By Rich Fisher, Contributing Editor
Top photo: James Angiolino and his son Nick, a 2026 Notre Dame graduate, walk off the field after a soccer game last fall. Courtesy photo
James “The Mayor” Angiolino has taken over as the Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, athletic director, and his hiring had much to do with how he tries to positively impact Irish athletes outside the playing arena.
“What sets Mr. Angiolino apart is his belief that true success goes beyond winning titles,” Principal Ken Jennings said in a press release. “He emphasizes the importance of character, discipline and leadership that student-athletes develop through their experience with high school sports.”
The Hamilton resident adopted that mindset by combining what he has learned as a coach at Steinert of Hamilton, Notre Dame and the youth level.
“I think something that’s lacking in our society these days is accountability,” said Angiolino, who took over for Nate Webber July 1. “As dean of students, I was able to hold kids accountable and teach them lessons. At the end of the day, when kids understand what we’re teaching them, they’re thankful and they are grateful and I can’t tell you how many kids I’ve been in touch with since they graduated who come back thanking us for providing structure and accountability in their lives.”
Angiolino added that these are necessary lessons when kids go out in the “real world.”
“Being late for school is not the same as being late for work,” he said. “You’re late for work and you’re out the door. You say to an athlete, ‘You wouldn’t be late for practice, would you?’ The answer is always no.”
During his interview process, Angiolino was asked his thoughts on his faith and instilling it within the athletic program.
As someone who lost an infant son, Joey, at 7 months old due to a rare disease, Angiolino had a quick answer to that one.
“Faith in my life has been instrumental with the loss of my son,” he said. “Of course, you thank God when you have the wins but you gotta thank God when you have the losses, too, because they’re lessons.
“I think faith is extremely important. Of course we practice that at Notre Dame. Having faith in yourself and your teammates is extremely important when you find success but even more importantly when you don’t meet the expectations you have from the beginning of the season.”
Angiolino has been through all those highs and lows over the years. He served as an assistant coach for the prestigious Steinert softball program before coming to Notre Dame. He also coached his kids in CYO and youth baseball.
As a boys soccer assistant, Angiolino helped the Irish to consecutive Colonial Valley Conference Tournament titles. He was thrust into the head softball coaching job in 2024 and the Irish went 25-2, won the Mercer County Tournament and reached the NJSIAA South Jersey Non-Public A championship game before dropping a heart-breaking, 10-inning decision to St. John Vianney, Holmdel.
“I think he’ll make a great athletic director,” said Rylee Michalak, the pitcher for that ’24 team.
Angiolino’s son, Nick, was a valuable contributor to the Irish soccer team over the past three seasons, and his twins Matthew and Olivia just graduated from St. Gregory the Great Academy, Hamilton, and will begin at Notre Dame this fall.
The entire family, including wife Nicole, founded and operates Joey’s Little Angels, a charity that benefits families whose children need medical attention. It is named in memory of the son and brother they lost. Over the past 16 years it has gained tremendous response and has shown Angiolino’s ability to rally people and get things done.
He feels his new position is the next logical step in his professional career.
“Being involved with sports for the 20 years I’ve been in education, it’s time for me to pass down some of my knowledge; that’s the goal,” Angiolino said. “I’ve worked with some great ADs – Rich Giallella, Steve Gazdek, Brian Smith, John Costantinio, Nate Webber, (the late) Rich Roche. It’s a hard job, a lot of hours, sacrifice with your family. But to me it’s very rewarding.
“I can take everything I learned from these guys. John Costantino (the Hamilton West AD) reached out to me after I got hired and said, ‘Whatever you need buddy just let me know.’ Which is great.”
Angiolino wants to continue what his predecessors and his coaches have preached, which is teaching the mercy core values of service, compassion, justice and integrity. Although he has coached just two sports at ND, Angiolino knows most of his coaches.
“I have to make sure the needs and wants of the coaches are met and it’s something I really strive for,” he said. “I have to make sure they’re put in a position to succeed and support our kids on and off the field.”
As he takes this next step, Angiolino does so with the encouragement of his family.
“I have to thank my wife and my kids for unwavering support for all my coaching experiences,” he said. “They’ve always been there and part of my journey. Fortunately, I’ve been able to coach my kids in their adolescence and had a front seat in everything they’ve done. So, it’s great, following Nate and Rich Roche, who hired me. I’m looking forward to this opportunity.”