YHS Girls' Soccer Coach and this year's New England Large School Coach of the Year Wally Caldwell is seen here giving instruction to his squad during their run to the state title this past fall.
Photo by Lev Yashin
YORK - For York Girls' Soccer Coach Wally Caldwell, the good times seem to have just kept on rolling.
On the heels of his team's thrilling run to capture the Maine Class B State Championship, Caldwell was named, first, the Maine Class B Girls Coach of the Year, and then, on Nov. 28, the New England Large School Coach of the Year.
Caldwell said his initial reaction to the awards was that they were both a tremendous recognition for the success of the team and the program at York.
"Getting the State Championship was definitely the best part of the season because everyone from the team to the community to the school and to the parents of the players could share in our success," Caldwell said.
But while Caldwell, in his inherently modest way, did his best to spread the recognition around, his fellow members of the York School Department were straightforward in their praise of Caldwell himself.
"We are all very proud of Coach Caldwell," said York Superintendent of Schools Dr. Henry R. Scipione.
"He exemplifies the characteristics of an outstanding coach and, more importantly, of an outstanding human being," stated Scipione, adding that in his view Caldwell's care, concern and dedication to his team is paralleled only by "the care, concern and dedication shown to each student he teaches."
York High School Athletic Director Ted Welch said Caldwell was "deserving of this recognition for being a role model and positive influence on our students."
The award for Caldwell, a former midfielder at Southern Connecticut State, has been the culmination of a lifetime devoted to coaching and teaching. Caldwell has been a soccer coach in one form or another for the past 35 years, the last 13 with the York girls. Caldwell is also the coach for the boys' wrestling team in addition to his role as a teacher at York High School, along with assistant roles in high school track and various summer athletic camps.
Caldwell credited his wife of 37 years, Emily, and the rest of his family, for supporting him over his career.
"My family, from my wife, three sons, six brothers and sisters and my mom, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, couldn't be happier for me. They truly understand how much I enjoy coaching and have seen me miss many important family gatherings because of my coaching responsibilities," he said. "A lot of times when we do get together the conversation ends up being about sports and how my team is doing."
Having won the award for New England, Caldwell will now head down to Baltimore, Md., in January for the annual convention of the National Soccer Coach's Association of America, where he will be among the finalists for the National Coach of the Year Award.
Meanwhile, Caldwell and his team are still basking in the glow from their collective success.
"I think it's great for him and something he's deserved for a long time. It's definitely the topping on a very sweet year," said Caldwell's senior Tri-Captain Kate Rasche.
"This season was special," agreed Caldwell, "and I'm still having a lot of fun even weeks and months after it is over."
