Dr KARL STAGNO

 

 

Dr Karl Stagno - Men’s 1s Head Coach

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Karl Stagno's playing career saw him achieve notable success, Moving from Gibraltar in 1997 he played for Surbiton, helping the club secure promotion to Division 1. His contributions as a player were pivotal, and his talent on the field helped elevate Surbiton to a higher level of competition, even winning the Prem title for the first time. During his time at Surbiton, he began coaching in their Junior programme before taking the reins of their Men’s 1st team in 2010. 

Coaching Career:

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From 2001 to 2008, he coached at the Royal Grammar School Guildford before moving on to Whitgift in 2010. During his time at Whitgift, they have been National Outdoor Champions 15 times and National Indoor Champions 11 times. As director of hockey at the school his ethic towards development and enjoyment have seen many talented players go on to international squads, notably ex-Wimledon player Jack Waller. 

In 2018, Stagno took on a coaching role at Wimbledon, a position that allowed him to showcase his coaching expertise at one of the most well-known clubs in the sport. His leadership led to impressive results, with Wimbledon finishing third in the premier league and winning the indoor Super 6s competition back to back. 

Stagno's coaching philosophy emphasizes growth, team-building, and success, and under his guidance, Wimbledon finished as runners-up in the Indoor super 6s 2023 competition, proving his consistent ability to lead teams to high achievements.

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Achievements and Legacy:

Karl Stagno’s coaching career has been marked by remarkable success, including the achievement of 55 national titles across various teams and age groups. His ability to cultivate winning teams and develop individual talent is evident in these accolades, cementing his reputation as a top-tier coach. Throughout his career, Stagno has focused on building strong, youthful sides that have the potential for sustained success. This focus on youth development has been one of his signature coaching strategies, aiming not only for immediate wins but also long-term growth.

 

Coaching Philosophy:

One of Stagno’s key coaching priorities has been to build new and dynamic teams, particularly focusing on younger players. By emphasizing the importance of youth development, he has helped establish a foundation for future success. His teams, such as the ones at Wimbledon, have consistently competed at a high level, with an eye on securing top 4 finishes in national competitions. Stagno’s approach is one of continuous growth and improvement, both for the players he coaches and the teams he leads. His focus on creating a winning culture and developing well-rounded athletes demonstrates his long-term vision for success.