East Side Volleyball Officials Association
An Approved MHSAA Association
ESVBOA Board of Directors
Board Members are independent volunteer contractors and are not directly employed with ESVBOA other than being members of the association.
Grant Harris / President
Born in Mt. Clemens and now residing in Marine City, Grant Harris is a retired Engineering Group Manager from General Motors, holding a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Wayne State University. A devoted husband to his wife, Crystal, for nearly 40 years, he is also a proud father to three sons—Chad, Scotty, and Danny. Outside of his professional and officiating career, Grant enjoys gardening, golfing, and vacationing.
With 21 years of officiating experience, Grant transitioned from the coaching ranks before returning to coaching eight years ago while continuing to officiate. His extensive officiating background spans multiple levels, including NCAA, NAIA, USAV, AAU, JVA, and MHSAA. As a USAV Regional official, MHSAA Observer, Trainer, and Assigner, he plays a pivotal role in developing and mentoring officials.
Recently elected as President of ESVBOA, Grant has been a board member for the past seven years, thanks to the encouragement of his mentor. He takes great pride in the steady growth of membership and the development of the state’s premier officials training program. His philosophy centers on collaboration and fostering a strong officiating community, which he considers family. One of his most fulfilling moments was seeing two of his mentees officiate the MHSAA Finals in the fall of 2024, reinforcing his belief that success is not about personal achievements but the impact made on others.
In addition to his contributions to officiating, Grant is the Varsity Volleyball Coach at Algonac High School. He remains committed to expanding mentorship opportunities and strengthening the cadre of officials through hands-on training and guidance.
A defining moment in Grant’s life came in August 2006 when he underwent a life-saving living donor liver transplant, a selfless gift from his son Danny. This experience has shaped his perspective, emphasizing gratitude, growth, and the importance of giving back.
His guiding principle, "KISS—Keep it simple, stupid!" underscores his approach to leadership and development, focusing on mastering one task at a time while nurturing the next generation of officials and athletes. Looking ahead, he aims to continue providing guidance and support, allowing others to shine in their respective roles while steering the organization toward continued success.
Ken Paskiewicz / Vice President
Originally from Saint Louis, MO, and now residing in Bloomfield Hills, Ken Paszkiewicz brings over 20 years of experience to the volleyball community. A passionate and dedicated official, Ken has worked at the high school, college, and club levels, earning a reputation for fairness, integrity, and commitment to the sport. As a Regional Referee and Vice President of ESVBOA, he strives to support fellow officials, foster new ideas, and ensure the continuous growth of the game.
Ken's love for volleyball extends beyond the court—both of his daughters played in high school and college, deepening his appreciation for the sport. He takes pride in mentoring young athletes and aspiring officials, encouraging them to pursue their goals within volleyball. One of his most rewarding moments came when a young referee addressed him as "Sir" out of respect, a reflection of the values instilled in her by her family. These connections and the opportunity to positively impact young people make officiating especially meaningful to him.
Beyond volleyball, Ken enjoys fishing, hunting, and spending time up north with his family. With four grandchildren, he cherishes attending their events and supporting them in their endeavors. Professionally, he is a mortgage broker, bringing the same dedication and trustworthiness to his work as he does to the game.
Ken believes in constant learning and collaboration, always striving to improve and help others grow. Whether assisting board members, implementing new ideas, or simply listening to fellow officials’ feedback, he is committed to making a positive impact on the volleyball community.
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Samantha Jay / Secretary
Samantha is a committed and accomplished volleyball official who brings experience, organization, and a love for the game to every match she officiates. A Port Huron native, Samantha balances her full-time career as a Sales Manager at the St. Clair Inn with her passion for volleyball officiating at the high school, college, and club levels.
Since beginning her officiating journey in 2020, she has quickly risen through the ranks, earning recognition for her dedication and skill. She was honored to officiate an MHSAA state final and was named the Bronze Whistle winner for her USAV Junior National class in 2023. Samantha takes great pride in staying involved in the sport, enjoying the opportunity to interact with student-athletes and watch them grow from high school to the collegiate level.
Currently serving her second term as Secretary for the East Side Volleyball Officials Association (ESVBOA), Samantha is passionate about growing and organizing the association. She is dedicated to providing consistent and high-quality training for new officials, ensuring they feel supported and confident as they begin their journey.
Beyond volleyball, Samantha and her husband, Dalton, enjoy boating, golfing, and spending time with their two beloved French Bulldogs, Maple and Poppy. She believes in fostering a strong, welcoming community for officials and is always ready to lend a helping hand to those looking to improve and grow in the profession.
Tom Watson / Treasurer
Born and raised on Detroit’s east side between Denby and Finney, Tom Watson has dedicated his life to hard work, leadership, and service. A retired Tier 1 automotive supplier, he also worked in radio, television, and event production, including concert and theater setup. His leadership spans multiple organizations, serving as president of AFSCME, past financial secretary of the Steelworkers Union, and board president of Orion Neighborhood Television, as well as vice president of the Orion Community Cable Commission.
