the travel softball circuit as well as an experienced middle school coach (Head coach of Allan Shawn Feinstein in Coventry). Coach Lon is passionate, hard-working, and tireless. In his spare time, he runs tournaments just about every weekend and has met great success at every level.
Jen Cook - Assistant Coach (12U Elite Team)
Coach Jen is one of the most decorated players in RIIL Fastpitch history. A three time all-state player at West Warwick HS in the mid 90's, Jen went on to star at RIC. Jen understands exactly what it means to be a student-athlete and brings a wealth of experience to the FNI 12U Elite team.
Mike Cassie - Assistant Coach (12U Elite Team)
Coach Mike continues to serve on Lon Hall's staff after a stint at RI Crush. Coach Mike brings enthusiasm, humor, and a light-hearted approach to the staff.