Beloved soccer coach Fidgi Haig, 47, dies – Florida Today
Michael Parsons, FLORIDA TODAY 
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Florida Tech’s women soccer coach Fidgi Haig dies after heart attack. Video by Rob Landers. Posted April 16, 2015
From the moment that Fitzgerald “Fidgi” Haig got off the plane from Port Au-Prince, Haiti in 1987, he changed the face of soccer in Brevard County.
First as a player, leading the Florida Tech men’s soccer team to their first national championship and later as a coach and mentor. On Thursday, Haig passed away at the age of 47 after suffering a heart attack more than a week ago.
He leaves behind three children, a wife and thousands of former players that he coached through the years.
“Who I am today and what I have done as a player, coach and person is due to Fidgi’s impact in my life,” Viera High girls soccer coach Courtney Baines-Lundy said. “I carry his lessons with me and have and always will pass them on to those around me.”
Baines-Lundy played for Haig at Satellite High, winning the first of two state titles that Haig won while at Satellite High.
Haig spent nine seasons at Satellite High School, accumulating a 231-18-8 record. His .941 winning percentage still ranks fourth all-time in the United States.
“He put us on the radar,” Satellite High assistant principal and athletics director Linda Anderson said. “But he was not just a coach, he was a mentor, friend and motivator, always finding the positive in everything. He brought out the best in his players and it was contagious. Players wanted to be here, to be part of his team.”
One of the players on those Satellite High teams was Ashlyn Harris, who this week was named to the U.S. Women’s National Team.
“I don’t even know what to say. It is just terrible.”
Haig was also involved with the the youth leagues, first at Space Coast United and later with the Orlando Development League.
“We are with heavy hearts today as we’ve lost a true leader for the sport of soccer,” said Orlando City SC Founder and President Phil Rawlins. “Fidgi’s impact on the game is one that goes far beyond wins and losses. His legacy and contribution to the sport will carry on for many years to come. Orlando City SC offers its sincerest condolences to the Haig family during this time.”
During his time at Space Coast United, Haig taught his craft to young players who would later become some of the best players in the world.
One of those players is Katie Stengel, who played for Haig at Space Coast United and now plays for Bayern Munich of the Frauen-Bundesliga, the top level of German women’s soccer.
“Fidgi was the most influential coach I’ve ever had the chance to play for,” said Stengel said. “Not only has he helped me on the field, but he’s been one of the greatest mentors off the field.”
Haig took his talents back to where it all started in 2005, becoming the women’s soccer coach at Florida Tech.
In his nine seasons, he led the Panthers to 97 wins and a trip to the NCAA Division II Final Four in 2010.
“Like many, I have lost a dear friend,” Florida Tech Athletics Director Bill Jurgens said in a release from the school. “Fidgi had a tremendous impact on our women’s soccer program, university and the entire community. He has left a rich legacy that will be evident for many years to come. He always put the university first and his love for being here could be seen on a daily basis.”
As a coach, Haig has been named the Dairy Farmers Coach of the Year for high school coaches as well as the United State Youth Soccer Adidas National Coach of the Year and was named to the Florida Tech Hall of Fame.
“Of all the coaches with whom our children worked, none ever compared to Fidgi,” said Ruthie Howell, who has two children that played sports growing up in Brevard County. “Fidgi is one of the finest human beings my husband and I have ever had the privilege of knowing.”
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