High schools welcome new coaches, ADs

A new school year brings the changing of the guard for several head coaching positions across South Jersey.

There are also two new athletic directors, as Gloucester Catholic High School’s Mark Hutchinson and Our Lady of Mercy Academy’s Christopher Meade begin their new chapters as the heads of their respective athletic departments. 

Hutchinson, who previously served as assistant athletic director under Ryan Murphy, also coached the Rams’ softball team over the last five seasons. Murphy will shift his full attention to Gloucester Catholic’s enrollment, where he previously split his duties with the athletics department. 

Meade brings nearly three decades of experience in education and more than 30 years of coaching to his new position at Our Lady of Mercy Academy.

“I am truly honored and grateful to accept the role of athletic director,” he said. “I look forward to working alongside our coaches, student-athletes and families as we continue building a culture that develops character, leadership and success – not only in athletics, but in life. The future is bright, and I am excited for all that lies ahead.”

He replaces Matt Lenguadoro, who retired after nine years.

The biggest hiring for the upcoming fall season was undoubtedly Saint Augustine Preparatory School landing former Winslow High School head football coach Bill Belton to take over the Hermits’ program. Belton won a state championship last year at his alma mater, coaching one of the most high-powered offenses in South Jersey history. Belton, a former running back at Penn State University, replaces Pete Lancetta, who stepped down after nine seasons and a 59-34 record. 

To the soccer pitch, Paul VI High School’s boys team will welcome a new coach in 2026. PVI 2020 graduate Dominic Nigro will replace coach Dominic Pernice, who led the Eagles the last three seasons. Over that time, Paul VI compiled a 23-27-7 record and won a first-round playoff game all three seasons. 

Holy Spirit High School will see a change to the girls’ soccer program as former Mainland coach John Napoli is now in charge for the Spartans. Napoli coached 14 years at Mainland, leading the Mustangs to a South Jersey championship in 2016. He has also served as an assistant for the men’s program at Stockton University. Napoli replaces Christine Conaghy, who recorded a 24-27-2 record in three seasons at Holy Spirit. 

Gloucester Catholic’s field hockey program will see a shift as former school standout Ally Frampton returns home to coach the Rams this fall. 

“I am incredibly excited and honored for the opportunity to return to Gloucester Catholic High School as the head field hockey coach,” Frampton said. “As an alumna, Gloucester Catholic has always been a place that means so much to me, and I’m truly grateful for the chance to come back and give back to the school and program that played such an important role in shaping who I am today. The opportunity to lead and mentor student-athletes at a place that feels like home is something very special to me, and I’m excited for this next chapter.”

Frampton scored 44 goals over her final two seasons at Gloucester Catholic and played 70 games during her collegiate career at Sacred Heart University.

Frampton replaces Mandy Phillips, who served as Gloucester Catholic’s coach the last two years and compiled a 16-16-1 record.

Wintertime brings big changes at Wildwood Catholic Academy, as Kate Caruso will take over the school’s extremely successful girls basketball program. Caruso, a longtime assistant and member of the school’s Hall of Fame for her days as a standout player, replaces Steve DiPatri, who has more than 500 coaching wins under his belt. 

Camden Catholic’s big change will come in the spring on the baseball diamond. Bill Calhoun will replace Lou Marshall as head coach. Marshall spent the last 19 years on the Irish coaching staff, including the last five as head coach. 

“It has been an honor and a privilege to coach these student athletes,” Marshall said. “I have given every part of my being to the baseball program and Camden Catholic in general. I leave with no regrets and wish the best to the school and the baseball program.”

Calhoun served as an assistant under Marshall the last two seasons. He has also served as an assistant at Rutgers University-Camden, after completing 13 years as an assistant at Paul VI. Calhoun is also the longtime head coach of the South Jersey Young Guns travel baseball program.

Another athletics announcement was made in April: Bridget Holmes was hired as Camden Catholic Dance Team director. Holmes danced professionally for the Philadelphia 76ers and Philadelphia Soul as well as alongside rock icon Jon Bon Jovi. She spent the last decade as the varsity dance coach at Haddon Township High School.