News Summary

Riverhead’s varsity boys soccer team welcomes Nic DeZenzo as their new coach, aiming to break a 50-year playoff drought. With a strong background in soccer and coaching, DeZenzo is determined to build a competitive program. His experience includes coaching at various levels and nurturing young talent, aligning with the community’s hope for a revitalized team. DeZenzo is committed to fostering a supportive environment while engaging with local clubs to enhance player development, as he leads the team towards a promising future.

Riverhead Welcomes New Varsity Boys Soccer Coach, Aiming to End 50-Year Drought

In the charming town of Riverhead, excitement is in the air as the local varsity boys soccer team gears up for a significant transformation. For over half a century, the team has not made it to the playoffs, something that new coach Nic DeZenzo is determined to change. With a fresh vision and extensive experience in the world of soccer, he’s ready to shake things up.

A Teacher with a Passion for Soccer

For the past four years, Nic DeZenzo has been a beloved fifth-grade teacher in the Riverhead Central School District. He has always expressed his enthusiasm for coaching soccer, bringing it to the attention of Athletic Director Brian Sacks when he first joined the district. Following the departure of previous coach Evan Philcox, known for establishing a better team culture, DeZenzo got his chance to step into the role.

A Rich Soccer Background

DeZenzo’s journey in soccer is impressive and diverse. He played at Colby-Sawyer College, where he was named the Athlete of the Year in the 2007-2008 season. His professional career kicked off in Australia, playing for the Kangaroo Point Rovers and later joining the Mass Twisters in the Major Indoor Soccer League. DeZenzo’s final season down under saw him play for Bayside United Football Club in Brisbane as their vice-captain.

His return to the U.S. was motivated not just by a love for soccer but also a desire to pursue a career in education, inspired by his family’s tradition of teaching. While in Australia, he dipped his toes into coaching at the Tilton School in New Hampshire, enhancing his skills along the way.

Solid Coaching Experience

With accolades under his belt, DeZenzo’s coaching journey includes significant achievements. He served as an assistant coach at the University of New Hampshire, where they captured their first America East Championship and later became the head women’s soccer coach at St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue. Under his leadership, the team secured its very first conference championship, a remarkable feat.

At The Knox School in Nissequogue, he made quite the impact by turning around a struggling team that hadn’t tasted victory in five long years. His teams at Knox reached the semifinals two consecutive years, earning him recognition as Coach of the Year. Recently, he focused his efforts on youth club soccer, nurturing promising young talents.

A Bright Future Ahead for Riverhead

Last season, Riverhead’s boys soccer team faced challenges, ending with a record of 2-14. However, DeZenzo is optimistic about the talent that exists within the team. He has received encouraging words from travel coaches who believe in the potential of Riverhead players. Understanding that grassroots connections are essential for developing high school soccer stars, DeZenzo proactively engaged with Riverhead F.C., a local travel team.

DeZenzo is enthusiastic about building the soccer program from the ground up. His recent training sessions have drawn around 100 young players, demonstrating a strong community interest and involvement in the new program. While he understands that immediate championship success is not realistic, he remains hopeful about the team’s growth and future prospects.

Creating a Caring Culture

At the heart of DeZenzo’s coaching philosophy is a commitment to fostering a nurturing environment where every player feels they belong. He aims to create strong connections among players at all levels, emphasizing the importance of community support and teamwork. This vision is essential for rising from a lengthy playoff drought and making the Riverhead boys soccer team a contender in years to come.

As Riverhead embarks on this new chapter, everyone is eager to see how Nic DeZenzo will lead the boys soccer team into a promising future filled with potential and hope. The community is rallying around their team, excited for what’s to come in this new soccer era.

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