Racine native set to lead the Hawks

The Prairie School has hired Michael Modesti as the next head coach of its Boys’ Varsity Soccer program.

A native of Racine, Wis., Modesti has spent the past few years coaching locally in a number of roles, including: Boys’ Varsity Soccer Assistant at Racine Horlick High School, Boys’ Head Varsity Diving Coach at J.I. Case High School, and as a Boys’ and Girls’ Counselor at the Carthage College Soccer Camp.

In 2021, Modesti helped lead Horlick, his alma mater, to their first WIAA State Tournament in 16 years.

“We had a number of strong applicants but Coach Modesti’s high character and passion for soccer made him the clear choice,” said Jason Atanasoff, Prairie Athletic Director. “He is a high-energy guy who will set a tremendous example for our young men for years to come both on and off the field. I am confident he will continue the tradition of soccer excellence here at Prairie.”

A graduate of Carthage College, Modesti competed as an NCAA Division III dual athlete in soccer and diving at the school. He was a member of a Carthage soccer team that won three consecutive College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) championships and made three straight NCAA Tournaments.

Modesti is employed as a Physical Education Teacher for the Racine Unified School District.