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10/12/2018 12:00 AMThere are plenty of expectations that come with inheriting a program that’s perennially one of the best in Connecticut, let alone a team that’s won back-to-back state championships. However, Greg Cumpstone embraced those expectations when he took the reins as head coach of the Hand boys’ soccer squad this fall, and his Tigers are showing no signs of slowing down.
Greg, a Westbrook resident, grew up in Killingworth and played goalie at Haddam-Killingworth High School, before continuing his soccer career at Hofstra University in New York. He went on to attend graduate school at Southern Connecticut State University and now works as an 8th-grade social studies teacher at H-K Middle School.
Greg has coached youth soccer at various levels and is currently the director of coaching for the Connecticut Rush, as well as a coach for the 18-U national team. This fall, Greg is adding a new position to his résumé as head coach of the Hand boys’ soccer team, which won the SCC Tournament and claimed its second straight Class L state title last season. So far, everything is progressing quite nicely for Greg and the Tigers, who are out to a strong start with their record of 7-1-1.
“When jobs like this one open up, it’s a no-brainer. Anyone that knows the sport knows that Hand is a powerhouse,” says Greg, who graduated from H-K High School in 2007. “I was following the team last year, because I had coached many of the players before, and their style of play and talent pool intrigued me. I didn’t think I had a chance, because I had no previous high-school experience, but I laid out my philosophy, and it seemed like a positive environment...and enticing opportunity.”
Greg wants all of his athletes to put their best foot forward when it comes to being good sportsmen. Of course, he also wants them to succeed on the field. Greg says it’s important for the Tigers to learn from their setbacks in order to maximize their potential and says that everyone on the roster is buying into his philosophy.
“On a human level, I want them to be humble and show respect to everyone. I tell them that they can make mistakes, but I expect that every second we’re together, that they must give 100-percent focus, effort, and commitment,” Greg says. “The boys have been fantastic and adaptable to the new coaching style. Their attitudes have been fantastic.”
Greg isn’t looking to reinvent the wheel as he steps into such a highly prosperous program. Instead, Greg is trying to continue the Tigers’ positive momentum and keep their motor of success running.
“I am coming into a special program, so I’m not trying to make a giant revolution, but more an evolution,” Greg says. “One of our principles is our ability to dominate the ball. The coaches want to show them that they can control the game with possession of the ball.”
Greg adds that one of his favorite aspects of being a coach is when he gives his athletes essential tips of the trade and then sees them apply those skills during a game.
“The biggest thing for me is when you see players understanding something and knowing they can do it. That realization is really powerful as a coach,” says Greg. “When you plant an idea in their heads and see it germinate and it clicks with them, it’s the best part of coaching.”
Hand Athletic Director Craig Semple was impressed with Greg’s soccer expertise, along with the fact that Greg sets a high bar for his players. As a result, Semple knew that Greg was the right guy for the job.
“Greg impressed our committee with his knowledge of the sport, and he understood the standards and expectations of our program,” says Semple. “He is a teacher in a neighboring district and has developed an excellent reputation on the shoreline as a quality high-school level coach. Our athletes are being challenged by Coach Cumpstone, and the student-athletes are enjoying a positive experience.”
While Greg is taking over a championship-caliber program, he knows that each team and every season features its own unique narrative. Greg is aiming for the Tigers to peak during the playoffs just like they have during each of the past two campaigns.
“Right now, we are taking things one game at a time. We’ve been successful in the past, but we are focusing on the next task at hand, which is as long term as we’re looking. We’ll refine certain things throughout the year and look to be in top form come playoff time,” Greg says. “Looking ahead, I want to create an identity here other than winning. I want people to see how we play and have it resonate down into the JV, freshman, and youth levels.”