CREATING A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT

OSCAR DEL PINO

• Girls’ and Boys’ Soccer Program Head and Varsity Coach

• Special Programs Coordinator

Calm. Analytical. Focused. Oscar Del Pino, who joined Country Day five years ago after 12 successful seasons leading the boys' soccer program at Charlotte Catholic, works hard to not be the kind of coach he often witnessed in his youth as a soccer player. “I think the modern way to coach is about process and problem-solving,” he says. “Intense, loud, intimidating coaches focused solely on winning can get the best out of certain kinds of players, but they also alienate or completely break other players.”

“My goal is to create a positive environment for young people to thrive. The team is a tapestry of distinct individuals who learn in different ways, who respond to feedback in different ways, who are motivated in different ways. We set individual and team goals and give the kids a roadmap to build upon, but ultimately, it’s their journey, not mine. They are driving the bus and myself and the other coaches are there to help them navigate the road ahead.”

For Oscar, the soccer field is like a classroom in the sense that the core of the game is about problem-solving—whether it’s strategizing how to take advantage of an opponent’s weaknesses, working on individual skill development, or fine-tuning a play. “The tactical play calling is the coach’s business,” says Oscar. “But on game day, when players step on the field those X’s and O’s may move differently. Sports teaches kids how to problem solve in the moment, under intense conditions.”

He also embraces athletics as one of the best ways to learn from failure. “Failure on the sports field can be demoralizing, it can be crushing. It’s also a door, and I want kids to learn that they get to decide what happens when they walk through that door,” he says. “Failure can bring unexpected opportunities, it makes us more resilient, it helps us to be problem solvers, it teaches perseverance, and it helps us to appreciate the successes even more.”

My goal is to create a positive environment for young people to thrive. The team is a tapestry of distinct individuals who learn in different ways.

While Oscar is not overtly focused on the wins and losses, he knows that victories matter in sports, and it’s the ultimate measure of success. As program head, his sure and steady approach is leading to increasingly favorable outcomes. Both the girls’ and boys’ varsity programs have reached the state semifinal rounds in the past two years. And ever the problem-solver, he surrounds himself with staff who compliment and balance the needs of the overall program.

“The biggest strength I see at Country Day is community, a community that spans decades,” says Oscar. “We’ve got alumni on the soccer staff, and we’ve partnered with afterschool enrichment on what their soccer program should look like for our youngest students. Lower School Spirit Week is another community opportunity for the younger kids to learn about sportsmanship, teamwork, and resilience from older students, and for the older students to serve as role models. I really appreciate that I can look at soccer comprehensively from JK-12.”

That calm, analytical, and focused approach will continue to impact students today and tomorrow.