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Local coach receives award
By COURTNEY DENEN
Carlo Trafficante, 37, is a lifelong Austintown resident who has been coaching at Fitch for 11 years. The National Federation of State High School Associations has recognized him as the 2009 Coach of the Year for Ohio in the sport of girls soccer.
“It’s a nice honor. I think the award is a great reflection of our program,” Trafficante said.
He credits his players for his exceptional coaching abilities.
“I have to admit that I have been blessed with some wonderful kids to coach,” he said. “They are great young people who work very hard.”
Trafficante started playing soccer at a young age and loved it from the start.
He said the more he played, the more he learned and enjoyed the game.
“There is a lot more to the game than meets the eye,” he said, “I just wanted the opportunity to pass along my knowledge and passion for the game to others.”
His hope is that his love for the game will have an influence in the development of the player’s love for the game.
He wants to do more than just coach soccer. He truly wants to make a difference in their lives.
“I try to teach the kids that it is the little things that make a big difference in the long run,” he said, “If you do these little things each day, the likelihood that you will succeed in the end is greater.”
Even though receiving the Coach of the Year award is a great honor, Trafficante is not allowing it to affect preparation for next season.
“We have a great core of kids returning. We expect to have a successful season and we expect to be highly competitive in every game,” he said.