Ontario girls soccer coach Larry Atkinson just hit career win No. 300 on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a massive milestone achieved in a 2-0 victory over Madison in a nonconference Richland County rivalry game. What’s wild is Atkinson, a self-described old-school coach who tracks his seasons and records with pen and paper, probably didn’t even realize he was hitting the big 3-0-0 until his son and assistant coach, Greg Atkinson, pulled out the digital spreadsheet. Seriously, thank goodness for modern tech because Larry was apparently off by a game! This victory pushes his incredible career record to 300-81-30, and get this: it happened just two games into his 21st season at the helm of the Warriors program.
How the 300th Victory Went Down
This wasn’t some nail-biter, either. The Warriors handled business against the Madison Rams. Junior Kamryn Pelphrey put Ontario on the board first, rocketing a shot into the net with 11:53 remaining in the first half, off an assist from Ella Them. That was the de facto game-winner, but Jordyn Yeager wasn’t done, adding another goal with 15:20 left in the game to seal the 2-0 shutout. Coach Atkinson took over the program in 2006, and that was clearly the start of something special. He’s built one of the most successful girls soccer programs in Richland County, no doubt about it. He gives huge credit to his coaching staff, too, calling them “second to none.” His son, Greg, has been with him for 16 years, Stacy Seif for six, and Addison Sandru just joined this year. You gotta love that kind of loyalty and belief in a program.
A Dynasty Built on Consistent Excellence
Three hundred wins isn’t just a number; it is a legacy. Atkinson averages more than 14 victories per season, which is just bonkers consistency. Under his guidance, Ontario has racked up an unbelievable list of achievements: nine league championships (2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025), nine district titles (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2024, 2025), eight district runners-up (2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023), three regional crowns (2010, 2012, 2025), and even a state runner-up finish in 2012. He isn’t wrong when he says, “Nowadays, it is a pretty good accomplishment given the turnover of coaches.” What he’s done here, the sustained excellence, it is a rare thing in any sport.
It’s Bigger Than Just Wins for Coach Atkinson
Even with all those championships and 300 wins under his belt, Larry Atkinson will tell you it isn’t what he thinks about daily. He’s been “blessed to be around some of the best players to ever play at this school and some of the most supportive families.” What really matters to him, though, goes beyond the scoreboard. “It is not all about soccer,” he said. “It is about helping these kids get prepared for the next phase of their lives by teaching them how to deal with adversity and getting them to compete at their highest level.” He stresses enjoying the sport, supporting teammates, and understanding that the program is “something a lot of people in the state of Ohio look up to.” With this momentum early in the season, the Warriors are clearly fired up and ready to show everyone why this program, under Coach Atkinson, continues to be a benchmark for success.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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