Staples Girls Basketball

OUR COACHES

Our program is built on attention to detail, accountability, and a relentless commitment to player development. We believe in competing the right way through hard work, discipline, and teamwork, while creating an environment that challenges athletes to grow as players, teammates, and people both on and off the court.

Tommy Sparks

Varsity Head Coach

Coach Tommy Sparks joined the Wreckers before the 2024–25 season, bringing extensive experience at both the high school and AAU coaching ranks. He also serves as Girls Director with the CT Elite AAU program.
Prior to Staples, Sparks was the Head Coach of Immaculate High School’s girls program and previously spent five seasons as an assistant coach for the Notre Dame Fairfield boys team, including their 2018 Division I state championship run.
A former player at Albertus Magnus College, Sparks starred at Notre Dame High School, where he earned multiple accolades during his playing career.
Known for his attention to detail and strong player-development focus, he emphasizes accountability, fundamentals, and competitive intensity.

Tara Bennett

Varsity Assistant Coach,

Strength & Conditioning

Assistant Coach Tara Bennett joined the Staples High School Girls Basketball program ahead of the 2025–26 season, serving as the program’s lead for strength and conditioning.

She brings extensive experience as a coach, trainer, and former NCAA Division I player, with a reputation for developing disciplined, confident, and competitive teams. Throughout her coaching career, Coach Bennett has guided both boys and girls programs to playoff success, emphasizing fundamentals, basketball IQ, accountability, and work ethic.

Her background in strength and conditioning allows her to design training programs that build athleticism, resilience, and long-term player development. A former high school state champion and Quinnipiac University standout, Coach Bennett is passionate about helping student-athletes grow both on the court and in life.

Jim O'Donoghue

Varsity Assistant Coach

Assistant Coach Jim O’Donoghue joined the Staples High School Girls Basketball program for the 2024–25 season.

A former multisport athlete, he played varsity football and basketball in high school and brings a competitive, team-first mindset to the program. Jim has extensive experience coaching youth and AAU basketball throughout Connecticut, with a strong emphasis on fundamentals and player development.

Carl Deprofio

Varsity Assistant Coach,

Freshman & Junior Varsity Head Coach

Coach Carl DeProfio joined the Staples High School Girls Basketball program for the 2024–25 season and brings extensive experience developing young athletes.

He served as the head freshman coach in his first year and, beginning in the 2025–26 season, takes on an expanded role coaching both the JV and freshman teams, with head JV coach responsibilities marking a new step in his coaching career.

Carl is a longtime coach at St. Mary School in Milford, where he built a strong reputation for teaching fundamentals, discipline, and team-first basketball. His background working with developing players has made him a steady and trusted presence within the program. Coach DeProfio is committed to building a strong foundation for athletes as they progress through the Staples basketball pipeline.