Jim Hinchion is a soccer lifer, and outside of a four-year career playing the sport at Westfield State, he has rarely left the confines of 60 Cabot Road in Danvers. Hinchion has developed a legendary coaching resume, earning his 400th career victory for the Falcons’ girls soccer program this past month.

“I feel like I’ve been around a long time,” laughed Hinchion. “But I feel lucky. The coaches don’t win the games, it’s the players that are on the field that are the ones who win the games. I’ve been so lucky to have some amazing student athletes who have come through the program, played for me and bought into our ‘family-type’ culture. They’ve upheld the traditions of the players who played before them.”

The Falcons coach eclipsed the mark Sept. 30, but had no idea until the celebrations had kicked off for him. Hinchion began his career with the Falcons as a player a few decades back. When he returned to town, he started off as an assistant coach for five seasons with Danvers’ boys soccer team, before taking over at the helm of the girls soccer program, a position he has held for the past 26 years.

Since 2000, Danvers has captured 15 Northeast Conference girls soccer crowns, with a Div. 2 state championship mixed in back in 2017. The Falcons have consistently emerged as one of the premier teams in their competitive league, and are well on-pace to be so once again.

Now in Div. 3, the Falcons sit with a record of 9-2-2, good for the No. 5 spot in the power rankings with a team rating of 3.2857.

Danvers has seen some legendary athletes pass through its ranks in recent years, including current senior Georgia Prouty. A Boston University commit, the midfielder and NEC MVP has already registered 14 goals and 12 assists to power her squad to this point.

“Coach just makes the environment more lively and active,” Prouty said. “I know during high school season, it can be a lot at times with practices and games everyday, at least six or seven days a week. He makes the environment more active, and he just really cares about all of his players. Some of us have known him since kindergarten, because he was our gym teacher, some of us just met him freshman year. But you can tell he wants the best for us, and it’s really evident that he believes in this team, and what we can accomplish.”

After being mentored by Hinchion, Prouty was looking to continue her career in college at a program that fosters the team chemistry Danvers has established. She opted to stay local, and will be playing on Commonwealth Ave next.

“I think he’s really helped me be a better soccer player, and a better person,” said Prouty. “I think the environment on the team can really help me in regards to having a family, and unity. I think that’s what I really liked about BU.”

Hinchion, Prouty, and the Falcons are now fully committed to maintaining the momentum that they have built this fall. One would have to think that Danvers is a major candidate to go on an extended run come the Div. 3 playoffs.

He is hoping that his group can simply make more memories together as one.

“I just feel blessed that I’ve had (great teams),” said Hinchion. “I’ve also had just an amazing group of assistant coaches who have been with me over the years. Most of them are my very best friends. To do (this) with them, beside them, to share that with them? It’s an amazing feeling.”