SWAMPSCOTT — If you thought Jaymie Caponigro was done making an impact in Swampscott, think again. The former star of the Big Blue is your new head coach of girls soccer.
“It’s really a full circle experience – being back where I was as a player,” former midfielder Caponigro said. “Not a lot of people get to coach for a program they were once a player in. I think it’s super special.”
After graduating from Endicott College in 2021 – where she scored 14 career goals and began coaching the New England Aztec club team – Caponigro moved back to Swampscott.
Despite following the Big Blue after graduation and helping out from time to time, she couldn’t have imagined what followed.
“Coach [Ken] Leeder called me when he said he was going to leave the position,” Caponigro said. “I thought – there’s no better time for me to throw my hat in the ring and see what happens.”
That dream turned to reality very quickly – well, not that quickly.
“I went through the interview process,” Caponigro said. “Everyone was super nice and the administration was great on communication… I always knew what was going on.”
And from there, a phone call from Athletic Director Kelly Wolff was all that remained.
“I was so happy and I accepted,” Caponigro said. “I have so much love for the game of soccer and so much pride for this community.”
Now, it’s all business.
“[We’re] finalizing the schedule now, putting together summer workouts so the girls can get ready for preseason, and then we’re going to hit the ground running come August,” Caponigro said.
Speaking of scheduling, when asked which team she’s most excited to face, Caponigro looked no further than members of the Northeastern Conference.
“The NEC is very competitive, so I know all of those games will be good ones,” Caponigro said. “I can’t wait to see how our team matches up.”
With how much of a competitor Caponigro is, it’s no surprise that winning games and qualifying for the state tournament are goals of hers. That said, it goes a little deeper than that.
“I think it’s really important we have an enjoyable experience,” Caponigro said. “You don’t always remember all the ones you won and all the ones you lost; you remember being involved in the experiences you had. I’ll keep that in mind as a coach.”
She’s not the only Caponigro in town, however. Her father, Joe, is Swampscott’s baseball coach. Despite his expertise taking place on the diamond, she’s learned a lot from her father.
“I’ve always got my love of sports, love of coaching, and being a role model for others through him,” Caponigro said. “He’s taught me a lot when it comes to coaching styles and handling yourself in different situations.”
And it’s safe to say – Joe is rooting for her.
“He was joking around saying, ‘You know, if you ever need an assistant, I could probably help out,’” Caponigro said. “I’m sure he’ll be making some appearances in the stands this fall to cheer on the team.”
As will each member of the Swampscott faithful, as Caponigro prepares to kick things off in year number one.
