New Bergenfield HS Football Coach Joe Lapi, Leads With Passion And Community Pride, Supported By Devoted Parents Mike and Kathy Lapi
July 7, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on July 7, 2026
Joseph Lapi, a proud alumnus and lifelong resident of Bergenfield, New Jersey, has been named head coach of the Bergenfield High School football team, bringing his deep love for the game and strong community ties.
At the core of Joe’s journey are his parents, Mike and Kathy Lapi, whose unwavering support has been a cornerstone of his success.
Joe Lapi was born and raised in Bergenfield, surrounded by the love of his parents, Michael and Kathy Lapi, and his four sisters, Gina, Elisa, Katie, and Angela.
The Lapi family’s story is one of tight-knit bonds and shared pride in their hometown.
Mike and Kathy, married on June 1, 1985, have deep ties to Bergenfield themselves.
Kathy attended Bergenfield High School, while Mike not only graduated from BHS but also earned a BA in Communication Arts from Ramapo College in 1983.
Their connection to the community runs deep, and they’ve established that same sense of pride in Joe.
The Lapi family still calls Bergenfield home, and Mike and Kathy have been Joe’s biggest cheerleaders every step of the way.
Their Facebook pages are filled with heartfelt posts celebrating Joe’s milestones.
When Joe graduated from Montclair State University in 2019, Mike shared a photo of his son in his cap and gown, writing,
It’s clear that Mike and Kathy’s support has been a driving force in Joe’s life.
Joe Was A Star Athlete At Bergenfield High School
Joe’s journey with sports began at , where he excelled as a two-sport athlete in football and baseball.
Joe Lapi at Bergenfield High School (Source: Hudl)His talent on the field earned him a spot in the Bergen County All-Star Game, and he was honored with All-League recognition during his junior and senior years.
Those moments on the BHS fields weren’t just about athletic achievement—they were about building a connection to the community that Joe now leads as coach.
Joe at Sacred Heart University (Source: sacredheartpioneers)After high school, Joe took his talents to, where he played football and helped the team clinch an NEC championship in 2014.
His passion for sports grew in tandem with his academic pursuits.
Joe later transferred to Montclair State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Sports Media and Journalism in 2019.
His education laid the foundation for a career that blended his love for sports with his knack for storytelling.
Joe’s professional journey shows his versatility and drive.
, working as a freelance contributor for FanSided for a year.
He then joined Eleven Sports HQ as an intern video editor, sharpening his skills in content creation.
Joe also hosted the Fried Guys Podcast for three years, during which his charisma and extensive knowledge of sports shone through.
But Bergenfield always called him back. Since 2019, Joe has been a fixture in the Bergenfield Public School District.
He started as an assistant football coach, bringing his energy and expertise to the team.
He also served as head freshman baseball coach and took on a role as a TV production teacher, inspiring the next generation of Bergenfield students.
His diverse experiences have shaped him into a well-rounded leader, well-equipped to take on the challenge of being a head coach.
A Coach With Heart And Vision
As the new head football coach at Bergenfield High School, Joe Lapi is more than just a leader on the sidelines—he’s a hometown hero carrying forward a legacy.
His deep roots in the community give him a unique perspective.
He knows what it means to wear the Bergenfield jersey, to play under the Friday night lights, and to represent a town that rallies behind its team.
Joe’s parents, Mike and Kathy, continue to be his biggest supporters.
Their pride in his journey—from a standout athlete to a dedicated coach—is evident in every post they share and every game they attend.
They’ve watched Joe grow into a leader who inspires his players not just to win games but to embody the spirit of Bergenfield.
With Joe Lapi at the helm, the Bergenfield High School football team is in good hands.
His passion for the game, combined with his deep connection to the community, promises an exciting new chapter for the program.
Behind him stands a family that has cheered him on through every triumph, led by Joe Lapi’s parents, Mike and Kathy, who have been there for every step of the journey.
As Joe takes the field, he carries not just his dreams but the hopes of a town that believes in him.
And with his family’s love and support, there’s no limit to what he and the BHS Bears can achieve.
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