Landing a legend: Bolles hires Mike Pickett as new girls soccer head coach

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Iconic girls soccer coach Mike Pickett didn’t stay out of the game for long.

Bolles announced the hiring of Pickett on Friday afternoon as the program’s new head coach. Pickett resigned from St. Johns Country Day, one of the most successful programs in high school history, last month. He built the Spartans into a national powerhouse during 28 seasons at his alma mater. The Spartans’ 15 state championships are tied for the most in Florida history.

“Coach Pickett’s record speaks for itself,” Bolles athletic director Rock Pillsbury said in a release. “With all his success on the field, he also cares for the overall well-being of his players as he blends competitive excellence with leadership skills, integrity and compassion. Needless to say, we are thrilled to welcome Coach Pickett to the Bulldog Family!”

Pickett, 61, was careful to say that he was only resigning from St. Johns and not retiring after his surprise departure on March 31. He replaces another coaching legend in Matt Tracy, who stepped down after the season and six state championships. Only Pickett (15) and Dave Silverberg (nine) have more titles than Tracy. Silverberg won four at Nease and has led Ponte Vedra to five.