Sting Score Big with Aquino

The Seneca Sting are thrilled to announce the hiring of Michael Aquino as the Men’s Soccer head coach.

Aquino brings a resume unmatched in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) including seven national championships and eight Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) championships in 11 seasons.

Prior to joining the Sting, Aquino was at the helm for the Humber Hawks’ dynasty, compiling a 141-10-11 while finishing with an OCAA medal in each season. Aquino’s teams were equally dominant in the indoor season where the Hawks captured five OCAA championships along with a silver (2022) and bronze (2017).

Following a run of dominance with the Hawks, Aquino sought a new challenge, one with the two-time reigning OCAA bronze medalists and four-time CCAA national champions.

“Seneca offers a unique opportunity to develop student-athletes both on and off the field. I’m passionate about helping players grow, not just in their athletic abilities, but also as individuals who excel academically and personally. Seneca’s focus on academics and athletics aligns well with my coaching philosophy, where I believe in nurturing well-rounded athletes who can balance both their sport and their studies” offered Aquino. “The opportunity to build a positive, winning culture at Seneca, and make a meaningful impact, both on the field and in the broader Seneca community is attractive.”

Aquino will look to help the Sting take the ‘next step’ and contend for national championships as the team seeks its first title since 2009. Along with the Hawks, the Sting have captured a medal at each of the previous five OCAA championships (silver, four bronze), but have been unable to end a two-decade drought provincially.

“The Seneca Sting Men’s Soccer team has been very successful, winning 29 medals and five in just the past five seasons” commented John Sharpe, Manager, Varsity and Operations. “We want to continue to build on that success and compete for championships on an annual basis. We feel that Michael will help our team take that ‘next step’ and re-establish the Sting as the premiere men’s soccer program in the CCAA.”

Resume aside, Aquino knows that he and his coaching staff must continue to work to maintain their history of success and find ways to motivate and get the most out of their players. With years of experience, Aquino knows how to put players in situations to excel and reach their potential.

“I would describe myself as a player centered coach who blends high standards and expectations with strong relationships. I break down the game to help players see both the tactical picture and their individual roles within it. I challenge them to take ownership, but most importantly, I build a culture where effort, respect, and resilience are part of our identity.”

With over two decades as an educator and coaching experience at the highest level of amateur sport in Canada, Aquino is situated to identify key player traits and blend different personalities into forming a cohesive team.

“I look for traits like work ethic, commitment to improvement and game intelligence. A player’s mentality and how they handle pressure, staying focused throughout the game, and push themselves in training is important. I value players who are disciplined and willing to learn from their mistakes and who can quickly adapt to tactical changes.”

Aquino believes that understanding everyone is vital in helping build a stronger team, one which sets a clear vision for how everyone fits within the team.

“Creating a cohesive team requires understanding the personalities of each player and what they bring to the team. I encourage open communication, not just between players and myself but among players themselves, to ensure everyone feels heard and valued. By setting clear expectations and shared goals, players begin to understand their roles and how their individual strengths contribute to the larger team.”

Aquino holds a Chartered Professional Coach (ChPc) designation from the Coaches of Canada as well as a National Coaching Certification Program (Level 4) certification. In addition, Aquino has achieved an ‘A’ license from the Canadian Soccer Association and an Advanced National Diploma and Director of Coaching Diploma from the National Coaches Soccer Association of America.

A former student-athlete with Quincy University (NCAA DI) and the University of Windsor (U Sports), Aquino also played professionally in the Canadian Soccer League for Metro Lions and the York Region Shooters.

Tryouts for the Men’s Soccer team will commence in the third week of August. The Sting will begin the regular season in September.