Head Coaching Record
The journey from Belfast, Northern Ireland, to a distinguished career in soccer coaching at UW-Whitewater is a testament to the incredible story of Tony Guinn.
Guinn’s path to success spans decades and encompasses diverse coaching positions, but his commitment to his players has remained constant. His coaching philosophy of doing your best, doing what’s right, and putting family first has guided him throughout his career.
As he puts it, “this philosophy isn’t just a set of words but a way of life that I instill in my players both on and off the field.”
Since Guinn started as head coach, UW-Whitewater has traveled on two tours of Northern Ireland and Ireland and has committed to numerous community service endeavors annually. He has raised more than $50,000 in five years to afford his student-athletes these opportunities and supplement the program's operating budget. In 2015, the Warhawks recorded more hours of community service than any other UW-Whitewater program.
His coaching career began at St. Catherine’s in Racine, Wisconsin, where he amassed an impressive record (273-86-19) over 11 years, ranking in the top 10 for all-time wins in the WIAA. His success at St. Catherine’s earned him the title of Wisconsin High School Coach of the Year in 1996.
Guinn’s journey then took him to Saint Mary’s in Minnesota, where he continued to make his mark with a record of 30-20-4 in three seasons. His next stop was at NCAA Division I Western Illinois in Macomb, Illinois, where he became the winningest coach in the program’s history, achieving a record of 48-34-8. His 2007 squad’s success earned him the Summit League Coach of the Year title.
In 2012, Guinn joined UW-Whitewater as the fourth coach in the history of the men’s soccer program. Over the past 15 years, he’s amassed a remarkable record of 153-62-31 and led the Warhawks to four NCAA Tournament appearances. Under his guidance, the team has garnered 35 all-conference honors and five conference player of the year awards. Coach Guinn coached the program's only All-American, Justin Stanko in 2015.
Guinn’s coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in his values and experiences. He emphasizes the importance of doing one’s best, acting rightly, and prioritizing family. These principles are foundational to his coaching approach.
His program at UW-Whitewater reflects these values. With a smaller roster than most, Guinn has created a competitive environment where making the team and staying on it for four years is no small feat.
He believes that mental toughness and competition are integral to the team’s daily routine, fostering personal growth and development.
Guinn’s decision to join UW-Whitewater was rooted in his appreciation for the quality community and educational opportunities the university offers. He believes in the potential for growth that this institution provides to its student-athletes. His coaching journey is a testament to the power of values, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence.
