Troglia Steps Down After 12 Seasons as Head Coach

by Cerwin D Haynes

After twelve seasons at the helm of ELAC Women's Soccer, head coach Tessa Troglia has decided to move on from Monterey Park. She has been named Interim Head Coach for the Women's Soccer Program at Cerritos College.

Coach Troglia has had a successful tenure with East. She led the Huskies to their first ever playoff appearance in 2009, and three subsequent playoff appearances while being named South Coast Conference Coach of the Year in 2013 & 2016. Troglia has many Huskies highlights to remember from her years here. "I remember when I first got hired in 2009," she reminisces. "I was told by a few coaches in the industry that it was almost 'impossible' to win and do well at ELAC. This truly just challenged me even more to prove everyone wrong, and with an amazing staff (Richard Coria, Rene Ramirez, Javi Arellano, Luis Ramirez, Andrea Otero, and Stephanie Rojas) we did just that."

Although she compiled a long list of achievements in Huskies' green, the opportunity with Cerritos will allow Troglia to impact more students – to give more of herself. Troglia found similarities between her upbringing and the hardships forced upon many throughout COVID. "I grew up in a broken home, and, I think 2020 resembles that in a lot of ways," she recalls. "Now more than ever, people need good people, they need a support system, someone they feel has their best interest, that they can trust, relate to, and look up to! A position opened up at Cerritos College that aligned not only with my passion to coach, but also teach more classes, above and beyond soccer."

Troglia believes in her track record of building relationships and trust with students, and believed it was time for her to cast a wider net of impact. "During the pandemic, I really had time to reflect, and only having the opportunity to impact a roster of 25 students a year, really felt selfish," Troglia observed. "I have had the desire to teach more classes and be in front of a general population of students, with the intention of inspiring more kids through sharing my challenges, stories, setbacks, and successes."  

Athletic Director Bobby Godinez knows Troglia will be a hard act to follow. "You don't enjoy a 12-year tenure as a head coach unless you've had a lot of positive impact," says AD Godinez. "She's been a pleasure to have and work with. We wish her the best with her new opportunities."

Troglia concludes her time at ELAC happily. "We changed mindsets, and had special players who bought into our vision, worked hard, and were a big part of history," she summarized. "I am just so thankful that Al Cone and James Hines saw the potential in a young 25-year old girl, and gave me an opportunity of a lifetime."

In addition to coaching at ELAC, Troglia was the girls Varsity Soccer Head Coach at La Serna High School, where she led the program to thirteen consecutive league championships, playoffs ten consecutive seasons, and capturing two CIF titles in 2006 & 2013. She was recognized as Del Rio League Coach of the year in 2008, 2009, and 2012; in addition to the Division IV CIF Coach of the Year in 2006 & 2013, and All-Area Coach of the Year in 2012 and 2013.  

Coach Troglia is as dedicated to her craft and sport as they come, as she will be missed. The ELAC community wishes her well in her new post.

"I wish ELAC nothing but the best: it was a place I'll always call home, and [will] never forget the talented and amazing players and families I had the privilege of coaching."