It’s no secret that the Moore Catholic soccer program has been in a state of perpetual flux in recent years, but the school’s administration is hopeful that its latest head coaching hire will provide some stability. Last month, former European professional soccer player Ansi Agolli was tabbed the Mavericks’ third head coach in as many years.
The 40-year-old, who captained the Albanian National team as a player from 2005-2017, succeeds Deloha Mendez, who parted ways with the program after one season. Mendez’s stint followed Tom De Lacy’s three-year run as head man.
The turnover has effected the program, as the Mavericks’ roster dwindled in numbers and was forced to cut last season short due to a lack of available players. Nevertheless, Agolli and company are hoping to turn the tide and play a full 12-game Class B schedule this season.
Agolli, a native of Tirana, Albania, is one of the most decorated players in his country’s history and has ample experience as both a player and coach. He garnered 16 trophies while playing in the Azerbaijan Premier League and Albanian Superliga and also appeared in 73 international matches for Albania.
The former left back and midfielder previously spent time in the Europa League and Champions League. He most recently played for the New York Cosmos B team in the National Premier Soccer League for the past few seasons, but elected to hang up his cleats last year.
In 2020, Agolli opened the AB7 Soccer Academy in Castleton Corners with friend and former teammate Bljedi Bardic, who will serve as his assistant coach. The duo has coached numerous travel teams and local youth clubs over the years.
When the job at Moore Catholic became available, athletic director Mike Ponsiglione immediately thought of Agolli, who had frequently booked field time at the Graniteville school in the past.
“I watched him running his practices and playing some games here and his knowledge is top of the line with his background,” praised Ponsiglione….
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