For the first time in over a decade, the St. Thomas University men’s soccer program has a new head coach—Miles Pinsent.
After being crowned champions of the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) and going undefeated in the regular season for the last four seasons under previous coach J.R Morrison, coach Pinsent has some big shoes to fill.
But who is Miles Pinsent?
Pinsent coached the UNB men’s soccer team for 17 seasons, winning four Atlantic University Sport (AUS) championships and a bronze and silver medal at the U Sports championship tournaments. He also led Team Canada at the FISU World University games in 2017 as head coach.
“So much of coaching people think of these big events or championships won or awards, but, as a coach, you … value more than anything the relationship with the players that you’ve developed over the years,” said Pinsent.
Born in British Columbia, Pinsent’s coaching career took a turn a couple of years ago when the decision to continue coaching full-time meant having to move away from Fredericton.
“I just didn’t want to be away from Fredericton, which I consider my home and how my family members are here. So ultimately, when I returned to Fredericton a couple of years ago, I understood that that probably meant it was the end of my coaching career,” said Pinsent.
This changed when he was contacted by David Itoafa, head coach of the STU women’s soccer team, who reached out to him with the opportunity to take over the men’s soccer team.
“Miles has always been a coach that I have respected. When I was a younger player, he really helped me develop,” said Itoafa. “He is a highly respected, intense coach that loves the game and has a big focus on player development and growth.”
“We are very fortunate to have him working at St. Thomas.”
The three-time Atlantic Conference Men’s Soccer Coach of the Year said that it is a unique situation to be stepping in as the new head coach with a program that has experienced as much success as it has.
“I’m a competitor, so my goals are always to try and get the team to perform at the highest level that it can,” said Pinsent. “It would be nice for the program to take the next step and start to have some success on that national stage as well.”
For Pinsent, the biggest thing for him in a team is the commitment the players show to the program. He has already shared a few training sessions and indoor games with the team and so far, he said he is happy with the overall standard of play, work ethic and commitment shown by the players.
“I’ve been nothing but impressed here with my early dealings with the team,” he said. “I think where this team is at, if they’re playing their best, then ultimately, that results in more conference championships and more appearances at Nationals.”
Pinsent considers himself a non-believer in superstitions, usually, during game day he is excited to see the result of the hours of preparation put in prior to game time.
“I just try to stay relaxed and actually enjoy the competition.”
Canadian Interuniversity Sports, now known as U Sports, 2012 Coach of the Year Pinsent said he is aware of the legacy he has taken over.
“I’m not sure if I’d use the word pressure, but, obviously, you have to be aware of the fact that the team has been extremely successful under the previous coach. Everyone’s going to compare [me] to the previous coach,” said Pinsent. “There’s nothing you can do about that except, you know, put your best foot forward and do everything you can to help the team be as successful as they can.”
Veteran players Elias Stiphout and Sam Choinière agree that so far, coach Pinsent has a big focus on small details and player development.
“He seems to really know his stuff, caring about the details, caring about all the stuff and not only on the pitch but also off the pitch,” said the midfielder, Stiphout.
Choinière said that the fact that Pinsent has come up with a plan reassures him that the team is in good hands.
“He said he wants to make us reach the highest level of soccer that we can play and of course, winning. I feel it’s good he wants to win as well, like every competitor wants to win,” said Choinière.
Pinsent also considers himself a “music buff” and “Believer” by Imagine Dragons is the song he chose to be the soundtrack for his first season at STU.
