Coaching with Heart: Laurie Updike

For Laurie Updike, each season brings back its own share of memories.

There are the state championship seasons, like when the Marcellus Girls Soccer team won back-to-back state championships in 2003 and 2004, and again in 2024 and 2025. There were also 18 league championships, 13 section titles, and 10 regional crowns over Updike's last 26 years on the Mustangs sideline.

While each season has a special place in her heart, Updike knows it's not just about the wins, but the bonds you make along the way.

"You share those moments," Updike said. "Whether we won a title or not, there were always awesome things that happened along the way that you remember."

Updike's success — on and off the field — has led to several national awards. One year after being named the Small Public School Girls National Coach of the Year by the United Soccer Coaches, Updike has been selected as the Girls Soccer Coach of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Associations for 2024-25.

Adding hardware to her mantle and years to the state championship banners in the gym are meaningful, but not the only mission for Updike. It's about helping players grow and meet their goals outside the lines as much as they do inside of them.

"That's why you coach," Updike said. "That's why you teach."

Updike's path to the Marcellus sideline started in Trumansburg. She grew up in the small Southern Tier town, and began playing soccer on the girls team's inaugural run in 1981. 

"We played three schools...and played them each three times, and then we had a couple other games. We had like 10 games," Updike said. "Then my senior year we went to sectionals and started playing bigger teams. It was such a thrill."

Updike went on to play soccer and basketball while attending St. John Fisher College, but finished her degree at SUNY Cortland after sustaining an injury. While working in the Athletic Department at Cornell University, she was brought back to Trumansburg to coach basketball. Updike turned the team around, won a league championship, and led the Blue Raiders to sectional play.

Updike quickly realized coaching was one of her passions.

"I just noticed that every time I walked into school and saw the kids, how happy it made me," Updike said. 

Updike coached basketball and volleyball, but her first time on the back on the sidelines for soccer came after she was hired in Marcellus in 1999. Some coaching techniques translated, while others needed tweaking.

"Giving the girls a safe environment and making it fun, teaching skills, the Xs and Os, all those things transfer across all sports," Updike said.

Updike credits her longevity with her ability to evolve and learn new coaching strategies. She frequented coaches' conferences and sought as much knowledge as she could about the game.

"There is always so much support around," Updike said. "Marcellus has been fantastic all the way through my journey and the place I am now."

Updike has led the Mustangs to a 448-80-28 record over her tenure. The most recent back-to-back state titles were extra sweet after Updike was diagnosed with cancer three years ago.

"That event three years ago just changed how I look at everything in life, and the appreciation that I have," Updike said. "And then to win back-to-back titles? I'm blessed."

Updike is preparing to ease out of her role as coach. She plans to retire from teaching at the end of the school year and has one more season to coach while her daughter is a senior.

"I just want to do what I love, which is teaching at Marcellus, coaching at Marcellus," Updike said. "I'm going to ease out of teaching and then ease out of coaching, and find some sunshine."