Pascack Valley’s Mike Caminneci follows in footsteps of his father
HILLSDALE, N.J. — Mike Caminneci has been playing soccer since he started playing recreational soccer at the ripe old age of 4. That soccer would become his passion should come as no surprise, given that his father, Larry, played soccer growing up in Teaneck. In addition, older brother, Greg played soccer at Pascack Valley High School (PVHS).
As Mike says, “I really started to enjoy playing when I got to watch my brother play at PVHS. Watching my brother play at the varsity level under Coach Nigren really sparked my love for this game. I would always go to the games and after I would join them on the field.” Not surprisingly, Mike, even at a young age, already envisioned himself playing on the field one day.
And so, following in the footsteps of both his father and older brother, Mike spent countless hours practicing and playing. Along the way, River Vale resident Gerard Walsh, who had previously coached Greg, played a big role in Mike’s development. Mike recalls, “Gerard stepped up after not coaching in quite a few years to coach my indoor soccer team. He is a big part of the player and person I am today. During our time indoors, we were undefeated three seasons in a row. Gerard’s daughter, Brenna, is also a key figure. She was an assistant coach on indoor and, after indoor, she stepped up to PVHS and helps do the books on game days.”
Mike’s talent has resulted in him becoming a standout player for Coach Cofrancesco (Coach Co) at PVHS. In his freshman year, the soccer team made it to the semis in the county tournament. As a sophomore, the team won its league championship in 2019. Mike says, “During my junior year, we came up short, but this season we are looking to go far in the county and state tournament as well as win our league.”
As Mike reflected on some of his favorite memories thus far, one game stood out—a game against perennial rival Ramapo High School. He says, “During my sophomore year, early in the season we were playing at Ramapo. There were a lot of nerves going into that game especially since we were playing on the road. Ramapo is always a decent team with some outstanding players. We were determined to give them our all. With the help from our captains Nick Londano, Ryan Mastowski, Nate Detrick, Brayden Schwartz, and Johnny Noone, we were able to defeat them big by a score of 5-1.”
As the years have passed, Mike has grown a lot as a player. Last season, as a junior, his 9 goals and 2 assists on the pitch were recognized with a 1st team all-league selection. In addition to his growth as an individual player, he has blossomed into the role as one of the team’s leaders. As he now helps carry the banner of leadership from Nick, Ryan, Nate, Brayden, and Johnny, Mike is one of the players his teammates look to both in times of success and, perhaps more importantly, failure.
As he says, “Leadership to me is when a person holds everyone accountable including themselves. Too many times in youth sports, the fun ripped out of the game because of poor leadership. Coach Co does a great job at holding us accountable as well as himself. At the same time, he also keeps the passion and love for the game intact. I try to do the same as him during practices and games by pointing out mistakes we make as a team and how we can improve. One of my favorite quotes from Coach Co is “Point the thumb not the finger.”
When he is not playing soccer, Mike loves to spend time with his family. The Caminneci clan is made up of his dad, mom (Dina) and siblings (Greg, Alex, Sam) of which Mike is the youngest. He has been an honor roll student during his entire academic career at PVHS. One of his favorite extra-curricular activities is the investment club with Mr. Grier.
About his son, Larry says, “Michael is a team player in the game and in life. He strives to succeed and is happiest when those around him succeed also.”
His mom adds, “We are so proud of how Michael handles himself on and off the field. He has a great personality and great determination that drives him to do well both in school and in soccer. He tries to find the positive in every situation, which will continue to help him be successful in the future.”
As the PVHS Varsity team continues to strive for its lofty goals this season, Mike Caminneci is certainly a player to keep an eye on.
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