By John Knebels • Posted March 6, 2026

Holy Ghost Prep has a new face leading its boys soccer program – and it’s one that already knows the team inside and out.

Amanda Kirby, recently named head coach, brings significant coaching experience, including 14 years as an HGP assistant and freshman coach. Her appointment is notable, as female head coaches at all-boys schools are rare in the Philadelphia area, making her role a meaningful milestone.

Kirby downplays that distinction, instead emphasizing her experience, personality, and familiarity with the Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL) as the foundation of her approach.

“I think some advantages I have are that I have played and coached in the PCL before, so I’ve been around the environment and high stakes of the league,” she said. “I also think my personality and demeanor will help the boys buy into this new journey.”

Kirby’s path to coaching was shaped by her own athletic background. A 2008 graduate of Conwell‑Egan Catholic High School, she played four years of varsity soccer and lacrosse, serving as captain her junior and senior years. She earned All-Catholic honors while playing center back, even while recovering from two serious knee injuries. She went on to Gwynedd Mercy College (now University), playing soccer for one year and lacrosse for four, shaping her competitive edge.

Her brother, Michael Kirby, a 2015 HGP graduate, played on two state championship teams during his high school career. Over the years, Kirby has worked closely with HGP coaches Kenny Lawson and David Simpson, mentors she credits with shaping her coaching philosophy.

Off the field, Kirby is deeply rooted in the HGP community. She teaches social studies—including world history, world cultures, and AP psychology—and serves as department chair. Her academic background includes degrees in history and secondary education, along with a master’s in psychology, sports psychology, and coaching/leadership.

“The boys know me from the program over the years and as a teacher in the classroom,” said Kirby. “They know I am consistent and firm. We will work to build trust and confidence in each other to be successful on and off the field.”

The upcoming season will be demanding. After a period as an independent, all HGP programs will now compete in the PCL. The soccer schedule features top programs, including perennial championship contenders LaSalle, Father Judge, Roman Catholic, Archbishop Ryan, and Archbishop Wood. In the PCL, the top 10 teams make the playoffs, followed by pre-quarterfinal, quarterfinal, semifinal, and championship rounds.

Kirby emphasized the importance of mental and physical preparation. She also hopes to foster a culture of resilience, accountability, and collaboration as the team adapts to the PCL.

“It will be an adjustment,” she said, “especially because all games matter.”

Key HGP returners expected to lead the team include rising juniors John Pawlowski and Vincent Zamperelli, and rising seniors Sean Fleming and Jacob Samocki.

Athletic Director Craig Conlin praised Kirby’s appointment.

“Coach Kirby brings over 14 years of experience within our HGP soccer program developing student-athletes and a clear commitment to skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship,” said Conlin.

“She understands that success at HGP is measured not only by results on the field, but by the growth of our young men as leaders, teammates, students, and good men of character.”

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Contact John Knebels by email at jknebels@gmail.com or on ‘X’ @johnknebels.