Tom’s passion for volleyball began nearly 20 years ago under Arnie Gray, and he has since become a respected official. He is a certified referee for PAVO, USAV Men’s Club, AAU, and MHSAA high school volleyball, in addition to serving as a college-level scorekeeper and line judge. One of his proudest moments was scoring an NCAA match between Michigan State and Nebraska, a highlight of his officiating career.
A former competitive bowler, Tom bowled in five leagues at once and achieved a sanctioned 300 game, earning a championship ring. He also serves as financial treasurer for Eagle Aerie 3373, overseeing financial records and budgeting. Known for his dedication, kindness, and teamwork, Tom is proud to see Eastside volleyball grow to nearly 200 members, a testament to his commitment to the sport and community.
Michael Hashley / Recruiting and Mentorship Coordinator
Based in Harrison Township, MI, Michael "Mick" Hashley is a dedicated and highly respected volleyball official with over 15 years of experience. Transitioning from a background in basketball coaching and officiating, Mick has become a recognized figure in high school, AAU, and USAV National divisions. His passion for the game extends beyond officiating—he is committed to teaching and mentoring players, coaches, and fellow officials to uphold the integrity and quality of the sport.
As the Recruiting and Mentorship Coordinator for ESVBOA since the position's inception seven years ago, Mick has played a pivotal role in the organization’s growth, achieving the largest membership increase in a single year. His leadership and commitment to developing officials have strengthened the foundation of volleyball officiating in the region.
Mick's expertise and consistency have earned him the honor of officiating at the MHSAA Division 2 State Finals in 2021. His philosophy is simple but powerful: "It’s not about us; it’s about the game!" Whether on the court or mentoring the next generation, Mick brings energy, enthusiasm, and a commitment to excellence, ensuring that every official is as good as the game itself. Above all, Mick believes in making the game fun, fostering a positive and professional atmosphere wherever he goes.
Augusto Dumlao / Director of Training
Affectionately known as Gus, hails from Birmingham, Michigan, and currently resides in Auburn Hills. A former recreational volleyball player, golfer, and downhill skier, Gus has combined his passion for sports with a deep commitment to giving back to the volleyball community.
Gus began his officiating journey in 2009 as a USA Volleyball official and has since officiated at various levels, including high school, college, club, and recreational volleyball. His impressive credentials include being a USA Volleyball Junior National Referee (Lakeshore Region), a USA Volleyball National Scorer, a PAVO State Referee, and a PAVO National Line Judge. He is also a registered MHSAA Official, where he has served as an Observer and Trainer.
Since 2020, Gus has played a vital role as the Director of Training for the ESVBOA. Inspired by the leadership of mentors like Arnie Gray and Fusako Hines, Gus has worked tirelessly to enhance educational opportunities for officials. He is particularly proud of his contributions to the development of the Pre-Season Clinics and In-Season Meetings.
Recognized for his excellence in officiating, Gus has had the honor of serving as a referee and line judge for MHSAA Volleyball Finals multiple times, including in 2023, 2018, and 2024. Despite his extensive experience, Gus treasures the uniqueness and challenges of every volleyball match.
Outside of officiating, Gus is a Star Trek fan who lives by the iconic motto, "Live long and prosper." He encourages new officials to embrace the learning process by reading the rules, finding mentors, and observing seasoned officials. Looking ahead, Gus aims to mentor officials and foster a culture of knowledge-sharing within the volleyball community, ensuring the continued growth and success of the sport.
Wayne Rockensuess / At Large
Wayne is a seasoned volleyball official with over 35 years of experience across various levels including recreational, club, high school, and college. He has served as an "At-Large" Board of Directors member for ESVBOA since 2018, showcasing his leadership within the volleyball officiating community. Currently certified by MHSAA, Wayne works as an independent contractor and MHSAA Registered Assigner. Beyond volleyball, his educational background in finance and minors in marketing and general business, along with professional experience as a bank manager and financial advisor, reflect his diverse skill set. Wayne also holds registrations as an assigner and sports official across multiple sports, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to sports officiating.
Kelly Lemanski / At Large
Kourtney Thompson / At Large
Kourtney is an up-and-coming volleyball official with several years of officiating experience across several levels of play ranging from recreational, middle school, and high school, to college (primarily as a line judge). He’s been a member of the Eastside Volleyball Officials Association (ESVBOA) for the past seven seasons since transitioning from basketball. This is K.T.’s (as he’s personally known) first experience as an “At Large” Board of Directors Member for the ESVBOA. He was nominated for service by Michael Hashley, Recruiting and Mentorship Coordinator in the fall of 2024. Kourtney is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Wayne State University. While at U of M, he was a member of the baseball team and part of two Big Ten Championship winning teams. After 30+ years of teaching in the Michigan public school system, Kourtney retired in 2023. As of this publication, he is a busy high school and collegiate volleyball/baseball official.
