Coach Alberto Starace
Girls Varsity Soccer
For nearly four decades, Alberto Starace has been the architect of one of the most successful high school girls' soccer programs in the nation. Since taking over at Bishop O'Connell High School in 1985, he has guided the Knights to hundreds of victories, multiple championships, and a reputation for excellence that extends well beyond Northern Virginia. Under his leadership, O'Connell has become a perennial powerhouse in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) and a respected name on the national stage. Known for his consistency, vision, and ability to develop top-level talent, Starace has shaped not only a program-but a legacy.
Over the course of his storied career at O'Connell, Starace has amassed an extraordinary 542-136-71 record, with his teams scoring 2,542 goals, conceding just 594, and recording 381 shutouts. His squads have captured 10 WCAC Championships, appeared in 13 WCAC Finals, and claimed three Northern Virginia Invitational State Championships with seven total appearances. His success has earned him 10 State Coach of the Year honors, three NSCAA Coach of the Year awards, and recognition as a U.S. National Coach of the Year-cementing his place among the most accomplished high school coaches in America.
Beyond the wins and titles, Starace's greatest legacy lies in the players he's mentored. Under his guidance, O'Connell has produced 30 First Team All-Met selections, five All-Met Players of the Year, four Gatorade Players of the Year, and four High School All-Americans. Dozens of his athletes have gone on to compete and excel at the collegiate and professional levels, carrying with them the discipline, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit he instilled.
In total, Starace's coaching record extends beyond O'Connell. Before and during his tenure there, he also led the Madison High School girls' soccer program in Vienna, earning 129 victories and adding to his overall career total of 671 high school wins. When combined with his decades of success coaching travel teams, his squads have recorded more than 1,000 victories across all levels of competition.
Now in his 39th year at the helm of the O'Connell program, Starace's influence continues to shape generations of student-athletes. His recent induction into the Arlington Sports Hall of Fame is a testament to his outstanding career, unmatched dedication, and profound impact on the sport.
Coach Alberto Starace stands as one of the most successful and respected figures in high school soccer history-a leader whose commitment, championship legacy, and passion for developing young athletes have left an enduring mark on Bishop O'Connell and the broader soccer community.
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