Endicott selects Joe Calabrese to lead men's soccer program as next head coach

Beverly, Mass. – The Endicott Athletics Department and Director of Athletics Brian Wylie is proud to announce the hiring of Joe Calabrese as the next head coach of the Gulls men’s soccer program. 

“Coach Calabrese brings an unparalleled passion and excitement for the Endicott men’s soccer program,” praised Endicott’s Director of Athletics Brian Wylie. “His proven leadership, tremendous work ethic and overall understanding for developing the student first are why coach Calabrese is such a great fit for the Endicott family. I am extremely excited to see what the future brings for the men’s soccer program under Coach Calabrese.”

Calabrese, a former assistant coach at TCCC institution Western New England College, comes to Endicott with over six years of coaching experience including two seasons as the head coach of the Utica College program out of the Empire 8 Conference. 

“ I am excited to join the entire Endicott College family,” said new Endicott men’s soccer head coach Joe Calabrese. “I look forward to rejoining the highly-competitive TCCC. We believe the Endicott College men’s soccer team can become one of the top teams in the TCCC and one of the premier programs in the region.” 

In just his second season at the helm of the Utica men’s soccer program, Calabrese coached the Pioneers to a school record for wins (12), goals scored (55), points in a season (153) and a semifinal appearance in the Empire 8 Conference Tournament, finishing with a 12-6-1 record that year. Calabrese’s success is credited to aggressive recruiting in the Northeast region as he was able to bring in 20 newcomers in his first recruiting class hailing from Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York. 

Prior to his experience at Utica, Calabrese served a three-year stint as an assistant coach for Western New England College. During his tenure there, the Golden Bears totaled a record of 47-13-10, won three conference titles and earned three trips to the NCAA Tournament including a Sweet Sixteen Appearance. Calabrese also spent a year as the top assistant coach for Westfield State University in a 2004 season that saw the Owls go 8-6-2. 

Calabrese also has several years of coaching in development leagues including the United Soccer League, US Youth Soccer, the Massachusetts Olympic Development Program and several club teams. He holds an “A” National Coaching License from the United States Soccer Federation as well as the Advanced National Diploma from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.   

A four-year starter and two-year captain at Westfield State University from 2000-03, Calabrese was a highly-decorated player earning two MASCAC All-Conference awards. He led his team to a MASCAC Championship and the NCAA Tournament in 2000. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and later his Master of Education degree in Sport Management from Springfield College.

He followed his collegiate playing career with a professional one in the American Indoor Soccer League for the Massachusetts Twisters from 2005-07.

Along with his coaching responsibilities, Calabrese will also be one of the strength and conditioning coaches for the Endicott athletic programs. 

“Coach Calabrese will bring the same passion and enthusiasm that he exhibits on the soccer field as one of our strength and conditioning coaches where he will be charged with advancing the conditioning and specialization of all our student-athletes.”

Calabrese has been certified as a specialist by the International Sports Sciences Association in sports conditioning. In the past, he has worked one-on-one with varsity athletes to improve speed, agility and strength through customized programs. 

“ I would like to thank Director of Athletics Brian Wylie and the entire search committee for their support throughout this process and I look forward to working with them in the coming months.”