Brockton Enterprise: Gomes Steps Down as Stonehill's Soccer Coach

May 2, 2008

By Jim Fenton, Enterprise Staff Writer

Easton, Mass. - He had a 19-year association with the soccer programs at Stonehill College, serving as head coach of the men's and women's teams along the way.

That relationship came to an end on Thursday when Jose Gomes of Brockton resigned the position of men's coach after six seasons.

Gomes, who was the women's coach for 11 years after being an assistant men's coach for two seasons, said the move was "a family decision." He will remain at the college, working a full-time position in which Gomes will oversee the recreation sports programs at Stonehill.

"It's time," said Gomes, a 1976 Brockton High School graduate who also played at Massasoit Community College. "I've had a great journey and made lifetime friends in the athletic department and with the students.

"This will allow me to spend more time with my family. My youngest son, Michael, is going to Harvard in the fall and I'll be able to see him play soccer. I'll still be coaching my daughter Lindsay's under-11 South Shore Select team, getting them ready for high school and beyond."

Gomes was an assistant to men's coach Ernie Branco in the 1989 and 1990, then took over the women's program, winning 125 games. Stonehill won Northeast-10 Conference titles in 1993, 1995 and 1999 and he was the conference and New England Div. 2 coach of the year three times.

One of the top highlights for Gomes was when Stonehill snapped Franklin Pierce's 105-game unbeaten streak.

The men's team, which included Gomes' son, Danny, finished 5-11-2 last season, but Gomes feels the future is bright.

"I really believe this team is ready to make noise in this league," said Gomes, who moved to this country from Portugal at the age of 13. "These guys made it difficult for me to make this decision.

"I loved coaching at Stonehill. I feel like I treated the players like I wanted to be because I played the game and knew what it was like. I think I was a player's coach, and I reminded them that for a student-athlete, student comes first and representing Stonehill was important to me and the athletic department.

"I'd like to thank the athletic department, especially (director of athletics) Paula Sullivan for the opportunity I had. There were some bumps in the road, but I wouldn't trade the journey for anything."