Michael Wiggins - Head Soccer Coach Hinsdale Central High School, Speaker, Author

Tell us about yourself and your family.

Thank you, my name is Michael Wiggins. Although I recently retired from full-time teaching, I’m still coaching as a head coach recently coming off of my 32nd season and still loving it. You’ll find youth players, current and former players, students, staff at school and friends will call me “Wiggy” and name that has been with me for a long time. This past fall was my 24th season as the Head Boys Soccer Coach at Hinsdale Central. I’m a husband to Bonnie and proud father to three children: Julianne, Emma, and Brad. My daughters are married to Bill and Jason, two of the greatest son in laws anyone could ever hope for and my son recently graduated from Western Kentucky University. Then there’s my grandkids Grace Mae and Liam that are just incredible blessings. Spending time with my family is one of my greatest joys. A family team that I refer to as undefeated.

The biggest transition since retirement has been adjusting to a lack of structure and discovering this new “routine” will come together. As a teacher, your schedule is dictated by the bell. Now, I look at the clock and realize it’s 12:30 and I’ve done nothing yet! It’s been a humbling reminder that time management in retirement takes practice too. As someone who puts a high level of importance toward being prepared and organized, I am feeling better about settling into a new routine moving forward for sure.

What do we need to know about you?

I grew up in Downers Grove and attended Downers Grove South. I’ve always known I wanted to be a teacher and coach, it’s been a calling since I was a kid. Sports, athletes and coaching always fascinated me.

My teaching and coaching journey started at Hinsdale Middle School. I later became the head boys soccer coach at Downers Grove South, where I stayed for eight years. Eventually, Hinsdale Central reached out and offered me the chance to return, and I’ve been here ever since. My entire teaching career has been in Hinsdale except for 6 years between HMS and Central.

Tell us about your career path and what you love most about what you do.

Competing as a student athlete on the men’s soccer team at Illinois State University taught me a ton: perseverance, dedication, commitment, discipline, preparation and organization, values that I share with my players today. When I completed my student teaching, I was recognized with the ISU Physical Education Student Teacher of the Year award, a recognition that helped along the way to being hired in D181. HMS was the absolute best landing space for me to begin my teaching career, surrounded by the best educators around learning more than I could ever describe. I never planned to leave Hinsdale Middle School or Downers Grove South for that matter on the way to finishing my career at Hinsdale Central, but soccer moved me along the way. The opportunity to be the DGS Head Soccer Coach led me there and ultimately from there to spend the last 24 years as the Head Coach at Hinsdale Central. It’s been a remarkable career working with incredible people.

About eight years ago, I began jotting down ideas in a coffee shop in Estes Park, Colorado that recently led to my book, “The Starting 11.” It’s a leadership lineup of lessons from 30+ years in sports, education, and life. I always remind people that the work I put into that book is less about me being an expert and more about suggestions that I have seen as successful over the years in leading others. I’ve been told it’s an “easy read” so I hope that helps others!

The book has opened speaking opportunities at Central Michigan University, Bradley Men’s Soccer, local schools and soccer clubs around the country. I share a variety of topics that are leadership based that are interactive while sharing personal stories of perseverance, leadership, and becoming your best self, even when things don’t go as planned.

From the book:
“Opportunity comes everyday. It’s available and it’s an attitude. It’s whatever you want it to be.”

How long have you lived and worked in our community?

My entire career has been in Hinsdale except 6 years at DGS. There were four years at Hinsdale Middle School, six at Downers South, and 23+ years at Hinsdale Central. Starting days early teaching and leaving late from coaching, I have “lived” in Hinsdale for a long time, because I’ve spent most of my waking hours here.

What are some of your favorite restaurants in town?

Well, JJ at Page’s knows my order by heart if that tells you anything.

Who is the most interesting person you’ve met in our community?

