NELSON MINGACHOS '89
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Nelson Mingachos’ Mustang pride runs deep. Not only is he Immaculate High School’s Athletic Director, but he’s an alumnus from the Class of 1989, an award-winning athlete and a coach who has helped shape the lives of thousands of student-athletes. 

Mingachos was appointed Athletic Director in 2019, after serving as acting director since 2018, and began coaching at Immaculate in 2002. He oversaw the Girls Soccer Team from 2004 to 2021and was named SWC Soccer Coach of the Year eight times. Mingachos led the school’s soccer team to SWC Championship wins four times, the SWC finals twice and the CIAC Class S State Championship ten times. He was also named the Danbury News Times Coach of the Year five times as well as a Connecticut High School Coaches Association Coach of the Year, NCSAA New England Coach of the Year, NCSAA National Finalist Coach of the Year and CT Sports Writer Alliance Coach of the Year. During that time, Mingachos helped five players become All Americans and 47 earn CT All State honors.

As Immaculate’s head basketball coach, Mingachos guided the team to an SWC Championship, two Class S State Championships and one Division Two State Championship. Thirteen student-athletes were named All State players under his coaching. 

As a standout multi-sport athlete, Nelson excelled in both football and basketball, earning his place in the Immaculate High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000. He was a key contributor to the historic 1986 WCC and State Championship football team, which finished with a perfect 12-0 record. By his senior year in 1989, Nelson's leadership and talent were undeniable. He served as a captain of the football team, earned All-Wild Division honors in basketball and solidified his legacy as one of the area's premier all-time kickers.

Mingachos earned a full scholarship to Central Connecticut State University and was its football team’s starting kicker. He was selected for All League status in 1993 and 1994. Plus, he was selected to attend NFL scout camp in Tampa, Florida in 1994. In 1998, the Connecticut Post picked Mingachos for its “All Time Best of the Best Football Team.” 

Mingachos lives in Danbury with his wife Kellie and they have two daughters, Isabella and Sophia who are also Immaculate graduates. But you’ll often find him on Immaculate’s campus–even after hours and on weekends–since his dedication to the school, its mission and its students is unparalleled. It is fitting that, in addition to receiving our Lifetime Achievement Award, Immaculate’s state-of-the-art turf field in Mustang Valley will be officially renamed the Nelson O. Mingachos Field in his honor. We thank Coach Nelson for all his contributions to our community and athletic legacy–and look forward to what comes next.