Winthrop soccer legend Phil Ronan retires as head coach
By Cary Shuman
Phil Ronan is leaving his boys soccer head coaching position at Winthrop High School at the top of his game.
Ronan coached at Winthrop High for seven seasons in two separate tenures (2001-03 and 2021-25). He was Northeastern Conference Coach of the Year in his first and last seasons and was Eastern Mass. Soccer Coaches Association Division 3 North Coach of the Year this past season.
Ronan was the first coach to lead the Vikings to a state tournament berth (in 2001) and a Northeastern Conference title (in 2025). The program has been in existence for 51 years.
All told, Ronan is wrapping up 29 years of involvement in the sport, including 10 years in the Bay State Games (winning three consecutive gold medals). He coached boys soccer for three seasons at Dom Savio High School and was a soccer referee for 25 years.
And the reason Ronan is leaving Winthrop soccer is being widely considered as a gallant one.
“The reason why I’m stepping aside is to focus on my duties as the veterans service officer for the town of Winthrop,” said Ronan. “I feel in all honesty the veterans and the challenge they face today is more important than me being out on the field with the kids.”
Ronan played recreational soccer during his four years in the U.S. Army.
“I always loved the game, and I always followed it,” said Ronan. “People asked me to get involved in Winthrop youth soccer many years ago.”
A tradition of excellence
Phil Ronan coached four Winthrop players – Andrew Stefansiv, Patrick Gunn, Mateo Martinez, and current junior Noah Bayersdorfer – who were selected Eastern Mass. All-Stars. All four stars were selected as captains of the Vikings. Bayersdorfer will be playing in the Eastern Mass. All-Star Game Nov. 28, and Ronan will be one of the head coaches.
“Two of my players (Stefansiv and Gunn) were inducted into the Winthrop High Hall of Fame,” added Ronan proudly.
Grateful for
the opportunity
Ronan thanks former Dom Savio athletic director Jim Doherty of Winthrop for his first head coaching position. He also expressed his gratitude to former Winthrop High athletic directors John Lyons and Matt Serino for appointing him to run the Vikings’ program.
“And of course, our present athletic director, Mark DeGregorio, whom I think is doing an outstanding job,” credited Ronan.
Ronan’s final record as head coach this season was 10-5-4, the best winning percentage in the history of the WHS program. Winthrop lost to Marlborough, 4-3, in the first round of the MIAA Tournament.
“The kids played great this season and I’m a lucky guy,” said Ronan. “I had two jobs that I absolutely loved – being the soccer coach and being a veterans’ agent.
Ronan, 67, graduated Winthrop High School in 1976. Following his graduation, he entered the U.S. Army and served four years.
On Tuesday, Ronan delivered the opening remarks at Winthrop’s Veterans Day ceremony.
His veterans service office is located in the lower level of the E.B. Newton School building.
That’s where you will find Winthrop’s soccer legend providing valuable resources to the town’s veterans.