2025-2026

This will be Dick’s fourth year in the Xavier Dads’ Club and he has participated in every event. He is a passionate advocate for students, faculty, and staff at Xavier College Prep.

Dick grew up in New Jersey and attended the University of Vermont. His wife, Shelby is an ASU Sun Devil. Their daughter, Grace ’26 graduated from St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic School where the family are active parishioners. Dick was very involved with the YMCA Indian Princess Program in San Diego. He has coached Girls Softball at St. Thomas the Apostle and for the St. Francis Xavier Athletic Association for several years. He is currently the Xavier Softball – Freshman / Sophomore Coach. He is a licensed Private Pilot and active sailor. Having recently completed a forty-two-year career in the Construction Industry, Dick has become active with the Order of Malta.

Matt and his wife Andrea Tazioli have been married for 23 years and have two daughters Nora ‘28 & Molly ‘31. Matt earned his Bachelors from Chapman University and his Masters from Georgetown University.

Matt has worked in higher education for most of his career. Currently Matt is the Director of Operations at St. Francis Xavier School. He also is the owner of PHX College Counseling, helping high school students with their college admissions journey.

Jacob and his wife Leslie have been married over 20 years, raising several daughters who have been (’22), are (’24 and ’26), and will be (’29, ’32, ’38) attending Xavier. After attending university in his native Utah, he founded a successful technology company in Arizona.

By participating in the Dad’s Club, Jacob anticipates forming more enduring memories with his daughters and forging strong connections with other dads on the same journey.

This is Luigi’s third year in the Xavier Dads’ Club, and he’s excited to serve as your Treasurer! He initially joined as a Big Gator during the Frosh BBQ and has significantly increased his involvement ever since.

Luigi’s daughter, Mariella ’27, is thriving at Xavier after participating in gifted programs at CUSD and Great Hearts. His son, Vincenzo, will be attending the University of Arizona Honors College this fall. Luigi’s wife, Elaine, is a Speech Language Pathologist in the greater Phoenix area. She attended Providence College in Providence, RI, as well as Southern Connecticut State University. Luigi and Elaine will be celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary soon and are active parishioners at St. Andrew the Apostle in Chandler.
Professionally, Luigi is a Manufacturing and Business Management Consultant. He began his career as an Analytical Organic Chemist and was an Adjunct Chemistry Instructor at his alma mater, Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, CT. He also attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
In his free time, Luigi enjoys photography and film, and he aspires to learn astro photography. He values his involvement in the Dads’ Club for the friendships he’s built with other dads who share his passion and values, which ultimately brings them closer to their daughters and allows them to serve the Xavier community—students, faculty, staff, and families alike.

Jim Knapp serves as secretary for the Dad’s Club. He and his wife Cara have a son who recently graduated from Brophy (’25) and a daughter who is a junior at Xavier (’27).

Jason will be participating in the Dad’s Club, as the Winter Retreat – Ski Trip Chair.