New coach strives for European Tour

By Adam El-Baba

There was nothing but excitement when St. Clair College announced their new head for the Women’s Varsity soccer team, Nov. 20.

New coach Steve Vagnini didn’t hesitate to outline his immediate goals to the team.

“We are here to win. I want a provincial championship, I want a national championship and I want a European tour, bottom line,” said Vagnini.

With more than 20 years of coaching experience, Vagnini said he is clear on what he wants from the team.

“Playoffs, right away playoffs!” said Vagnini. “Next goal, provincial championships.”

Vagnini is replacing Dan Docherty, who stepped down after 11 years of coaching. Docherty lead the team to three playoffs.

Alongside Vagnini was Gadeer Sobh, his new assistant coach whom he’s worked with before.

“Steve and I are both very, very excited and I think that’s what a program needs, you need a fresh clean start,” said Sobh.  “You need someone who’s going to come in and be really excited and passionate to coach.”

SCC athletic coordinator, Jay Shewfelt, said Vagnini’s passion for the game stands out more than any other coach.

“He’s probably one of the top coaches if not in Windsor Essex, southern Ontario,” said Shewfelt. “He loves the game. He cares about the game. It’s not just that he wants to win, but he genuinely cares about the girls.“

St. Clair hires their coaches for a one-year contract but Vagnini said this is a long term change.

“I want to change the culture of this program,” said Vagnini. “I want to win. I want these girls to win. “

“It’s going to be a very disciplined squad, it’s going to be a disciplined program,” said Vagnini. “It will be very organized. They will know what practices, how many we have, how many exhibition games. That will all be done months ahead of time, so they have time to prepare.”

The only people that seemed more excited were the players themselves.

“I want to see us make playoffs, and make it somewhere,” said Emily Ditty, who’s been on the team since 2012. “Instead of being that team that everyone says, ‘Oh we are playing St. Clair, that’s an easy win.’

The indoor season starts mid-January, while the outdoor season begins in mid-August. Vagnini has been trying to secure extra gym time for practice, but values education just as much as the sport.

“School is very important, if you can balance school with athletics it will make you a better person,” said Vagnini. “St. Clair has a huge platform for that. It’s one of the best platforms for student athletes and I’m here to prove that.”