By Jeff Odom
For the second time in as many years, the Steinbrenner girls soccer team has a new face in charge.
Angela Gillisse, a former University of Tampa and Durant High standout, was named the program’s coach July 18. She replaces Robert Woodard, who resigned in April after guiding the Warriors to their third straight district title with a 16-4-2 record in his only season.
“I think one of the advantages I have is knowing that (Steinbrenner) is such a successful program and a successful team, however, I don’t know any of the girls. … So it’s kind of a clean slate with them come tryout time,” Gillisse said.
Gillisse, who previously served as athletic director at St. Mary’s Episcopal Day School in Tampa, will teach physical education at the school. She said the Steinbrenner administration has been very welcoming to her, and she hopes to build on the program’s tradition of success.
“I’m excited about the opportunities and where the program can go,” Gillisse said. “I don’t anticipate (pressure) because I played at Durant High School when it first opened and we had a pretty strong athletic program. … Pulling from that experience, and then also playing in college for a strong D-II athletic program, has really prepared me for any type of pressure of situation. And if there is, I’ll embrace it.”
The Warriors, who won the Class 4A state title in 2010, lose recent graduates Cici Gonzalez, the program’s record holder with 91 career goals, and Taylor Valley (13 goals in 2011). They return senior midfielder Alexis Bredeau (eight goals, six assists), junior defender Miranda Gonzalez and senior goalie Stephanie Hirsch (eight shutouts).
Bosco named boys track coach
Steinbrenner social studies teacher Mike Bosco has been named boys track and field coach, Steinbrenner principal Brenda Grasso announced July 16.
Bosco, who has been with the school since it opened in 2010, resigned his post as boys swim coach after just one season in order to take the position vacated by newly named football coach Andres Perez. He will remain on Perez’s staff as the wide receivers coach.
Grasso said in an email she hopes to name a replacement boys swimming coach soon.
