If you’ve been to a Varsity basketball game, chances are you’ve seen Coach Steve Gigliello (pronounced Gig-lee-o) pacing the sidelines. You can tell he wears his heart on his sleeve. It’s also in the genes as you might even catch his son and daughter wearing holes in the floor. This family bleeds blue and gold and has for a long time.
Steve has been coaching at Holy Names since 2006-07 – 17 seasons in all, amassing a 269-62 record with eight Colonial Council Championships, but for him, it’s not about the numbers. “For me it has always been about teaching and relationships,” Steve says. “Teaching them the game as well as lifelong lessons. Player-Coach relationships and bonds last a lifetime as do the bonds and friendships the students in the program create with each other. I think this is evident by our strong alumnae who continue to stay in touch and support us.”
And that they do. On New Year’s Eve, 20 alumnae were honored at center court for their contributions. It’s one of many memories Steve says will last a lifetime, like the teams that made it to the Section 2 Class A Finals at HVCC (2007/2010/2013) to the standing room only packed house battles versus Watervliet. And he hopes many more are in store, encouraging more students to tie up their laces. “Come try out and play,” Steve says. “We want as many girls as possible to be part of our rich history and tradition here at AHN.”
When he’s not extolling the virtues of teamwork in the gym, Steve’s teaching eighth grade ELA at Bethlehem Middle School – a position he’s held for 21 years. He’s built for longevity, and he’s earned the loyalty of his players and his colleagues. As for advice he’d offer to aspiring young coaches, he has this to say: “find a great staff to be part of. I am very lucky to have a great support system of coaches around me: Julie Reilly, Jaci Oskam, and Teagan Waddingham. They are caring, knowledgeable, and trustworthy. You are only as good as your staff!”