On Sept. 6, head soccer coach Mr. Gino Miraglia was swarmed by his players holding colorful signs congratulating him on his 200th win as the girls’ varsity soccer coach after 16 seasons of coaching.

That day at King Field, Strath Haven won 8-1 against Upper Darby. 

Once the celebration calmed down, we talked with Miraglia aboout his perspectives on coaching and on this recognition.

How does it feel to win 200 games as a coach? Was this a goal you thought was achievable? 

“It doesn’t feel any different really. It definitely was not a goal of mine, it just happened. It makes me realize how long I’ve been coaching.”

What made you decide to start coaching soccer? Did you play in high school? Do you have a preference for coaching boys’ or girls’ soccer? 

 “I’ve played my whole life. I’ve coached both boys and girls. I started out coaching boys’ soccer here as the freshman coach. Then there was an opening on the girls’ side and- that was it. I’ve coached some boys’ club teams but I have no preference.”

What is your favorite thing about coaching at Strath Haven?

“Obviously the players, the girls, and working with Coach Adams—he’s great. The girls that we’ve had come through the past 16 years all were great. They have great character, it helps that they’re also talented soccer players.”

What challenges have you faced as a soccer coach so far?

“I don’t know if there are any specific challenges, just every year there is the challenge of replacing a graduating class with new girls. At the high school every year, new girls graduate, new girls come and you have to work with new players with different personalities. Trying to mesh is always a challenge as I find all of the players’ strengths.”

How did it feel to have so much support from your players after your 200th win? 

“It was very humbling and I was speechless. There were some girls that I haven’t seen in 10 years that showed up or either were there, or their parents were there or emailed me. It was just a very humbling moment.”