That’s an impossible and unfair question! I’ve met, taught and coached so many incredible people: entrepreneurs, media professionals, business leaders, athletes, childhood friends and former student athletes of mine who have made personal and professional contributions that are beyond remarkable. I think my best response here is that of all the most interesting people I have ever met in my life, the MOST of them have been from our community here.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I’ve been invited by my college teammate who’s now the CEO of a professional club in Germany, to come out and visit him, so getting there needs to happen. I have also visited Tanzania several years ago teaching kids soccer, which was a very rewarding time that I’d love to do again sometime.

What’s one of your favorite movies or TV shows?

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946). George Bailey’s desire to see the world meant everything to him and when he didn’t get to do that, he realized that what really meant everything to him was with him his entire life. Our family looks forward to getting together and watching it around this time every year.

What advice would you give to others?

I never offer advice unless asked. If I were asked, I’d say:
“If it’s in your heart, go for it. Take the opportunity and make it happen.”

I never took business classes, yet I started two businesses in my life. I was never much of a reader and I wrote a book. Just because you played a sport doesn’t mean you’ll be a great coach and just because you haven’t played a sport doesn’t mean you can’t be the best teacher of that activity. Surround yourself with the best, make a decision to be great, never stop learning and achieve greatness.

What’s something on your bucket list?

Probably that trip to Germany, but I don’t keep a bucket list. I live very much in the moment. I am incredibly fortunate to experience all that I enjoy everyday.

What’s your go-to music when you can’t decide?

Thanks to my daughters, I’ve been listening to a lot of country lately!

What former local business makes you feel nostalgic?

Zingelman’s! It was a classic hot dog place on First Street in downtown Hinsdale. When I first came to Hinsdale, all the kids raved about it.

If you could have lunch with anyone (non-relative, living), who would it be and where?

Wayne Messmer at Wildfire. He’s a friend, a Chicago legend—successful in so many things and nobody can sing the National Anthem better. He has sung for the Cubs and Blackhawks, even appearing at Hinsdale Central in the past. He is a mentor and friend. I learn something every time we get together.

What’s your favorite thing about our community?

Our schools, no question. I’ve had the honor of working in District 181 and District 86. The leadership, enthusiasm, and energy of the people in our school system are truly special.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5–10 years?

Hopefully still coaching! This was my 32nd year as a head coach, the last 24 of them at Hinsdale Central. I wouldn’t trade a second of it.

Do you have a favorite memory from coaching?

Too many to count!

In 2004, we were ranked #1 in the nation for one week in the national poll.
In 2006, we nearly beat Sacramento Jesuit when they came to the Chicago area as the top ranked team in the nation as we tied them 1-1.
In 2014, we won the state title, scoring the game winning goal with 7:38 left in the game against Normal Community HS who was undefeated going into the final.

These are just a few of so many incredible moments. We had a 50 years of Hinsdale Central boys soccer celebration recently and had a tremendous turnout of former players, families and friends. It was an evening of sharing so many amazing memories. Exactly what makes high school soccer so great.

What’s something interesting most people don’t know about you?

I played a few outdoor professional games for the Chicago Power S.C.in the summer of 1993, rostered alongside players I watched playing growing up. I recorded an assist in my debut against Milwaukee.

What’s the most beautiful place you’ve been?

St.John in the Caribbean would be one place. I’d also say climbing to the top of Flat Top Mountain in Colorado. Hiking over 12,000 feet to that view was unforgettable.

Favorite month, holiday, and best single day of the year?

I love November with the change of season and the lead up to the holidays. Christmas is my favorite holiday.

What would you rate 10 out of 10?

I’ll tell you that high school athletics, playing for your teammates, your school and community is something that brings spirit to everyone around. Then partner the athletic history, the various sports teams we have, the coaches involved along with the tradition that comes with Hinsdale Central and it’s an 11.

Who inspires you to be better?

My wife, Bonnie. She’s an Illinois High School Hall of Fame gymnast who understands competition, sports and the work involved behind the scenes. We’ve been married for over 30 years, she has supported me beyond comprehension and inspires me every day. She is the best, an incredible wife and the best mother to our three kids who really made it all possible over all these years.