Broward Bombshell: Albert Leaving Coral Springs Charter For Belen Jesuit

Jerry Albert built the Coral Springs Charter baseball program from the ground up. Albert started as the school’s first head coach twelve years ago, and during his tenure he developed friendships that last a lifetime. That is why it came as a shock to the Broward baseball community Thursday when Albert announced he was stepping away from the Panthers program.

Albert resigned on Thursday from his position as head coach at CS Charter, and he also submitted his resignation as the school’s athletic director. When the 2011-12 school year begins, Albert will be teaching classes at Belen Jesuit in Miami, and he also will serve as the school’s new head baseball coach.

“What this affords me to do for my entire family is what drew me to the school (Belen),” said Albert, who seemed overwhelmed with emotion. “My boys can now attend one of the top Catholic institutions in the country, and my girls will now be set as well. Leaving Coral Springs Charter was incredibly difficult. I started the program and built it to what it is today. I have great relationships there, and the principal and administration have been fantastic with me even to the very end. The support I have received there is something I will never forget.”

The Panthers are expected to have one of the most talented teams in the county next season, but the possible success on the field could not compare to the family opportunity he was given at his new school, Belen Jesuit. Albert expressed a desire to have his children experience the Catholic school environment, one that both he and his wife were able to enjoy as teenagers.

Albert’s success at CS Charter will be hard for the next coach to duplicate. The program has been to the state regional semi-finals in four of the past seven seasons. Overall, Albert had a record of 174-134 with the Panthers. Despite the opportunity to make a move for his family, Albert still had to deal with the emotions on Thursday of saying goodbye to his extended family at Charter.

“As many friendships as I have there amongst the coaches and faculty, the hardest part, by far, was notifying the kids,” said Albert. That tough talk came Thursday afternoon. “I love the players like family and I told them I will always be there for them throughout the rest of their lives. It is very difficult, but it is not a goodbye, the relationships just change now. They know me and what I am about. They know I am always there for them and will always be there for them throughout their careers. I assured them I will continue to work very hard for each of them to get them set for the next level and matching them up with their colleges.”

Placing student-athletes in college should be no problem for Albert at his next stop. Belen Jesuit has the highest number of Ivy League athletes of any high school in the country. The chance to work with such athletes will be an added bonus on top of the family choice that the now-former Panthers coach has made.

“I am looking forward to getting to know the kids and putting together a top notch staff to work with them,” said the new Wolverines coach. “The school has shown a commitment to the entire athletic program, their facilities are fantastic, and they continue to improve them year to year…It is a very exciting opportunity.”

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