Coach O’Hara Mimmo leads Revere volleyball with a culture-first mentality

By Dom Nicastro

The Revere High School boys volleyball team enters the 2025 season after winning 13 games last spring. That win total included a win in the Division 1 postseason, where the Patriots’ run ended in the Round of 32.

This week, the Revere Advocate catches up with head coach Lianne O’Hara Mimmo.

  Advocate: Tell us about your coaching history.

  O’Hara Mimmo: I started the boys program. This is our fifth season. I used to coach the girls team, but started an advanced graduate degree and will finish in May. I also coach girls basketball at my alma mater Bishop Fenwick.

  Who are the captains and what do each of them bring?

  O’Hara Mimmo: All captains must read and complete “The Team Captains Culture Manual,” a book written for leaders in athletics. They learn valuable lessons in the 4 C’s: Commitment, Confidence, Composure and Character, and what it takes to build a championship culture.

The captains are:

Kawan Dias, senior captain: Third year in the program, hard-working outside hitter, leader of poise and positivity.

Chris Choc Chavez, junior captain: Third year in the program. Leads in commitment and love of the team. Would do anything asked for the sake of the team.

Juan Perez, junior captain: Third year in the program. Great teammate and energy giver, brings up the level of competition at practice.

   Advocate: What will be team strengths this year and why?

 O’Hara Mimmo: Our team has great chemistry. They’ve been working to improve every day. The relationships being built will last long after the season has ended. They work tirelessly at growing through discomfort and improving mental toughness.

 Advocate: What are areas for growth and how so?

  O’Hara Mimmo: In terms of growth, we could always improve communication on the court. We are an undersized team so excellent defense is imperative. Also covering our hitters and blockers will be essential when playing taller teams.

  Advocate: Who are some individuals outside of captains to watch in the early going outside of the captains?

  O’Hara Mimmo: Isaac Portillo has improved in just about every aspect of the game. He plays a corner hitter during his club season, but we ask him to stretch himself to play libero. He is a relentless defender and all-around great teammate.

Larry Claudio was our lone setter last season. This year he will be playing double duty, setting and playing right side. He is a strong hitter and blocker.

Jeffery Garcia and Preston Kimemiah will play important roles at the middle hitter position; they continue to work on improving their blocking skills.

Advocate: Had any games/matches yet? If so, how did it go?

O’Hara Mimmo: We opened up our season on Thursday, March 27, against Milton at home. It was a close back-and-forth, five-set game. Ultimately, we won 3-2.

Highlights included:

• Larry Claudio: 21 assists, nine kills
• Kawan Dias: 10 Kills, eight aces
• Juan Perez Aristizabal: 10 kills
• Christopher Choc Chavez: 14 assists

We also beat Lawrence, 3-0.

Highlights included:

• Larry Claudio: 10 assists, six aces
• Kawan Dias: eight kills

Advocate: What are you looking to get out of the team this season?

O’Hara Mimmo: I’m looking to improve team culture to even greater levels. I would love for the guys to see each other as brothers/family. It is important to me that they develop trust and push each other to grow. I think we will be competitive in the league, but ultimately growth every day and loving the process are the most important things we get to work on every day.