University of Connecticut Athletics
Staff Directory
- Title:
- Director of Olympic Sports Performance (Women’s Ice Hockey, Baseball, Women’s Volleyball)
- Email:
Team Assignments:
? Baseball, Women’s Ice Hockey
Education:
? Master of Education: Exercise Science and Sports Studies - Springfield College, 2009
? Bachelor of Science: Exercise Science and Health Promotion - University of New England, 2005
Certifications:
? CSCS/RSCC from the National Strength & Conditioning Association
? FMS Level 2 Professional & FCS
? USAW Level 1 Sports Performance Coach
? Precision Nutrition Pn1
? ArmCare Specialist & Pitching Biomechanics
? American Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED
Coach DeMarco joined the UConn staff in 2012. He currently oversees all aspects of training for Baseball, and Women’s Ice Hockey.
Before his current role at UConn, Joel played a key part in developing the Football team and led the strength and conditioning programs for Men’s and Women’s Track & Field/Cross Country, Tennis, Women’s Volleyball and Golf.
He has played a role in the 2023-24- & 2024-25-Women’s Hockey East Regular Season Conference Championships as well as the 2024 Hockey East Women’s Tournament Championship. While overseeing Track & Field Sports Performance from 2014-2016, Joel helped the programs to two American Athletic Conference Championships in Women’s Track & Field, a Men’s AAC Outdoor Track & Field Championship. While overseeing sports performance for the Baseball program, the team has won 5 Straight Big East Regular Season Championships (2021-2025) as well as the 2021 & 2022 Big East Conference Tournament titles. Baseball has also advanced to two Super Regionals since 2022. Joel has worked with 8 All-Americans in baseball as well as 34 MLB draft picks, 11 NFL draft picks and 3 PWHL draft picks.
Before arriving at UConn, Joel served as the first full-time Strength & Conditioning Coach at Trinity College where he built the Strength and Conditioning program from the ground up for 29 sports teams. Joel designed a state-of-the-art weight room and secured critical funding for cutting-edge equipment, all while being a key asset in unprecedented athletic achievements including Trinity Baseball’s 2009 College World Series appearance, a Women’s Lacrosse National Championship in 2012, five conference championships, 20 conference players of the year, and the development of 19 All-Americans.
Beyond college sports, Joel also spent three summers with the Buffalo Bills, assisting their strength staff during training camp. His coaching pedigree also includes a standout role with Men’s Basketball at Western New England College. While on the basketball coaching staff and serving as the team’s strength coach, the team set a school record with 22 wins and secured the 2007 ECAC New England Championship. Along his path, he interned at Williams College, Western New England College, Athletic Evolution, Springfield College, and UMass Amherst.
A native of North Adams, MA, Joel earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Health Performance from the University of New England and his Master of Education in Exercise Science and Sports Studies from Springfield College. He was a varsity letter winner in the sport of Basketball for the University of New England.
Joel resides in Vernon, CT with his wife Kara and daughters Malia and Evelyn.
