This may be John Salvatore’s first year at the helm of Wilton High School’s girls’ soccer team, but he’s no stranger to the program. Salvatore has been supporting the high school program for the past decade, literally watching the Warriors grow up and become the players they are today.
As founder of Wilton’s Soccer Extreme, Salvatore has been involved in the development of many Wilton soccer players through camps, premiere teams, and supplemental training opportunities. When it was announced that Wilton High School was looking for a coach for the 2013 season, Salvatore recognized this was not only a fantastic opportunity, but a logical extension of his involvement with Wilton soccer.
“Wilton is such a great community,” said Salvatore. “There is a great interest in, and passion for soccer all around. The girls on this year’s high school team are fantastic; they’re enthusiastic and committed to working hard. Further adding to this positive environment, are the parents and the administration. Everyone has been so supportive and responsive.”
There was a huge turnout at this year’s tryouts – a testament to the depth, talent, and commitment to soccer found in this town. This year’s freshman team includes 20 girls, while the JV and Varsity teams each feature 18 girls on their rosters. The team also has a legacy of two state championships, achieved in the 10 years Salvatore has been working in Wilton.
While Salvatore, like any coach, has his sights set on championship titles, his long-term vision hinges on some more immediate-term goals. First and foremost, that includes creating a championship mentality.
“We are focused on building endurance that is deserving of success. And as such, we go out and try to earn it at every practice and game,” Salvatore explained.
His efforts are paying off. The varsity team is currently 6-2-3 (wins-losses-ties) and has not lost a game in its past seven attempts. One of the ties includes St. Joseph’s in Trumbull, a school that can recruit players from other towns, and as a result has become a powerhouse.
“I am very proud of our performance against St. Joe’s,” said Salvatore. “We outplayed them and we were actually ahead 2-1 with only five minutes left. Unfortunately, a referee’s call that was not in our favor led to St. Joe’s tying it up, but we left with our heads held high. We handed St. Joe’s their only blemish on their record to date, and that was a coup for us.”
With recent wins over Brien McMahon, Ridgefield and New Canaan, the Warriors are gearing up for upcoming match-ups against perennially strong Greenwich High School and Fairfield’s Warde High School, currently ranked number two. The game against Greenwich takes place today at 4 p.m. here at home at Kristine Lilly Field.
When Salvatore reflects on the season thus far, without a moment’s hesitation, he calls it a success. “These girls are smiling, loving the sport, and committing to working hard. There’s nothing better than that.”