How do you replace a coach that has invested nearly 20 years into the Bridgeport High School soccer program? How do you replace a coach that not only has the school’s only soccer state title, but has turned the program into a perennial contender for a state championship?

 

The answer is that you cannot.

 

Such is the situation with the Bridgeport High School girls’ soccer program. Earlier this year, long-time coach John Reese decided to call it a coaching career after many distinguished years of service.

 

The question that could be answered after he left involved his replacement. And while that replacement does not claim to be John Reese or have his experience at the high school level, the Indians’ newest varsity coach certainly brings a favorable background to the table.

 

When it comes to soccer, Sam McKinney is no novice. In fact, when it comes to Bridgeport High School soccer, McKinney has knowledge and pedigree.

 

Not only is he a 1995 Bridgeport High School graduate, he is a three-time all-state selection as a striker back when BHS was only a three-year school. Add to that a state championship in baseball and first-team honors as a kicker in football and it is a pretty impressive resume. For good measure, he is also the son of Dr. Doug McKinney, who is a 2019 West Virginia Soccer Hall of Fame inductee for being one of the fathers of the sport in Bridgeport.

 

“I’ve been playing soccer all of my life,” said McKinney. “I have pictures of me playing as early as the age of five as my father got us involved as earlier as we could to learn the game and, hopefully, excel.”

 

Bridgeport’s newest soccer coach did just that. As his three years of second-team all-state status attest to, as well as being invited to walk-on to Marshall by Coach Bob Gray to compete also attests to, McKinney knows how to play the game.

 

“I made it and then stepped away. I saw that I wasn’t as good as the guys at that level, and it’s a full-time job at that level,” McKinney said.

 

McKinney still managed to get two years of education in at Marshall. He then transferred to West Virginia University where he finished his work to get a degree in communications.

 

McKinney never got away from the game. For years, up until 2008, McKinney played in men’s soccer leagues in Morgantown, Virginia Beach and Baltimore.

 

“In 2008, (his partner Jill Fragmin and I) had my daughter (Jalin – now in the 7^th grade) and moved back to the Bridgeport area to raise her,” said McKinney. “I was working for Under Armour at the time and decided to get back to home, and eventually get her into the Bridgeport school system.”

 

While the school system did not happen until recently, getting his daughter involved in soccer took place not long after arriving in neighboring Taylor County. It was there were he began coaching.

 

“I started coaching in the rec league there in Taylor County and coached there until moving to Bridgeport probably three, maybe four, years ago,” said McKinney. “The best part was that I loved coaching and my daughter took the sport … and I did that and took my coaching education courses and licensed courses.”

 

Eventually, McKinney got six years of recreation level coaching in Taylor County and the Bridgeport Youth Soccer Association for six years. He also served as coach and team manager for the Empire Football Club for the past three years, including the most recent one.

 

“When Coach Reese stepped down, I was ready to pounce on it, and I pounced on it,” said McKinney. “I want people to know John deserves a tremendous amount of credit for those 20 years with the program because he didn’t do it for the money. The time and effort he put in to build that program into a success is commendable.

 

“I’m not the guy that’s going to think I can do better than him,” McKinney continued. “What I feel comfortable in saying is that this program will continue to be very competitive.”

 

McKinney says that knowing the team will compete in Class AAA next year. He has watched the team regularly due to his friends having children on the squad and his own daughter serving as a team ball girl.

 

“This group has talent. There’s talent for the next six to seven years coming through, and it may go back further than that,” said McKinney. “I’m looking forward to being the one shepherding these students through that time frame.”

 

McKinney said the team will begin its training program that is allowed through guidelines set by Gov. Jim Justice for the COVID-19 pandemic. The strength and conditioning phases will see McKinney joined by Dr. Chris Courtney, who he described as an “invaluable asset” to BHS athletics.

 

“We’ll hit the ground running Monday and we’ll continue all the way into the three-week summer session in July,” said McKinney. “I can’t wait to get started with a group of kids that certainly have all the looks of being exceptional.”

 

Bridgeport High School Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Mark Jones believes the team and the coach both can be exceptional. He spoke highly of the school’s new hire.

 

“Sam is a Bridgeport graduate, which is one thing important, so he knows the expectations of the school and the community,” said Jones. “He’s been around the sport his whole life and has a good knowledge of the game.

 

“I think, ultimately, he’s looking to build positive members of society while still teaching the game and instilling the positive attitude that has produced winning programs at Bridgeport High School,” Jones continued. “He’s been around this community and program to know leaders in the classroom and community result in wins on the playing fields.”

 

For the time being, McKinney will be assisted by Courtney during the workouts. Jones said an assistant staff has yet to be hired.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo is of Sam McKinney sporting the colors he's worn most of his while he and Jill Fragmin are shown with their daughter Jalin below. Photos courtesy of Sam McKinney.