Miller Bugliari '52 became Head Coach of the Varsity Soccer Team in 1960, having served as the team’s Assistant Coach the year before. He taught in the science department and served as chairman of that department, and also coached many other Pingry teams. Miller first came to Pingry as a student in 1941, and his sons also attended Pingry. Miller graduated from Springfield College, where he played
varsity soccer, and received his Master’s Degree from New York University. In 1995, Miller received Pingry’s highest alumni award, The Letter-in-Life. He was also inducted into the Pingry Athletic Hall of Fame. Coach Bugliari holds the national record for most victories as a high school soccer coach, reaching the 714 win mark during the Fall 2009 season when his team won the Non-Public A State Championship and was selected as the Team of the Year by the Star-Ledger. Miller was inducted into the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Hall of Fame in January 2006 and was enshrined into the National Soccer Hall of Fame (NSHOF) in August 2006. He has earned four “National Coach of the Year” awards, his teams have won 20 New Jersey state titles and 22 county championships (including a record-setting 5 consecutive championships from 2004-2008), and his teams have had 18 undefeated regular or complete seasons. He has been named “New Jersey State Coach of the Year” seven times. The list of outstanding achievements is a testament to all of the players he has coached, and each new season represents another opportunity for Coach Bugliari as he continues to build his legacy and expertise in the soccer world. Coach Bugliari is a former President of the National Soccer Coaches Association, and continues to work with The New Jersey State Coaching Association as a clinician. He is a member of The New Jersey Governor’s Fitness Council, the New Jersey Youth Hall of Fame, and the New Jersey State High School Hall of fame. He played a key role in bringing the Italian National Soccer Team to Pingry during the 1994 World Cup. During his remarkable tenure, Coach Bugliari has worked hard to create an atmosphere of chemistry and sportsmanship among his players. His personal approach is a hallmark of his teams’ successes over the years. Many alumni remember their experience of being on Coach Bugliari’s team with clarity and warmth, and that they consider him a driving force in developing their character. One of his methods has been to keep every player on his team, regardless of skill level; consequently, all of the players know their roles on the team. Players develop an incredible connection, being part of an excellent program. Other attributes include high expectations that his players will always strive to reach the next level, holding players accountable for the highest level of ethics and morals. He is always looking to improve his coaching and believes, whether you are a teacher or a coach, you never know it all. The Pingry community considers Bugliari a role model and emphasizes his sensitivity and caring for the students. Coach Bugliari always makes time for his athletes, fostering that connection out-of-season as well as in-season. He never loses sight of the student being part of his program regardless of the time of the year.
