NYGREN RETURNS AS HEAD SOCCER COACH

Don Bosco Prep is happy to announce that alumnus Roy Nygren ’78 has been named head soccer coach, effective February 1, 2021.

 

Nygren has a long and successful history with Don Bosco Prep, returning to the soccer program that he successfully ran from 1997 to 2007. During that time, he turned the Ironmen into a local powerhouse, leading them to six Bergen County championships and eleven straight league titles. Nygren is one of the winningest coaches in North Jersey, and has 426 wins over his four decades in the sport.

 

“The Don Bosco community is thrilled to welcome back Roy Nygren to the helm of the soccer program,” said Marcin Szorc, Director of Athletics. “The years of experience he brings to the table is unparalleled. We are looking forward to his leadership. Roy’s passion and enthusiasm for the game is contagious. Our student athletes are fortunate to have him as the next head coach.”

 

While a student at Don Bosco, Nygren was a three sport athlete, including being a member of the soccer, basketball, and baseball teams. After graduating in 1978, he went on to play soccer at William Paterson University, where he was an All-American his senior year.

 

After teaching and coaching at the high school level as well as for William Paterson, from 1988-1991, Nygren spent eleven years as head coach of Pascack Valley High School in Hillsdale before retiring in 2019 to care for his ailing wife. Bergen County’s iconic soccer coach is now rejoining Bosco’s soccer program and already feels right at home. He replaces Vincent Sileo upon his retirement.

 

“I am really excited to be back, and I look forward to continuing the proud tradition that has been established over the years,” said Nygren. “As an alumnus of Don Bosco Prep, I never felt disconnected from the school. I have carried the lessons I learned in the classroom and on the field with me my entire life. It influenced who I am and who I’ve become. It is a very special place to me.”

 

Nygren already has a game plan to prepare for the upcoming season, including making connections with current players, forming a coaching staff, and reconnecting with soccer team alumni.

 

“Our main goal is to connect with each player and form a team unit,” Nygren said. “We want them to know that their main goal is a common goal. Just like St. John Bosco called on for his people, to be selfless and to help one another. The Don Bosco crest on the front of the jersey comes before the names on the back."