Thank you, Boston Latin!

After 11 years, today I announce publicly my resignation from the position of boys soccer coach at Boston Latin School.

When appointed in 2010 I made a three-year commitment, and then stayed for an additional eight seasons. 

Together we created a program that current players and alums can be proud of, a program that plays hard and with class, a program that has won league titles and a state sportsmanship award, a program with a robust alumni community, a program that has developed students as athletes and as young men.

I depart of my own volition, making a difficult decision but one that is best for my family. As any parent knows, there is nothing more important than one’s child. Grey has gained so much from being regularly around his “(1-2-3) Wolfpack” these past two years, and my admiration for the boys who have shown him compassion and kindness is everlasting.

My desire to spend more time with him and to better provide for him, as well as an unexpected life twist, has taken me from a position in a city that will always be home to a position in a town that is home.

I have accepted the position of girls varsity soccer coach at Lincoln-Sudbury, teaming with the long-time head coach in a unique collaboration. This will permit me to pursue professional teaching and/or coaching opportunities in or near Sudbury and most importantly allow me to spend more time with Grey.

I have offered to assist my successor with the transition, and if the next coach is already a BLS colleague — as I sincerely hope — I will remain available as needed.

I definitely won’t disappear. Although I did not receive a diploma from BLS, there is purple in my veins and I will always support and remain connected with the program. My hope is to attend a couple games each season and to remain closely involved among the alumni community.

There are far too many individuals I wish to thank, but I will name a few.

Thank you to my father Peter Miller, my first assistant coach at BLS and the man who blazed the family trail as a high school soccer coach. My first season at Millennium was the most challenging, but made possible having my coach at my side.

Thank you to David Bailey, assistant coach from 2010-19 and the person who was my partner in the early years establishing the program’s culture. We met through a Craigslist ad, worked so well together and accomplished many great things. 

Thank you to Nathan Jewett-Wolf, given the nickname Nate the Kid in 2010, then Nate the Man then Captain Nate, and more recently Nate the Coach. It is a privilege to now know his simply as Nate my friend. He has been around the program as long as I have, and will hopefully remain involved going forward.

Thank you to all the other coaches who have been part of the program over the past 11 years — an incredible bunch, some paid, some unpaid, but all passionate and responsible for the success of the program: Andrei Da Silva, Nick Di Cicco, Soorena Farboodmanesh, Eric Fox, Andy Hamilton, Ben Helfand, Yaovi Jondoh, Victor Martinez, Sam Monius, Evan Nelson. And to that I add girls varsity coach Jon Rudzinski, who has indeed been a partner in ensuring the health and success of the entire BLS soccer program.

Thank you to Friends of Soccer, by far the best high school soccer support group I have encountered. While many have served the organization over the years and I am thankful for all, it was Susan Whalen in 2010 who helped us navigate our first season at BLS, and both Peter Rait and Lindy Williamson deserve special commendation for the longevity of their service and all they have done for the program.

Thank you to former Athletic Director John McDonough, who hired me in 2010 after I had been passed over — often as finalist — by several other schools. 

Thank you to Billy Brittingham, father of former captain Jordan Freundlich, who recommended I apply for the job in the first place.

Thank you to current Athletic Director Jack Owens, whose support for the soccer program and the coaching staff has helped lift both to great heights. It has been an honor to work for a high quality school whose athletics program is led by an equally high quality person.

Thank you to the long-time boys soccer coaches in the Dual County League who have demonstrated incredible collegiality and from whom I have learned so much: Andrey Asparouhov, Dave Baumritter, Dave Boschetto, Phil Fousek, David Gavron, David Hosford, Gunnar Olson, Ray Pavlik.

Thank you to the young men who created the three most unforgettable human moments over the years: Mark Williamson, in 2016, who upon clinching the program’s first DCL Small title at Bedford sprinted across the pitch and gave me a strong hug, proclaiming “We did it!” … and Vlad Ventura, in 2016, who after we lost to Arlington in the MIAA tournament spoke with vulnerability and honesty in front of his team about the pain of the loss but also shared how grateful he was that I had been his coach … and Owen Sullivan, in 2021, becoming Grey’s caretaker/best buddy at training sessions and subsequently driving out to Sudbury (with two teammates) to attend Grey’s birthday party. 

Thank you to Grey Miller for making the Wolfpack your own, pulling out the trolley, setting out the cones, collecting the pinnies, demonstrating how to take the cooldown seriously and of course inspiring me to be the best coach and best father I possibly can.

And thank you to every player I have coached at Boston Latin School, every parent who has entrusted me with that player, and every member of the BLS Soccer community who has permitted me the privilege of leading the Wolfpack these past 11 years. I am in your debt. 

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