Occhialini named boys' soccer coach at Montville

Former standout goalie takes over boys’ soccer program

Former Montville High School soccer standout Anthony Occhialini was hired as the boys' soccer coach at his alma mater, Montville Athletic Director Phil Orbe announced on Monday.

Occhialini, an elementary school physical education teacher in Montville, has served as the goalkeeper coach for both the men's and women's teams at the Coast Guard Academy since 2013. He also has coaching experience with the Southeast Premier Soccer Club, having been with the program at various levels since 2014.

"Anthony Occhialini has earned the opportunity to be the head soccer coach at Montville High School. As an alumni of the school and program, he is well versed in the skill set needed to be a successful leader in this setting,'' said Orbe in a release. "His vast background as both a player and coach speaks volumes to the path that has led him back home to coach at a place that helped define him. Anthony will serve as a role model both on the field and off the field for our student-athletes."

Occhialini is a 2009 Montville graduate. He was named an Eastern Connecticut Conference all-star three times during his four-year career and was a two-time all-state pick. His senior year he was recognized as both an All-New England and All-American player. Occhialini also was named the MVP of the New York Red Bulls High School All-Star Game that fall.

He started in goal for four years at Central Connecticut State. The Blue Devils won the Northeast Conference regular season championship in 2011. Upon earning his degree, Occhialini would play for two seasons in the Premier Developmental League.

"I am very excited to have the opportunity to not only become the head coach at my alma mater but to continue the tradition of our boys soccer program," Occhialini said in a release.

NECBL all-stars

• The Mystic Schooners placed a league-high five players on the New England Collegiate Baseball League all-stars teams, landing three on the first team. Former Montville High standout TT Bowens of Central Connecticut State (first base), starting pitcher Trey McLoughlin of Fairfield and relief pitcher Nick Robino of Wagner made the first team.

Also making the first team were Newport catcher Colton Bender of Quinnipiac, the former Lyman Memorial standout, and Keene relief pitcher Justin Willis of UConn.

Schooners making the second team were catcher Jerry Huntzinger of Seton Hall and outfielder David Beam of East Tennessee State. Keene's Joseph Simeone, a starting pitcher from UConn, also made the second team.

The NECBL will announce its major awards on Wednesday.

Grassroots Tennis

• The one-set Grassroots Tennis tournament will be held three days a week at Toby May Park in New London, beginning on Wednesday. The event will be held, beginning at 5 p.m., on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sunday during the month of August.

The round-robin event is open to men and women at all levels of play. To sign up for the event email at dfotheinitiative@ aol.com