GRAHA Girls Coaching Staff Bios

Jason is a current level 4 coach. This will be his 5th season as a head coach of a Girls team and 1st year at GRAHA. Jason grew up playing youth hockey in the Lansing Area and later played ACHA hockey at Ferris State University. While in college he pursued a degree in Professional Golf Management. Jason is a 20-year member of the PGA of America. He has been coaching for the past 15 years and most recently with the Eastside Stars High School team. 

David Altergott has been a level 4 coach since 2020 and has been coaching youth hockey for the past 10 years. Coaching both on the Girls and Boys side, from learn to skate to 14u Tier 2. David has had the opportunity to gain a unique perspective, knowledge base and coaching style throughout the years. He brings with him a love of the game, a passion for growing girls hockey and the ability to give his teams / players the tools needed to achieve their current and future goals both on and off the ice. David was hand selected to help bring back the girls program in Kalamazoo, where he was the Head Coach for the 12u and 14u Tier 2 teams and #1 girls hockey advocate. After his daughter aged out of the Kalamazoo program, they headed to Grand Rapids “because of the coaching, development and culture that comes with the GRAHA organization.” His players, past and present, have gone on to achieve and compete at many levels from Tier 2, AAA, High School, Jr’s and College. He comes from a hockey family that include his wife Lauren (whom he met playing hockey), son Griffin (currently playing ACHA hockey at Adrian College) and daughter Hunter (16u Tier 2 GRAHA).

Coach Austin Hunt has been playing hockey since he was a child within the Greater Grand Rapids area, including playing for GRAHA. Growing up outside of Grand Rapids gave opportunities with other organizations throughout the State of Michigan. Austin played competitive hockey through high school. While studying at Michigan State University, Austin continued to play hockey as well as refereed for USA Hockey, MHSAA and NCAA (Women and Mens Division II/III). Returning to the State of Michigan a few years ago, Austin has once again renewed his desire to be involved with GRAHA as he has two daughters currently playing within the organization. His desire to instill the love of hockey into his players and further develop players is evident in/out of the rink.

Ryan Levitt has been around hockey for over 30 years on the ice as an official, player, and coach. His 5 years behind the bench at GRAHA has taught him one thing: hockey is about more than just the scoreboard. His mission is to develop high-level players and even better humans. Ryan's focus is building genuine relationships, fostering a culture of fun, and mentoring athletes to succeed both in the game and in life. Taking part in expanding the girls program last year was a great opportunity to add to the brightest growing part of GRAHA. Ryan looks forward to continuing this growth and the success of the girls programs here at GRAHA.