After the passing of their esteemed coach, Stephen Sullivan , who was not only successful, but loved and respected across the shoreline and state, the Morgan Girls Soccer team needed someone to step up to fill the position. Soccer Coach Jon Harder was eager to take on this challenge.
Coach Harder shared that he decided to apply for this position because of his connection to the community. He has two children in the school system, and he has lived in Clinton since 2019. He also stated that this is something that makes this role different from his previous coaching jobs. When he’s not spending time with his family, or coaching, he works as a science teacher at Old Saybrook High School. Though his teaching career has given him experience with high school students, he also has over 25 years of high school coaching experience.
Coach Harder claims the key to succeeding in a coaching position is keeping the game simple, “with only 17 rules, the basic premises help to simplify the game.” He also hopes to help preserve Coach Sully’s memory by bringing home a 3rd Shoreline Championship, and possibly a state championship appearance. Coach Harder said, “I have a unique position because I am replacing a really well respected coach, across the Shoreline, the passing of Sully brought a lot of condolences and well wishes from other coaches and players, a lot of those people are still around, and it is a big responsibility to honor that.” Though Coach Harder has high aspirations for this year, he also has big shoes to fill.
On July 12th, 2023, the Morgan community lost one of their most esteemed and respected coaches, Girls Soccer Coach Stephen Sullivan. During more than 30 years of coaching, Sully had built an impressive career, with 3 Shoreline Championships , several state tournament appearances and many successful seasons. During his career Coach Sully impacted hundreds of past players, coaches, and community members. He was also awarded Coach of the Year in his final season.
Senior Captain Glenda Zhiminaicela contrasted the coaching styles of Harder and Sully when she said, “Coach Sully had an outlook on the team as a whole, and large team improvement goals. Coach Harder focuses more on the problems in each area, with drills focusing on things like defense vs controlling the ball. These both have their benefits, and we will adjust to the new style with time.” Senior captain Mia DiGiandomenico and several other players refer to Harder as a “creative problem solver.” Glenda also notes that like many of the older players, Sully played a large role in her life and soccer career. Sophomore Riley Febbroriello adds that a new coach means “we all have to prove ourselves again, which is a good motivator for us.”
On a more personal level, the team has taken steps to bring their new coach into the community by letting him know about their culture and traditions, and inviting him to team pasta parties. Sophomore Brenna Moore says the team welcomed him into the “MGS family.” The teams aspirations for Coach Harder’s first season include to continue on what Coach Sully left behind, winning seasons, Shoreline Championships and high hopes for states, as noted by Glenda Zhiminaicela. Junior Melanie Pugo shared that she hopes the team can carry over the team energy and bonding from last year, and make Coach Harder a part of that. So far this season girl’s soccer has a record of 2-0-2, and their next game is Saturday the 23rd of September, at 2:00 at Stonington High School.
