SPARTAN SPORTS STAFF

JAMES ZIAJA

OWNER & PRESIDENT

DWAYNE MISTER

BOY'S COORDINATOR

Chris Short is responsible for the communications efforts for Spartan Sports Beyond Hoops, the non-profit component of Spartan Sports Inc. With more than 30 years of experience in developing external and internal communications strategies for companies large and small, he oversees public relations, social media, and promotion for charitable organizations.

In his most recent role, Short led Pinnacle Fit Clubs (one of the largest Planet Fitness franchisees) communications efforts. Prior to that, he worked at several different companies and PR agencies over the course of his career where he managed dozens of sports focused communications campaigns including projects with the Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, Ditka’s Gridiron Greats (Super Bowl media row) and several other major sports franchises and collegiate organizations given him an excellent understanding of the world of sport PR.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Short also coached travel basketball, baseball, and football for over a dozen years and was one of the first coaches in Spartans basketball history leading teams to multiple championships during that time.

He earned his Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from Illinois State University. He has been a guest lecturer in communications classes at the University of Kentucky and Illinois State University. Short currently resides in Park Ridge, IL.

Strength , Speed , and Conditioning Coach 

Coach Kaete Lualhati graduated from Oswego East High School in 2008. Grew up in a basketball family and played 2 years for district 308. She is a combat veteran and served 8 years in the service. Coach Kaete has completed Military warrior leadership courses where she carried her title as a squad leader and she completed sergeant school.

She is passionate and focuses one on one and group fitness training. Coach is also a former instructor at Xsport Fitness . Kaete’s perspective on strength training is highly based on mental toughness and improving speed, and strength for all athletes . She has been on staff as the strength and conditioning for Spartans since 2025.

Graduated from Taft in 2012 with All-Conference and All-City honors

Went on to play in college at Benedictine University where in he was Captain of the 2016 National Runner-Up Team (31-1 record)

Was an NCAA Elite 90 Award Recipient 2016

After college signed to Aris Basketball Club in Greece (FIBA Europe)

Girl's Varsity Assistant Coach and JV Coach at Taft H.S.

(2016-17)

Boy's varsity Assistant Coach and JV Coach at Taft H.S.

(2017-2020)

Started Spartans Basketball High School level coaching in 2020.

Jacob Dillon has been coaching since 2017. He played high school basketball at Von Steuben Metropolitan High School in Chicago, IL. A former Spartans Sports player, he has been coaching with the program since 2019.

He is a Gold Licensed USA Basketball Coach and has trained multiple players ranging from ages 10-17. He coaches our Jv silver , and 8th grade gold teams. He also coaches our 8th grade Elite team that participates in Exposure Tournaments. Ny2LA, Prep Hoops , Etc.

Coach Stewart played basketball at Von Steuben High school where he has over 3 years of coaching experience. He is also Currently assisting on the coaching staff for the Ohio Wesleyan University Men’s Basketball team while earning his bachelor’s degree.

Coach Jack is a first Time coach in the Spartans Program. We are excited to have him join our basketball family. Coach is a Long Beach State University graduate. He played Highschool Basketball at St. Norbert’s and Santa Margarita Catholic Highschool in California. He also played AAU in Prince William county, VA, for 3 years.