Jake Pittroff is ready to take the reins as head coach of the Lindbergh boys soccer program.
The Flyers program is coming off a third-place finish in the state tournament last season and Pittroff seems at ease in preparing for the upcoming season.
“In terms of challenges, there really hasn’t been too many across the board,” Pittroff said. “I coached the JV under hall of fame coach Mark Giesing last year and obviously the team had a great run last year in the state final four, taking third place.”
Giesing retired with a record of 429-263-41.
Pittroff was hired by the Mehlville School District in 2022, after 10 years at Christian Brothers College High School as an assistant soccer coach. Pittroff brings head coaching experience with him as well, having led the Notre Dame girls squad to the Class 4 State Semifinals in 2021. The 2007 Oakville High graduate recorded nine goals and 14 assists during his senior year and was team captain. From there, he attended Quincy University where he played in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
Pittroff will not only coach the boys, but he will be the head coach of the girls program as well.
While wins are important, Pittroff realizes he will be leading a group of young men that had success at the JV level, but may not have seen a whole lot of action at the varsity level last season.
“Everybody is a part of the process,” he said. “Every person and every player has a role. That’s important, and it comes down to formulating and building a championship culture.”
Pittroff is the first to admit that the team is heading in a new direction.
“I think Lindbergh soccer is moving in a different direction under my leadership,” he said. “I care about people and want to teach the game. It’s about wins, but it’s not all about wins. At the end of the day, I want to make a difference in other people’s lives. That’s who I am as a coach and teacher.”
The Flyers coach also added that he has high expectations for his squad, despite the limited experience at the varsity level that some of his players may have.
“Now it’s their time,” he said. “It’s their time to carry on the traditions of Lindbergh soccer.”