New Coaches to Lead Football and Soccer Programs

After a pair of comprehensive national searches, Belmont Hill has appointed Frank Roche as the new Head Varsity Football Coach and Craig Schneider as the new Head Varsity Soccer Coach. While their first seasons won’t begin in earnest until August, both coaches have already started the off-season work of meeting their student-athletes and setting the teams up for success in the upcoming year. 

Over the past three years, Coach Roche has revitalized the Arlington High School football program as head coach. While earning a reputation for his sharp offensive mind, he’s also demonstrated a gift for building meaningful relationships with his student-athletes.  

"I’m honored to accept the position at Belmont Hill and become part of the great tradition the school and football program have,” Coach Roche said. “Ultimately for me, coaching is just as much about helping develop young men of high character as it is about developing exceptional teams. I can’t wait to lead a football team where this vision is fully shared.”

Coach Roche graduated from Tufts University where he had an outstanding playing career and  earned undergraduate degrees in political science and entrepreneurship and a masters degree in teaching. In addition to his coaching responsibilities, he will be Belmont Hill’s Assistant Athletic Director with opportunities to bring his varied areas of expertise into the classroom. 

"The commitment to elite athletics and academics is unmatched,” Coach Roche said. “I’m excited to get to work right away.”
  
After 33 years with Coach Jorge Montoya at the helm, a new face will be commanding the Belmont Hill sideline as JV Coach Craig Schneider has been promoted to lead the varsity soccer program. 

“I'm overjoyed at the opportunity to take over as the varsity head coach. Coach Montoya coached at such a high level for so many years that I have some big boots to fill. But I'm super excited to get to work with the varsity team and push the boys to be the best versions of themselves on and off the field,” Coach Schneider said. “As a student of the game, I hope to bring fresh ideas to an already talented group of players, with the goal of challenging for titles in the years to come.”

As a player, Coach Schneider earned All-State honors in high school and was a four-year starter and captain at Trinity College. During his time as a Belmont Hill coach and science faculty member, he has demonstrated a tireless passion for the sport and his students. Of all the strengths he’s brought to campus, perhaps none have made a bigger impact than his infectious enthusiasm for the work. 

“At the end of the day, we are playing a game (the best game). What is better than going to school for six hours, then moseying down to the soccer pitch for training with some of your lifelong friends and making some of the best high school memories that will stick with you forever? I just can't wait to be a small part of that.”

Coach Roche and Coach Schneider will join veteran Cross Country Coach Tyson Trautz in the upcoming 2026 fall season. With strong leadership across all three programs, a dedicated group of student-athletes returning next year, and talented newly admitted student-athletes joining our community, Belmont Hill is well-positioned to continue its tradition of athletic excellence in the new school year.