Our Lady of Mercy Academy athletic director Michele McGrath said there was "always a bright light in the door" when Phil Caporale walked in.
McGrath said the entire Our Lady of Mercy community was in mourning Monday over the death of Caporale, the school's soccer coach who was killed in an auto accident on Sunday morning.
"He was so involved in our school community," McGrath said. "He loved the kids and loved the school, and we loved him."
Caporale, 31, a Vineland resident, was killed when his SUV collided with a tractor-trailer about 5 a.m. Sunday on Harding Highway in Franklin Township, according to a statement by Franklin Township police.
Caporale had been OLMA's soccer coach for eight seasons. He won his 100th game in October at the small girls' school in Newfield, Gloucester County.
"We just had our 50th anniversary gala, and we honored him for that 100th win," McGrath said. "He was such a sportsman, so involved with all our sports teams. Our entire community is in shock."
Contact staff writer Phil Anastasia at 856-779-3223, panastasia@phillynews.com, or @PhilAnastasia on Twitter. Read his blog, "Jersey Side Sports," at www.philly.com/jerseysidesports
