Centennial gets new cheerleading, soccer coaches and other coaching changes in Pueblo

The 2023 school year just came to an end but it's never too early to start looking forward to next year and the start of the next prep sports season.

With that in mind, here is a look at all of the new coaching hires in Pueblo-area schools.  

The Chieftain reached out to all nine local high school athletic directors for information about coaching changes taking place at their schools.

If a school is not mentioned on this list, it means that school's AD either did not respond to the Chieftain's request for information or the school is not planning any coaching changes at this time. 

More:Lutheran Lions end Pueblo County Hornets' baseball season at state tournament

Pueblo Centennial

The Pueblo Centennial Bulldogs have made two coaching changes this year, with Tory Vujcich taking over as the head coach for cheerleading and Jeff Greenwood taking over in boys soccer.  

Greenwood is succeeding Jeff Sterling, who at the end of this season retired as the boys head coach. Sterling's record 299 wins during his tenure is one Greenwood aspires to match. Not only has Sterling overseen the boys program for 27 years, he also coached Greenwood when the latter played for the Bulldogs from 1996 to 1999.  

As a former player, Greenwood said he's excited for the opportunity to coach at his alma mater. 

“Sterling was a new coach when I was there during my sophomore year,” Greenwood said. “We struggled with numbers, but we eventually made playoffs my junior year. We were the team before there was a winning culture at Centennial. He was still growing as a coach and made the program into one of the biggest programs in the state.” 

Greenwood went on to say how influential Sterling was in his early coaching days.  

“I relied on him a lot in my coaching career,” Greenwood said. “He has always been open to any questions I've had, even if I wasn’t coaching with him. He was always a resource for me and has helped me become a better coach.” 

Greenwood started his coaching career with the Pueblo Rangers. Now coaching a high school team, his dream is coming full circle.  

“Having played there and worn that jersey in my playing days, it means everything to me," he said. "It's something I've always wanted to do."

“Jeff was there for 27 years, and I've never had a career or job that’s allowed me to help with the program. But recently my job has allowed me to have the opportunity to coach. I'm excited to continue the winning culture at Centennial and help them be a top program in Colorado.” 

Vujcich is also excited for the opportunity to coach at Centennial. 

“Coaching at Centennial means a lot to me,” Vujcich said. “I have been a cheerleader pretty much my whole life, and now I get to help the kids learn and grow, not only as athletes but as people. Centennial is an amazing school with amazing people who really care about the students and community. I am extremely happy I get to be part of such a great school and program.” 

Pueblo South

Pueblo South only has one coaching change at this point in the offseason: Lindsey Goddard will take over as head coach for cheerleading.  

Pueblo County

Pueblo County also has one new coaching hire: Vanessa Clementi, who takes over the girls volleyball programs for the Hornets. 

“As a former student-athlete at Pueblo County High School, being able to coach in my home gym has always been a dream of mine,” Clementi said. “There is just an extra sense of pride, commitment, responsibility and excitement that comes along with it. Knowing that my journey has come full circle and it's now my turn to lead and prepare these players for success is a great honor.”  

Pueblo East

Pueblo East has three coaching changes: Nick Marfitano for boys golf, Joe Romero for girls golf, and Jessica Montano for the Aquilas dance team. 

Dolores Huerta

Dolores Huerta Prep will have a new AD, and the school has announced there will be coaching changes for football, and volleyball. The school has not yet announced who will fill those positions.

More:Pueblo Central's Sofia Contreras finishes in top ten at girls state golf championship

Christopher Abdelmalek is a sports reporter for the Pueblo Chieftain and can be reached at cabdelmalek@gannett.com or on Twitter: @chowebacca.