Joe Giordano - A Coach Who Cares

When I was younger, soccer was one of my defining hobbies.  I spent much of my time on school and travel teams.  If I wasn’t at a game or a practice, I was at the park, kicking the ball against the wall or practicing my dribbling skills.  I wanted very much to be the best sweeper in Nassau County. 

However, I wasn’t the typical soccer player.  I was a very shy kid and my personality didn’t always mesh with the other players’ aggressive spirits.  It was only the sense of community I felt within the small group of parents who watched over the soccer team that made me feel accepted and allowed me to enjoy the sport I naturally loved.

Joe Giordano was my assistant coach for many years.  He used to give me rides to away games and practices, and occasionally would take me to the park to practice with his son, Anthony.  I think part of it was that Joe sympathized with me because my mom was a single parent. 

But whatever the reason was, I appreciated his niceness and his involvement.  Although he probably never knew it, he was instrumental in making my soccer experience one of the most memorable parts of my childhood.  Thanks Joe.