Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
Prattville Christian Academy has named Conner Giordano as the next head coach of the boys’ soccer program, following the retirement of longtime coach Mike Damron, who led the program for the last 13 years. Giordano coached the Panthers’ JV soccer team in 2026. He coached JV boys soccer several prior years as well, serving at Trinity Presbyterian and Presbyterian Christian School in Hattiesburg, Mississippi before arriving at PCA.
“I’m honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead this team into the future,” said Giordano. “I’m enjoying my time here at PCA and I’m excited to get to work! I am thankful for the opportunity to learn and lead young men. I also owe many thanks to my mentors who taught me about the game of soccer,” said Giordano.
In addition to his background in coaching the sport, Giordano also has experience on the field. He played center midfielder on the 2017 Autauga Academy soccer team that won the title in the Alabama Independent School Association.
“I’ve always had a passion for soccer as a result of winning a state championship,” said Giordano.
The Panthers had a young roster in 2026, and will feature another young team next year, to include sophomore Nolan Courrier and junior Ethan Green.
“The current PCA team is still pretty young, but I’m looking forward to seeing some growth this year. I want to see how the younger guys step up and play after having a year of varsity experience under their belt,” said Giordano.
The Panthers will compete next year in the brand-new Private School division of the Alabama High School Athletic Association. The Panthers will be in Single A Area 4. Their area opponents will include Alabama Christian Academy, Autauga Academy, and Montgomery Academy, the Class 7A state champions from 2025.
Gioradano has short term and long-term goals in place for the program.
“Short term goals for this team next year are for us to learn how to play fundamental soccer, develop a first touch, and overall be a more competitive team in games. Long term, I would like to get to a fully sustainable and developmental program where winning seasons are expected and high-quality soccer is played throughout. I would also like to get to a point where other teams say, ‘that PCA team is tough and never quits no matter the situation’.”
Giordano will get his chance to achieve those goals when the PCA soccer season starts in February 2027.
