In the fall of 1992, when Lynnfield High created a junior varsity team for their boys soccer program, Marblehead resident Brett Munroe had no idea what kind of legacy would follow – becoming the face of Lynnfield soccer for the next three decades.
Munroe played the game at Marblehead High before suiting up for Franklin Pierce College a few years later. Once his collegiate tenure ended, Munroe continued to play in some adult leagues, and couldn’t quite get rid of his love for the game.
“I liked soccer a lot growing up. I’ve always liked it,” Munroe said. “To be honest with you, I love it.”
The North Shore native would coach junior varsity for eight seasons in Lynnfield, while current St. John’s Prep Head Coach Dave Crowell was at the varsity helm. Crowell taught him lots about the game and how to prepare for competition, Munroe said, who was ready for varsity action once Crowell departed.
Munroe has since coached the Pioneers for 30 years: eight with junior varsity; 22 with varsity. Three decades is a long time to be working the same job, and to Munroe, it truly is a dream one.
“I am still having fun. I still have a blast,” Munroe said. “It isn’t just about the season. I’m thinking about it all year long. I used to be able to play and be competitive at stuff, and now this is my competitive outlet and I love it.”
With that many years comes the same amount of rosters to coach. Munroe says the teams that are the most fun to coach are made up of players all pulling in the same direction, and for one another.
“When you have a bunch of kids with a singular goal, whatever that may be, it might be to get in the tournament, it might be to win your league. If you’re all working towards it, it makes the season more enjoyable,” Munroe said.
This year’s unit, led largely in part by senior veteran Alex Gentile, is currently in second place in the Cape Ann league. According to Gentile, the team’s head coach has something to do with that.
“He makes you want to come out every single day, and you want to run through a wall for him,” Gentile said. “Just the fun that he adds to the game. It’s not all work, we have fun while we win.”
Gentile’s statement about winning has certainly been backed up as Munroe has led Lynnfield to two state finals, six sectional finals, and the North championship six times – memories he says he’ll cherish forever.
“I’m really proud of our team success overall,” Munroe said. “In high school sports, it’s not all about winning, but we’ve had a great run.”
Another fond memory of his comes from the team’s 2019 tournament run when Lynnfield upset Watertown – a day that’s still reminisced about in the Lynnfield locker room.
“That was a great day for us,” Munroe said. “I know some of our kids that are on our team now still remember that day.”
When it comes to learning from those who have not only done, but done well, there’s plenty Munroe can share about the sport itself. He believes too many coaches believe in tactical play and analysis to win games – and from his perspective – it’s all about the basics.
“I think the main thing is just time with the ball. The kids who are comfortable with the ball at their feet, and they have good foot skills, they can fit in a lot of different positions,” Munroe said. “It’s the best thing you can do.”
The Pioneer faithful have had plenty to cheer about this season, courtesy of Munroe and the rest of the group. And with all of the goals, wins, and accolades, Munroe is ready for more – believing this year’s young team has the potential to surprise a lot of people.
“I’m thinking more that this team is better than some of the kids maybe think,” Munroe said. “I think we’re in a really good spot this year, hopefully to make a run deep into the tournament.”
Joey Barrett can be reached at [email protected]
