Coach Mike Bentivegna retires, leaving his legacy on West Broward Athletics

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PLAY BY PLAY: Coach Mike Bentivegna reviews plays with the varsity boys basketball team before heading into their game against South Broward High on Jan. 7. The team would go on to win the game 47-43. Bentivegna’s legacy on the Athletics program will continue on through the underclassmen he coached and the students he taught. Photo courtesy of Luigi Prezzi.

By: Mia Villegas

After more than four decades on the sidelines, Head Boys’ Varsity Basketball Coach Micheal Bentivegna is preparing to step back and retire from his role as assistant athletic director and head basketball coach. With a career spanning forty two years, Bentivegna’s journey through South Florida’s high school sports scene has left a mark on countless athletes and colleagues.

After teaching Health Opportunities through Physical Education (HOPE) classes and coaching basketball for ten years at West Broward, Bentivegna decided it was time to retire as he reached the forty second year of his career.

Bentivegna’s coaching career began unexpectedly when he accepted a junior varsity basketball coaching position at North Miami High School. “I thought I would coach football, but I took the basketball position. Liked it instead,” he recalled. This decision set the course for a lifelong commitment to basketball coaching. Through coaching, Bentivegna was able to teach students in a way that exceeded the classroom.

“He is more than just a coach to us, he is like a mentor. He sets high expectations for us and helps us reach them through coaching,” said senior captain. Bedhiran Menguc

After earning a bachelor’s degree in Sports Administration at St. Thomas University, Bentivegna held positions at several schools, including Flanagan High School, North Miami Beach High School and Master Academy, where he served as athletic director. For the past decade, he has been a fixture at West Broward High School, leading the basketball program and serving as the assistant athletic director.

Reflecting on his decision to retire, Bentamania cited the passage of time and the desire for a change in routine. “Lots of changes, plus it is just time. 42 years is a long time doing the same routine. I am also 65; it is time to collect and start doing other things,” he said.

As he looks ahead, Bentamania is considering a partial retirement that may still include coaching. “Maybe coach a little bit but change of routine, traveling, golf and enjoyment,” he shared. Whether he continues at West Broward remains an open question.

Bentivegna’s legacy is characterized by his dedication to teaching the game and his interactions with players. His impact on the basketball community and the lives of his students will be felt for years to come. During his career, he has led his teams to multiple district victories and has supported his players throughout every season, regardless of their performance.

“He really cares. Sometimes he will come visit the team at lunch for a couple minutes to check in with us in an environment off the court and it reminds us that regardless of how a game went, he still cares about us,” said Menguc.

Each of these dedicated staff members have made their impact on West Broward and its community and will continue to make a positive influence on the things they choose to pursue after retirement. Whether that be coaching or an art in music, each staff member will make that same positive impression that they did with their West Broward Family.

“Retiring is not the end but the start of something new,” Piroozshad said.