Coach Don Cupertino on the sidelines of Chambers Field during a girls’ soccer game. Photo courtesy of D. Cupertino.

By S.Q. DeJoy and J. Murrer

Sept., 3, 2025: Longtime Coach Don Cupertino was inducted into the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Hall of Fame in late July. With a career record of 544-135-37, he is the second-winningest girls’ soccer coach in New York State history.

Each year, the NYSPHSAA Hall of Fame recognizes five to ten coaches, administrators, officials and former athletes. It is an impressive list of individuals and includes sports legends Jim Brown (inducted in 2016), Boomer Esiason (2008), and Carl Yaztrzemski (2014). Bronxville has its own history in the Hall of Fame as well. Former Bronxville track and field coach Jim Mitchell was inducted in 2013.

Family and friends were at the July ceremony in Schenectady to honor Cupertino including his wife, Eileen, and his children, Katie, Kristine, and Michael.

Coach Cupertino with his family at the Induction Ceremony in July. Photo courtesy of D. Cupertino.

Cupertino was nominated for the Hall of Fame by former Bronxville athletic director Karen Peterson.  Among the guests were assistant coaches Donny Lucas, Caitlin Hoffer, and Michaela Donohue, as well as Tony Martelli, Cupertino’s former soccer coach at Washingtonville High School. 

Left to right:  Donny Lucas, Karen Peterson, and Coach Cupertino. Photo courtesy of D. Cupertino.

Cupertino with his Washingtonville High School soccer coach, Tony Martelli. Photo courtesy of D. Cupertino.

Thirty-five years ago, Cupertino interviewed with Bronxville AD Vito Priore for the junior varsity girls’ soccer coaching position.  The interview went well, and Priore asked if he would be willing to take the varsity job. The rest, as they say, is history.

Under Cupertino’s leadership, the Bronxville girls’ soccer team has won three New York State Championships (2010, 2014, and 2021) and advanced to the state semifinals in 2011 and 2024. The Broncos have also claimed 22 Section 1 Championships and 27 League Titles, cementing their place as one of the state’s premier programs. 

When asked about the secret to his success, Cupertino was quick to give credit to the players.

“I admire the kids and trust them-- they work extremely hard,” he said.  “I give 100% and expect them to do that, too. It is the only place in the world where I can kill them in the morning with a 4-mile circuit run, a sprint workout and ab workout--and they thank me when they leave,” said Cupertino with a chuckle.

“You can’t control the weather, you can’t control the refs, or the state of the field,” Cupertino continued. “But you can control the effort you put in and the fitness level of the players. My teams are always in great shape.” 

Coach Don Cupertino with senior captains: Amy Villanueva, Jillian Byrne, Evy Henningson, Kalliroi Ladas, & Coach Caitlin Hoffer. Photo by Joe Villanueva.

Coach Cupertino has collected countless memories during his time at Bronxville, but one of his favorites dates back to 2010, when the Broncos defeated Briarcliff in the Class B sectional final.  

“Briarcliff had been a three-time state champion and was going for a fourth in a row with all seniors,” recalled Cupertino.  “We beat them in the sectional final and then went on to win states. It was a special win for us.”

Over the years, Cupertino has received numerous accolades including NYS Class B Coach of the Year in 2010 and in 2014. This coming weekend, he will be recognized once again with induction into the New York Soccer Hall of Fame.

It has been a hectic few weeks for Coach Cupertino who has been running preseason practices and tryouts. With 29 players on the roster, it may take a little time for the team to gel, but his track record has shown he is always up to the challenge. 

“Bronxville is a special place,” said Cupertino. “Many of the players have known each other since kindergarten, and I think that helps with team bonding.”

The Broncos have moved up to Class A this fall but open their season against Class C Tuckahoe today at Chambers Field at 5PM.

Cupertino’s children, Kristine, Michael, and Katie at the NYSPHSAA Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Photo courtesy of D. Cupertino.

Go Broncos.