Women’s Sports Coach Retires After 16 Years

By Nolan Cleary, Editor-in-Chief 

After 16 years coaching women’s sports at Hudson Valley Community College, Coach Jay Pokines has officially retired from the position. Pokines, who served in the role until recently, was responsible for 117 wins during his time as a coach. 

The announcement was made on the official social media accounts of the HVCC Vikings, where they thank Pokines for his many years of dedication to the team. 

Pokines reportedly decided to leave after being offered another job at a different school. Pokines became a well-loved figure throughout his time in the position amongst players and faculty. 

Adam Sopris, Assistant Director of Athletics and Sports at Hudson Valley Community College, reflected on Pokines’ time coaching women’s sports for the number of years that he did. 

“I’m a little surprised because he’s been there forever. He’s been there for 16 years, so it was a little surprise but I’m happy for him, because he got a new job, which took away his flexibility at Hudson Valley, but obviously I’m super happy for him. I’m sad to see him go because he did such a good job with the team, especially the last three years we’ve been playing. We’ve been winning the last three years, so it’s hard to see a good coach who really does a lot more for students, individuals, people and the college. He was more than just a coach. He was definitely one of those people who went above and beyond,” Sopris said. 

Pokines started his time in the position of women’s sports coach in 2005 and continued to coach for 16 consecutive seasons. Off the field, Pokines was known for his dedication to students and players. 

Sopris recalled memories he had of Pokines’ time as a coach. “I remember one year he beat SUNY Broome, and he had never beaten Broome in his entire career so that was a fun moment to kind of celebrate with him. Just over the last three years, we able to get some All Americans,” Sopris said. 

Sopris said he worked side by side with Pokines turning his time. He described Pokines’ long career of dedication as one of his many accomplishments. Sopris also credited Pokines for his wins in the last three years of his tenure at Hudson Valley. 

“I think just having him there in the years, winning all of those games helped,” Sopris said. Pokines also credited an alumni video of some of his past players. “We had people from 2008, someone from 2012, and just listening to what they all said about Coach J. always promoted the team as a family, they cared about each other, he was more than just a coach, he helped them with their homework, he helped them with whatever type of questions they need. He helped them throughout the whole two years at Hudson Valley. We think that’s what we’ll miss the most about Coach J., but I guess it is what is,” Sopris said. 

Pokines responded on Instagram to HVCC thanking him for his commitment saying in a comment “It has been a pleasure to be allowed to be a part of the HVCC community.”