Durham College’s Bianchi Calls It A Career, Retires From Coaching
The Durham College department of athletics announced on November 24, 2022 that women’s soccer head coach, Alex Bianchi, will retire from his role effective immediately.
“I can’t thank Alex enough for his contributions, integrity and passion that he has shown towards our women’s soccer program, the college, and our student-athletes during the past six years,” said Ken Babcock, Director of Athletics & Recreation at Durham College. “We want to wish Alex all the best in his retirement from coaching.”
Bianchi took over the women’s soccer program ahead of the 2017 season and became the sixth head coach in the history of the program. In his debut year, he led the lords back to the OCAA final eight for the first time since 2009, finishing 7-3-2 in conference play.
In the following season, the Lords claimed their first medal since 2009, earning bronze in a 4-0 win against the Seneca Sting. He would earn the OCAA coach of the year honour for his performance during the 2018 season. The team would continue their streak of postseason appearances with a pair of trips to the final eight in the following two seasons.
To complete his collegiate soccer coaching career, Durham College hosted the 2022 OCAA Women’s Soccer Championship at Vaso’s Field and the Lords proved that they could compete with Ontario’s best. After finishing the regular season 7-2-1, the Lords battled their way through the championship where the team finished fourth.
Through five seasons, Bianchi left his mark on Durham with a bronze medal, five consecutive postseason appearances, an OCAA record of 33-11-5 and an overall record of 43-28-7.
“I am so thankful to have had Alex as a coach for the last four years of my college soccer career. His constant motivation and encouragement pushed me to heights I never dreamed I’d reach,” said Shannon Brown. “Thank you for inspiring me and the entire team to be excellent in all that we do. Thank you for seeing and bringing out the best in us, Durham is going to miss you so much.”
With Bianchi’s departure, Durham College will now begin a thorough and exhaustive search for the next individual to lead the women’s soccer program, who will undoubtedly have big shoes to fill.
Sources: https://durhamlords.com/news/2022/11/24/womens-soccer-bianchi-calls-it-a-career-retires-from-coaching.aspx
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