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Kids on the Pitch Podcast: Bentworth Coaches Tyler Hamstra and Nick Malarbi on building Western PA HS Soccer Titletown

When the final whistles blew last autumn, the small Washington County communities of Bentleyville and Ellsworth found themselves at the absolute center of the Western Pennsylvania soccer universe.

In a single, unforgettable week, Bentworth High School pulled off the ultimate high school sweep. Nick Malarbi’s boys’ squad capped a flawless, undefeated 25-0 campaign with a WPIAL title and the school’s first-ever PIAA State Championship. Days prior, Tyler Hamstra’s girls’ team shocked the district with a late winner against Sewickley Academy to claim the program’s first-ever WPIAL Gold.

On this episode of Kids on the Pitch, we sit down with Malarbi and Hamstra to break down how the two coaches have been unified in building a succesful soccer culture and massive success in WPIAL/PIAA Class 1A soccer. We dive into running Bentworth as “one club,” navigating roster depth in Class 1A, and the distinct Mon Valley grit that defines their programs.

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Key Timestamps / Segment Outline

  • 00:00 - 02:15 – Introduction: Bentworth’s Historic Dual Sweep & Community Impact

  • 02:15 - 05:30 – Creating One Club: Aligning the Boys, Girls, and Youth Programs

  • 05:30 - 09:45 – Grassroots Development & Navigating Small-School Roster Dynamics

  • 09:45 - 12:50 – Coaching Synergies: Nick and Tyler’s Shared History & Collaboration

  • 12:50 - 16:15 – The Mon Valley Soccer Identity: Toughness, Heritage, and Pride

  • 16:15 - End – Looking Ahead: Sustaining Success in Bentleyville

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John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

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