Great River, N.Y. - Eastern New York Hall of Famer Steve LaRosa, who was the first Adelphi University women's soccer coach in 1982, died from Coronavirus (COVID-19) earlier this month.

In 1976, LaRosa became the second president of Southern New York Youth Soccer Association, the predecessor of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association, where he served until 1978. There was great expansion at the start of the youth soccer boom during LaRosa's one term in office as clubs from Long Island to the Canadian border were admitted. 

LaRosa was a prominent figure in youth soccer who helped grow the sport when it was not nearly as popular as it is today.

He was active as a coach for the Long Island women's team that competed in the Empire State Games and in the old Massapequa Athletic Club of the Long Island Junior Soccer League and was the first of seven head coaches that the Adelphi women have known during the four decades of the program's existence.

"Steve was a great person to work with with his huge personality positive attitude and fun loving ways," said former Adelphi men's soccer coach and Hall of Famer Bob Montgomery.

During his four-year stint leading the Panthers, he amassed a career record of 38-30-6 and earned the title of ECAC Champions in three out of the four seasons.  In just his second season at the helm he turned a 5-11 first year mark into an 11-7-1 finish which included wins over Villanova and Yale. 

"He was a great teacher and mentor to all his former players at Adelphi and all over Long Island. He will be remembered by so many for his contributions and leadership that he provided the young ladies that play for him."

The family will have a memorial service at a later date. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Albrecht, Bruno & O'Shea Funeral Home. www.osheafuneral.com