COLTS NECK, N.J. — It is with great pleasure to congratulate Steven Jannarone as Colts Neck High School’s varsity boys basketball head coach. Coach Jannarone has 35 years of coaching experience which includes, three years at the collegiate level and both boys and girls basketball at the high school varsity level.

“I grew up in the sport [of basketball] as my father was head boys basketball coach at Howell High School and Manalapan High School throughout my youth,” says Coach Jannarone.

Throughout his impressive coaching career, Coach Jannaraone has had numerous memorable events. Many of these moments include big accomplishments like the Sectional Title in 1988 at Manalapan High School and Colts Neck High School in 2016. This past year was one to remember with an extremely well played season which was brought to a huge win, at home, against Keyport. This specific game was in front of many alumni and friends at well-respected and former Coach Piccola’s celebration game. Many coaches, like Coach Jannarone, also know that special memories are formed every game, with wins and losses, as you watch your players grow and perform.

Coach remembers one specific moment with his CNHS girl’s team, “A few years back while coaching the girls, we upset Marlboro on their home court in overtime and the girls were just tremendous. That win was the impetus for a division title for some outstanding young ladies to feel proud of.”

When asked how to encourage a team after a disappointing loss? Coach Jannarone speaks on growth over outcome. His players are reminded that their effort overrides the outcome of the game. Losses are emotionally disappointing, especially when the players show so much effort mentally and physically. But Coach makes it known to his team that the most important thing is that the players care and try their best for their teammates. The players are also reminded that although high school is a memorable time in their lives, these young athletes have a long life ahead of them with many great moments. Coach emphasizes that if losing a high school game is the worst thing to happen to them in their lives, they will have led a very special life. This humble coach has a tough time giving himself credit but finds himself most proud of his players. He loves to watch their dreams come true and their accomplishments met on and off the court.

What has Coach Jannarone learned throughout his career? He says, “I learned there is a difference between equal and fair. Being fair does not mean everyone should be treated the same. You have to treat the individual as to what’s best for them. I also learned to assume the person you are listening to knows something you don’t, it’s amazing what you can learn from your players.”

Coach Jannarone’s most significant coaching moment also includes a very special connection to his family life. Back in 1988, at a championship, he made a smart coaching decision that not only led to a win but it also impressed a very special fan. Coach Jannarone just started dating his wife at this time and this was the first special moment he got to experience with her, in coaching. Life off the court is where Coach Jannarone feels most proud. He has built a beautiful life with his wife and four outstanding children. His relationship and deep love for his wife has shaped his children into accomplished adults. He counts his blessings as he watches his very own children from the sidelines of their lives.

Beyond his family it would be impossible to not mention his respect and admiration towards numerous coaching staff. Coach Janarone reminisces and tells about, “Denny Simpson who I worked with at Manalapan High School was unbelievable in his ability to communicate with his players. Paul Cisek who I worked with at Brookdale has a tremendous knack for knowing what is important for his players. Lou Piccola had an unbelievable passion and feel for the game. But I was the luckiest to have watched my father coach, he had the total package.  He was a student of the game and had the gift to connect as a teacher. Most importantly he knew when to discipline and when to offer compassion and forgiveness.”

Coach Jannarone has the honor to be listed with so many of the great coaches at Colts Neck High School that have been there since the beginning. He highlights Mike Yorke, Maria Merlucci, Bryan Parks, Dave Irvine, Jim Schlentz, Art Collier and Anthony Iachello. These great coaches and great people, provide Coach Jannarone with resources to pull from that is unmeasurable help.

Coach Jannarone hopes to leave a legacy where he has made a small impact on helping some outstanding boys and girls become outstanding men and women. He wants his players to remember how much he truly cared for them. Colts Neck is excited to see where this compassionate, driven and experienced coach will take the boys’ basketball team. Best of luck to Coach Jannarone and the entire CNHS athletics!

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