Women’s Soccer Welcomes New Head Coach

BY LAUREN LOWTHER

Staff Reporter

Matt Micros was named the new head coach for the Division I Sacred Heart women’s soccer team. Micros is the fifth head coach in program history for the team.

“I am very excited to be back at Sacred Heart and to coach the women’s soccer team. I would love to see the SHU community coming out to support the team and be part of the development of the program,” said Micros.   

Micros has a personal interest in Sacred Heart, given that he attended graduate school here from 1995-1996.

“For me it was a pretty easy decision. I attended back when it was such a smaller place and I have seen it grow over the years,” said Micros. “I always thought the program had a lot of potential. It’s an excellent opportunity to build something pretty special.”

Micros spent the past seven seasons as head coach for Post University. He was named the 2014 Coach of the Year in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC). He led that team to their best-ever record of 12-6-1.

He is also the owner and founder of the Connecticut Football Club (CFC).

According to its website, the CFC construct Premiere Development teams (Under 9-Under 12) and Premiere teams (Under 13-Under 15) are to face off against other teams in and out of state.

“I think having Coach Micros is a positive change for the team,” said rising senior goalie Nicole Sambuco. “He definitely brings strong knowledge and coaching experience as well as a new perspective that will help the team develop.”

“The team has adjusted well to Coach Micros. He is fully invested in the program and is dedicated to its success. He will bring his own philosophy and insight to the team. The team is very excited to have him leading this program,” said rising senior goalie Alex Mesropyan. “The team is looking forward to his first season here, and also excited about the future of the program.”

With summer fast approaching, Micros is getting the team ready for next season. There are ten seniors on the roster to return in the fall.

“They have experience and have played in the conference playoffs and that is really invaluable to the team,” said Micros. “They have done well in the past and are hungry to have a successful season and go out on a winning note.”

During the 2017-2018 season the Pioneers had an overall record of 7-11 and a 4-4 record in the Northeast Conference. Their season typically lasts three months with games played throughout September until the end of October.

“Working together as a unit with strong communication and dynamics both on and off the field will be critical to our success this upcoming season,” said Sambuco. “I think we have a really good shot at making the NEC’s. We came very close the last two years.”

The 2018-2019 schedule has not been released at the time of publication, but the Pioneers are looking forward to competing against any opponent they are scheduled to face.

“The key to success is getting them excited to play,” said Micros. “When they leave here in two weeks, I want them feeling excited and fired up about returning and starting the season in August. Working hard in the off season will go a long way towards a strong season.”

One of the goals for Micros is making the season a positive experience for the program, and something the girls can be proud of.

“I definitely want to go out with a bang. I know all of the rising seniors have a strong desire to do well as a team. The key will be working hard and getting fit over the summer,” said Sambuco. “As the goalie, I want to be in my best shape so that I can provide a positive impact to the team. I also want the incoming freshman players to feel welcomed. They will be an important part of the team.”

These athletes might see the end of their collegiate career soon, but Micros hopes that their involvement with the program at Sacred Heart continues beyond their years of eligibility.

“I am excited to build something great,” said Micros. “I talked to the girls about building this program into something we can all be proud of and I’m hopeful the girls will come back as alumni and contribute to the program.”

Mesropyan has one goal in mind: “Hands down, NEC Championship!”