Mike Alberghini, the legendary coach at Grant High School in Sacramento, California, passed away recently at the age of 78 after a stroke.
He was a beloved figure in the community, having served as both the baseball and football coach for over 50 years.
Highlights
- Mike Alberghini passed away at 78 due to complications from a stroke on February 13, 2025, leaving behind wife and kids.
- Mike was a baseball and football coach at Grant High School, where he worked for over 50 years.
- During his tenure at Grant, he won 502 games as a baseball coach and 282 games as a football coach, including seven section championships and a state championship in 2008.
Mike was an inspiration to his students and a phenomenal coach who guided his students with dedication and passion.
As the baseball coach, he won 502 games, and as the football coach, he won 282 games, including seven section championships and a state championship in 2008.
Beyond his record, Alberghini was able to connect with his students and foster their growth, both on and off the field.
Many of his friends and colleagues have extended their condolences on social media, reminiscing about the impact he had on their lives.
Mike Alberghini Was Committed To Inspiring His Students At Grant High School
Mike’s commitment to the Grant High School community left a significant mark, and his legacy continues to inspire his students.
He was not only a coach but also a mentor, a father figure, and a positive force in the lives of many young athletes.
Mike took care of his student-athletes like his own, counseling them and giving players a ride home when they were late.
Starting in 2021, Alberghini was removed from leading the football program, but he refused to return as an advisor when the school asked him to.
Just learned of the passing of longtime Grant High School head coach – the legend Mike Alberghini. Always loved our conversations over the years and was always so welcoming. Impossible to describe what he meant to the Del Paso Heights community and Grant Union HS. He was 78. https://t.co/hbCAt55OoU
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) February 14, 2025
Moreover, he is frequently credited for establishing a dynasty at Grant High School, leading his teams to section title victories for nearly seven years.
The pinnacle of his coaching career came in 2008 when Grant’s team became the torchbearer for section football by winning the region’s first state championship.
Nonetheless, his contribution to the school’s football has been significant throughout the years.
Mike And His Wife, Mary, Built A Loving Family With Four Kids
Alberghini was married to his wife, Mary, who had been his rock for more than 50 years since the start of his career.
The couple shares four children—Rob, Kasey, Kelli, and Kristen—and together, they have built a loving and supportive family.
For years, Mike contemplated stepping down as Grant’s coach to spend more time with his wife, who had loyally supported his coaching career.
Mary attended games for years and often saw him celebrating with water and ice dousing after championships.
In 2022, Alberghini suffered from a stroke and was recovering from it. Reports claim that his death was due to complications from this stroke.
After his stroke, Alberghini expressed happiness and gratitude for Mary, acknowledging her importance in his life. He said:
“Mary, I wouldn’t be here without her, I’m happier than I was (before suffering the stroke). I realize how important Mary is in my life. I still have a lot of things I’d like to do with her.
Mike Alberghini
Alberghini often expressed his gratitude for his family’s support throughout his coaching career and during his recovery from the stroke.
However, with his sudden passing, the Alberghini family has been navigating a sense of loss while confiding in each other.
Additional Information
- Mike initially started out as a baseball coach but later transitioned to football coaching, which he did for more time than baseball.
- Alberghini was also the athletic director and coached several other sports during his tenure at Grant High School.
- Mike stepped down from leadership in the football program when the Grant administration appointed longtime assistant and former Grant student-athlete Carl Reed to lead the football program starting in 2021.
