Retirement has its advantages. Just ask Steve Vagnini. He is now the interim head coach of the St. Clair College men's soccer team. "I have a whole day every day." Vagnini said with a chuckle. "That's the only way something like this happens. You need full commitment."
Vagnini takes over for Mike Baraslievski who retired last week after 31 years at the helm. With training camp starting next month Vagnini was asked if he would consider taking on the men's team. He, in turn, reached out and got commitments from former Windsor Stars all-star keeper Anthony Santilli, Massimo Pollard who won national bronze with the Saints last season and Gianni Ferri who played four years at Michigan State University.
"That was the catalyst," Vagnini told Powerplay Sports. "I never really asked why do both. It was never really a question."
Vagnini says Santilli is still an elite goal keeper and will be a great teacher. "He brings so much experience to the game."
Vagini is excited about Ferri who is 24 and has youthful enthusiam when coaching young players in our area. "He went to Europe. He signed a contract. He decided to come back then he played four years at State. No fly by night college. He brings that experience."
Pollard was the heart and soul of the Saints soccer team during his time with the program. "Massimo brings that leadership. He knows what it takes."
It's obvious Vagnini has confidence in his staff and retains his women's coaching staff as well. "It's not about me. It's never been about me. It's about the program."
He plans to mirror what he does with the women's team and have an army of 40 instead of 20 when the Saints suit up against their opponents this fall. "It pushes them to do well and they push each other. They back each other up. Power in numbers."
"If I get the same energy from the men that I got from the women last year we're gonna do really well."
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