DiPompo was an important figure during the 1980s infancy of public-school boys soccer in Hillsborough County. 

As head coach at Leto High School, he built the Falcons into a powerhouse, twice winning state titles (1985 and 1987) and twice finishing as the state runner-up (1982 and 1994). He recorded an overall 254-62-18 record at Leto, but his 16-year run was halted in 1997 by heart surgery. 

DiPompo returned to active coaching in 2002 when he began the program at Alonso High School. 

“Some of the most memorable moments are not from the best records,’’ DiPompo said. “Seeing some of our players develop into college players, and knowing how they started, that was one of the most rewarding aspects of coaching.’’ 

DiPompo first coached high-school soccer in Maine, where his games were soon moved to Saturday afternoon because they were outdrawing Friday night football. After working a Tampa Bay Rowdies summer camp for six weeks, then moving to Tampa, he took over Leto’s program in its second season. Skeptical eyebrows were raised when DiPompo announced the goal was a state championship (Leto lost against Seminole in the 1982 state final). 

In 1985, the Falcons broke through, defeated Hialeah Miami Lakes 3-0 in the semifinals, then Lake Brantley 1-0 in the final. Sophomore goalkeeper Brett Phillips, despite facing six opposing players who had combined for 155 goals, registered the two shutouts. 

“It gave credibility to Hillsborough County soccer and was a shot in the arm,’’ DiPompo said. “Those kids who helped build the foundation, they were special.’’ 

And so was DiPompo.