SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Sylacauga High School has named Matt Manzella as the next head coach of the Aggies boys soccer program, Athletic Director Chad Wilkinson announced.
One of the Birmingham area’s most respected high school soccer coaches, Manzella comes to Sylacauga after successful stops at Leeds High School, Pinson Valley High School, and McAdory High School. Throughout his career, he has built winning programs, developed student athletes, and earned a reputation for creating teams built on discipline, accountability, and character.
“From the beginning of our search, we wanted a coach who could build more than a successful soccer program,” Wilkinson said. “We wanted someone who could develop young men, invest in our students, and become a leader in our school community. Coach Manzella’s track record speaks for itself. He has consistently built competitive programs, earned the respect of his players and peers, and understands what it takes to create a culture of accountability and excellence. We are excited to welcome Matt to Sylacauga High School and look forward to the future of Aggie Soccer under his leadership.”
Manzella arrives in Sylacauga following four successful seasons at Leeds High School, where he led the Green Wave to three consecutive AHSAA playoff appearances while overseeing every aspect of the program. His responsibilities included player development, offseason training, match preparation, and mentoring student athletes on and off the field. He also served as Vice President of the Birmingham Metro Coaches Association.
Before his time at Leeds, Manzella spent five seasons at Pinson Valley High School, guiding the Indians to four Area Championships while also serving as an assistant football coach on three Alabama Class 6A State Championship teams. Earlier in his career, he founded the soccer program at McAdory High School, building the program from the ground up and laying the foundation for years of success.
In addition to his high school coaching career, Manzella has continued to develop some of the state’s top young talent as an Academy and N1 coach with BUSA/AFC Soccer. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for building relationships with student athletes, emphasizing academic success, and creating competitive programs rooted in discipline, teamwork, and accountability.
“I am honored to become the next head soccer coach at Sylacauga High School,” Manzella said. “Sylacauga has a proud tradition, and I am excited to become part of this community. I look forward to building relationships with our players, helping them grow on and off the field, and building a program that our school and community can be proud of. Our expectation will be to compete at a high level while representing Sylacauga the right way every single day.”
Manzella earned a Master of Education in Secondary Education from the University of Montevallo after receiving bachelor’s degrees in History and Political Science. He brings more than a decade of coaching and educational experience to the Aggie soccer program.
Superintendent Dr. Michele Eller said Manzella’s commitment to developing students made him an outstanding fit for Sylacauga City Schools.
“Athletics are an important part of the educational experience, and we are excited to welcome Coach Manzella to Sylacauga City Schools,” Dr. Eller said. “His commitment to developing students both on and off the field reflects the values we work to instill throughout our district. We believe he will make a positive impact on our student athletes, our school, and our community, and we are excited about the future of our soccer program.”
COACHING EXPERIENCE
2022 to 2026
Leeds High School
Head Soccer Coach
2021 to Present
BUSA/AFC Soccer
Academy and N1 Coach
2017 to 2022
Pinson Valley High School
Head Soccer Coach and Assistant Football Coach
2014 to 2017
McAdory High School
Soccer Coach and Founder of the School’s Soccer Program
EDUCATION
University of Montevallo
Master of Education, Secondary Education (Social Science)
Bachelor of Arts, History
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
