LYNN — The Classical girls soccer team has found its new head coach. Classical Athletic Director Bill Devin announced earlier this week that Mike Schena has been appointed to take over the Rams. Schena, a Medford native who resides in Nahant, is excited to start a new chapter in green and gold.
“After my initial phone call from Classical it was exciting,” Schena said. “I’m just looking forward to the opportunity. It was an absolute blessing.
“I want to thank Bill, (interim principal) Amy Dunn and (assistant athletic director) Cathy Ellis for the opportunity to guide their varsity girls,” Schena said. “I’m truly thankful for the opportunity. I’m very excited.”
Schena steps in for former Rams coach Mark Ierardi, who coached Classical for two seasons. Under Ierardi’s guidance, the Rams made positive strides. Classical went 9-8-1 during the 2018 regular season and qualified for the Division 2 North state tournament.
“It’s a fairly oriented program in my mind,” Schena said. “It’s a passionate organization. The passion itself, just by sitting with Billy, I felt that passion that I’ve always wanted to be a part of as a coach. I think that’s what drew me to make my decision once they asked me to be the coach.”
Schena played four years of varsity soccer at Medford High. His success on the field wearing the Mustangs uniform helped him develop a love for the game that he still carries with him.
“Losing one game in four years gave me the drive and intuition as an individual,” Schena said. “It’s been in me since my days prior to soccer. Medford Youth Soccer is where it started. That Medford High tradition is in my blood. Winning is what I want to do and what I hope I can extend to these girls.”
Schena has coached soccer at the youth levels in Swampscott and currently coaches multiple age groups in the FC Padova club organization. He has 12 years of experience in coaching soccer. This marks his first coaching role at the high school level.
“I feel like I’m prepared in many aspects,” Schena said. “I think what I can bring to the table is leadership skills. With my experience with coaching a club high school team, I feel that I’m ready for this challenge in a positive way.”
While Classical’s progression on the field will determine whether or not the Rams can get back to the state tournament, Schena prioritizes off-the-field growth as well.
“I’m a passionate coach,” Schena said. “I’m a patient coach. I’ve coached young ladies at every well. I’ve always taught them to be respectful on and off the field. I’ve always been passionate and professional and I teach players to do the right things on and off the field. That’s always been a part of my philosophy.”
Schena’s new to the Northeastern Conference but he knows what to expect. The Rams will be tested each time they match-up against a NEC opponent, meaning they’ll have to be ready to play if they hope to build on last season’s success.
“It’s a very competitive conference within itself,” Schena said. “The competition we’re going to be playing is tough competition. We’re going to try and withstand some challenges. I’ll do my best to try and guide these girls in the right direction.”
