By Jamie Hanzo
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October 29, 2025
Coach Jodee Pulizzano Honored as Smalls Town Hero at Elmwood Grand Opening 🏐🍔✨ This week, our very own Coach Jodee Pulizzano, head volleyball coach at Archbishop Chapelle High School, was celebrated as the Smalls Town Hero during the grand opening of Smalls Sliders’ Elmwood location on Monday, October 27. The event honored Coach Jodee’s incredible legacy in Louisiana high school volleyball and her dedication to empowering young athletes across the state. A Hall-of-Fame Career Coach Jodee has been a pillar of excellence in high school volleyball for over 32 seasons, leading her teams to: - Six state championships - Three runner-up finishes Her outstanding career earned her a spot in the Louisiana Volleyball Coaches Association (LVCA) Hall of Fame in 2024 and the Italian American Hall of Fame in 2003. As the current President of the LVCA, Coach Jodee continues to shape the future of volleyball in Louisiana while inspiring and mentoring athletes at Archbishop Chapelle. A Community Celebration The grand opening of Smalls Sliders’ Elmwood location featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a check presentation, and recognition of Coach Jodee as a local hero. Representatives from Smalls Sliders highlighted her immense impact on the Elmwood community, calling her a true inspiration. "Honoring Coach Jodee as our Smalls Town Hero also makes this opening even more special. She truly represents the heart of Elmwood," said Melissa Kernaghan, Director of Operations at Boilermaker Ventures, which operates the Elmwood location alongside co-owner Drew Brees. Smalls Sliders Comes to Elmwood Located at 845 S Clearview Parkway, across from the Elmwood Shopping Center, Smalls Sliders brings its signature cheeseburger sliders, fries, shakes, and famous Smauce® to the community. Known for their Smorange™ Can design and fresh, cooked-to-order sliders, the brand has quickly become a fan favorite. Congratulations, Coach Jodee! We are so proud of Coach Jodee Pulizzano for this well-deserved recognition. Her passion, leadership, and dedication to her athletes and community embody the spirit of Chapelle. Congratulations, Coach Jodee, and thank you for continuing to inspire us all! 💚🐿️