Coach Jim Tavormina has been the head
coach of the Bishop Ahr Girls Varsity Soccer Team alongside Coach Ernie
Penny since 2007. After nine years at the helm of the Bishop Ahr girls’
soccer program, he has announced that this season was his last. Since
2007, he has received numerous accolades including being awarded Coach
of the Year in 2013. His journey through the White Division is filled
with unforgettable memories that include being Co-Division Champions
back in 2011, consecutive GMC Undefeated White Division Champions in
2013, 14, and 15, and GMC White Division Champions in 2016. Coach Jim’s
crowning achievement was in 2013 when the team won the State Non-Public A
Championship, making it the first time in BGA girls’ soccer history.
This
year, the soccer team held an overall record of 14-5 and a conference
record of 13-1. As this was my last year at Bishop Ahr as well, I
reflect on my 4 years with Coach Jim as my coach. Even though he was the
head coach of the varsity team, he always showed an interest in the JV
team as well. During my freshman year, I remember the days when we had
practice and JV had a game or when we ended early Coach Jim would always
encourage us to go watch and cheer them on even if there were only
minutes left. I have had many coaches throughout my soccer career, but
none of them compare to Coach Jim.
As a coach,
Jim, would always say: “Play hard, play to win, and most importantly,
have fun.” Before each match in our pregame huddle, as a team we would
quote Coach Jim’s most famous saying: “You can if you believe you can.”
At any time, he was never afraid to tell us if we were playing beneath
our ability or when we needed to step it up, he always managed to tell
us in the nicest way possible but saying if we didn’t pick it up he
would get angry and no one would want to see him angry.
Thank
you Coach Jim for everything you have done for the BGA soccer program,
from planning the retreats, bringing in trainers to help us stay in
shape, and to standing up for us and showing why we should be playing on
the football field. Always remember we are one team, one goal.
Article by Stephanie Corea ‘17