Al Malizia’s coaching career spanned twenty two years from 1979-2000 and during that time he has established quite a resume. It started when he became the head coach of Stamford Catholic High School (aka Trinity Catholic). Al brought his enthusiasm, dedication and winning attitude to his players. This is evident in his teams’ success. In 1981 Stamford Catholic qualified for the CIAC State Tournament. Just two years later they not only qualified for the tournament, they reached the finals and they won. This was to be repeated for the next two years- Al’s teams won three consecutive state championships: 1983, 1984, 1985. Also during that ’85 season Stamford Catholic was FCIAC League and Tournament Champion and posted a perfect 23-0 record. In 1988 Al once again brought his team to the state tournament and another appearance in the finals and another victory. Winning four state championships is quite an accomplishment in a coaching career. The Connecticut High School Coaches Association apparently agreed because that year Al was selected as a Coach of the Year- Outstanding Coach of Volleyball.
Throughout his 22 year career Al’s teams made 16 consecutive FCIAC playoff appearances; 17 consecutive CIAC State Tournament appearances (4 of which were in the finals); and he compiled a .640 career win percentage, 274 wins and 154 losses. He had just 5 losing seasons in his career. Many outstanding athletes played volleyball for Al and he had numerous players named to All-FCIAC and All-State teams. Many of these student athletes went on to play on the collegiate level on scholarship for schools such as Georgetown, Boston College, UConn and Holy Cross.
In 2004 Al Received the Stamford Old Timers Athletic Association Award in memory of “Mickey” Leone.