It’s time for the coach to get some attention.
Throughout the Everett High School girls soccer team’s 2008 state-championship season, Seagulls head coach Kosta Pitharoulis constantly applauded his players’ talent and dedication. Now Pitharoulis is in the spotlight.
Pitharoulis, who guided Everett to the Class 3A state title, has been named the 2008 State Coach of the Year in the small-school (non-4A) category by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. In his seventh season at Everett, Pitharoulis guided Everett to a 20-2-1 record and the program’s first state championship.
Pitharoulis is very deserving of the NSCAA honor, Everett High athletic director Kelly Clapp said.
“He’s been recognizing the girls and praising the girls for what they’ve done all year. But as we all know, behind every great team there’s a great coach,” Clapp said.
“It’s a great honor to be recognized — just kind of a cherry on top of everything for me personally,” Pitharoulis said. “But really, it’s always been about the girls and the team.”
Everett won its third consecutive District 1 title this season and outscored opponents 84-14. The Seagulls beat Seattle Prep 3-0 Nov. 22 in the 3A championship game.
Pitharoulis said he has been fortunate to work with such gifted, focused players.
“In all honesty, it is the easiest group in the world to coach,” he said. “That’s a great group of girls.”
State Coach of the Year winners will be honored in January at the NSCAA convention in St. Louis. The coaches are in the running for regional and national honors.
Writer Mike Cane: mcane@heraldnet.com. Check out the prep sports blog Double Team at www.heraldnet.com/doubleteam.
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