LODI, Calif. – Soccer coach Maryclaire Robinson and tennis coach Kristi Spector have been selected as the 2018-19 Sac-Joaquin Section Coach of the Year in their respective sports. They will now be under consideration for further sectional and national awards by the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS).
"Both of these women bring their own unique style of leadership and are firmly rooted in the mission of St. Francis Catholic High School and Troubadour Athletics," said Athletic Director Mark McGreevy. "We feel very blessed to have them at the helm of their respective programs and are very proud of this well-deserved recognition."
Robinson, who is an alumna of St. Francis from the Class of 1986, led the soccer team to CIF Northern California Division II Regional title in 2019. The Troubies won the game 1-0 in overtime on a golden goal by junior Lindsey Piatanesi. The Troubadours also reached the SJS Division II final and earned national and state rankings from TopDrawerSoccer.com and Maxpreps.
"Maryclaire's experience playing and coaching at the highest level of NCAA soccer only enhances her effectiveness as a homegrown Troubie who is deeply invested in the holistic development of her athletes," said McGreevy.
Spector led the Troubies to a fourth consecutive Delta League title and third consecutive CIF NorCal semifinal appearance. SF advanced to the semifinals, equaling the best finish in school history. SF was 21-3 overall on the season and were Sac-Joaquin Section finalists. She was named the Delta League Coach of the Year for the third consecutive season.
"Similarly, Kristi beautifully combines the competitive fire of a current master level player with the understanding and compassion of a mother who has graduated two SF student-athletes," said McGreevy. "Both of them have cultivated strong team cultures of sisterhood and healthy competition for which we are eternally grateful."
Spector has the Troubies 14-1 entering the final two weeks of the regular season, while Robinson will begin her sixth season this fall.
