Yeschenko ready to lead BVA’s new era

By JOSE NEGRON

jnegron@yourmvi.com

Over the last four seasons under head coach Rob Miele, the Belle Vernon Area boys soccer program won nearly 60 games, captured a pair of section championships and appeared in the WPIAL playoffs four times. 

Miele compiled a program-best .787 winning percentage during his time with the Leopards before deciding to step down at the helm of the program in January. 

Now, fresh off a 14-win season, BVA will look to continue trending upward under the tutelage of a new, yet familiar face. 

Al Yeschenko was tabbed as the Leopards’ new leader in March after serving as an assistant on Miele’s staff last fall. 

“I am honored that the BVA school district has confidence in me to take over the program and continue leading the program to be successful,” said Yeschenko, who will have a staff that consists of returning assistant coaches Jamey Caldwell and Chris Stasicha. “I am excited to have coaches from last season show so much support and interest to return to work together. The support that I have also received from my family, graduating seniors, current players, youth families and community members has been exciting in itself. The program has so much energy and I am looking forward to adding to it.”   

While he has coached multiple sports at a number of different levels since 1998, Yeschenko’s soccer coaching career began with the BVA Youth Soccer Association and evolved into a role as an assistant coach at the club level. 

He currently works with the Beadling Club ‘06 and ‘07 teams, an age level he considers “perfect” for helping him prepare to lead a high school program. 

“I have worked with many experienced soccer coaches throughout my experience with Beadling and the knowledge of the coaches involved with Beadling Soccer Club is invaluable,” said Yeschenko, a health and physical education teacher at West Mifflin. “I feel that I am learning something new each time I walk into Southpointe Fieldhouse.” 

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