Greg Spagnoli’s Soccer Coaching Legacy Developing Champions On and Off the Pitch

CAO’s Empowering Stories from Behind the Bench article series – July 2026

“As a coach and educator, you do things the right way and students tend to follow it.”

By David Grossman

He remembers those early years, back when he was a teenager benefitting from inspirational educators and coaches.

These were intriguing and appealing times for Greg Spagnoli. Also, there were some fascinating years of education, growth and dipping into the world of leadership and responsibilities.

It was also the start of something huge for him. Looking back, one might see it as somewhat of a dream come true. For the past 25 years, Spagnoli has been a busy chap. For him, it’s been about providing opportunities to showcase young people and highlight their efforts, achievements, triumphs and prosperity.

As an honors academic student at Cardinal Leger Catholic Secondary in Brampton, Spagnoli was also a multi-sport athlete. He was well known around the school, a popular guy, a pacesetter and luminary of sorts. Spagnoli absorbed advice, especially from his school guidance counsellor Steve Pettit. The time would come for his initiation to the enterprise of coaching.

It was also a time for Spagnoli to make his mark emphasizing discipline, improvement and training. This was a tough job for a 17-year-old in his final year of grade school – and while also contributing as a player on the school senior boys’ soccer team.

Hearing that the school’s senior girls’ soccer team had a lineup of remarkable and dedicated players, there was something missing. There was no coach. Things would change. A sympathetic Spagnoli wanted to get involved. The school administration staff, aware of his strengths and popularity, advanced their trust and gave him the green light.

Spagnoli, with lots of experience as a player and knowledge of the game, was about to launch his initiation at coaching. As for the team, the roster was made up of girls who were his age – and even classmates. Finally, the results – they would advance to the Region of Peel playoffs that year, too.

“There were significant challenges,” said Spagnoli. “It was a great experience. Everyone was playing, learning and respectful – and it was a great way to end that school year. Developing the person before the player is what makes you better.”

Soccer, an activity and sport that he took to liking and learned as a seven-year-old with local clubs, would continue for Spagnoli while he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at York University. He spent four years as a striker and would play on a team that won a bronze medal in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) circuit.

But there were other memories – and not so pleasant.

In his rookie year at York, Spagnoli required surgery after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament during a practise. His admiration for the sport continued – but had to remain off the soccer field for almost one year. Spagnoli would have to deal with a second anterior cruciate ligament. This time, on the other leg.

Next up on his academic studies, it was the Ontario Institute for Education at the University of Toronto. For him, a career goal of becoming a teacher.

With the World Cup now followed by millions of people across the planet, the Coaches Association of Ontario – in the wake of Canada’s huge success making it to the round of 16 – the CAO is shining the spotlight on Spagnoli in this month’s popular feature story series “Empowering Stories from Behind the Bench”.

There is also a connection – other than Spagnoli playing soccer (coaching several provincial high school gold medals with team at Canpion). It’s his connection to Canada’s National team. Three of the acclaimed players wearing the red-and white were once his students and players at Campion – Jonathan Osorio, Cycle Larin and Tajon Buchanan.

Spagnoli likes to emphasize “success breeds success”.

“It’s a powerful statement, as a coach and educator, you do things the right way and students tend to follow it,” said Spagnoli, who now lives in Milton and has coached his kids at the Milton Magic Soccer Club when he’s not devoted to the responsibilities of a high school vice principal.

For Spagnoli, it’s not only about soccer. He may have been a coach for 33 years, but Spagnoli stresses that education speaks more these days.

“As an educator, you see different sides of a student,” he said. “For many, it changes from the classroom student to the athlete. There are mitigating factors. Students earn the opportunity to play for a school team. It’s not a right, but a privilege.

“We try to hold students responsible for their actions, for coming to school, attending classes and doing well. They need to buy in to that – and they see the joy and passion that comes from it.”

After a short term as vice principal at St. Marcellinus Catholic Secondary in Mississauga, Spagnoli will be returning to Campion to handle similar duties. As for him continuing coaching – and he’s played a major role in some 70 students advancing to universities on soccer scholarships – that’s a time issue.

Basketball, he claims, has been a big part of his life – but not as a player.

In his first two years as a teacher, he coached at Cardinal Leger – taking over from Pettit, who had retired. Then, with his move to Campion, Spagnoli continued the coaching experience for 10 years, which included guiding his players to several tournament titles across Ontario.

Now, in his spare time, he’s the supervisor of basketball officials in the OUA. There’s more. He continues to officiate in a professional loop that provides an experience for players across the country – the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL).

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David Grossman is a veteran multi award-winning Journalist and Broadcaster with some of Canada’s major media, including the Toronto Star and SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN, and a Public Relations professional for 50+ years in Canadian sports and Government relations. In 2026, he was inducted to the Toronto Sports Hall of Honour with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Developing the person before the player is what makes you better.”