529 Wins and a Second Chance at Life: The Incredible Career of NJ Coaching Legend Jeff Yearing
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, In the world of New Jersey high school sports, few names carry as much weight as Jeff Yearing. After 37 years on the sidelines, 529 career victories, and a courageous battle against cancer, the Hall-of-Fame girls soccer coach has officially announced his retirement.
Yearing concludes his storied career following a stellar 21-3 season at Midland Park High School, where he led the Panthers to the North 1, Group 1 sectional final in 2025.
The Ridgewood Roots: Building a Dynasty
Before he was a legend, Yearing was a Maroon. He spent 31 years coaching at his alma mater, Ridgewood High School, building one of the most formidable girls soccer programs in the state. During his tenure at Ridgewood, he amassed a staggering record of 485-154-38.
However, in 2017, his career faced an unexpected and devastating hurdle. Yearing was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer. The diagnosis forced him to step away from the game he loved to fight for his life.
The “Godsend” Comeback
Jeff Yearing didn’t just survive; he returned to the pitch with a renewed purpose. After a brief hiatus and a stint as an assistant at Indian Hills, he took the head coaching reins at Midland Park in 2020.
His second act was nothing short of historic. In 2023, he notched his 500th career win, becoming one of only six girls soccer coaches in New Jersey history to reach that milestone.
“It was a godsend to have that,” Yearing said of his time at Midland Park. “I was able to have some closure on my soccer coaching career.”
By The Numbers: A Hall-of-Fame Resume
Yearing retires as the second-winningest girls soccer coach in Bergen County history, trailing only former Ramapo coach Paul Heenehan. His trophy case tells the story of his impact:
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Total Career Wins: 529
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League Titles: 16
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Sectional Championships: 4
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Bergen County Titles: 2
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State Rank: One of only 6 coaches to surpass 500 wins.
More Than a Coach
While the wins are impressive, Yearing’s legacy is defined by his resilience. His ability to lead a program to a 21-3 record in his final season—nearly a decade after a life-threatening diagnosis—serves as an inspiration to coaches and athletes across the Garden State.
As Yearing hangs up his whistle, Bergen County says goodbye to a man who proved that the most important victories often happen off the scoreboard.
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One of the good guys. Had great perspective with the kids. And he was a good hoops official too.
He coached frosh baseball for 30+ years if I recall correctly.
Thank your for everything Years!