Director of Athletics Michael Grasso announced the appointment of veteran coach and nationally respected soccer educator John Fitzgerald as Molloy's Head Men's Soccer Coach, effective immediately.
 
Fitzgerald brings more than 30 years of experience across collegiate, professional, and youth soccer. Widely respected throughout New York and nationally, he has built championship programs, developed student-athletes, and served as one of the country's leading coach educators.
 
"I am thrilled to welcome Coach Fitzgerald to lead our men's soccer program," said Grasso. "His impressive record demonstrates his commitment not just to building championship-caliber teams but to developing young men on and off the field. I am confident that under his leadership, our men's soccer program will compete at a high level while embodying the values of Molloy Athletics."
 
Most recently, Fitzgerald served as the head coach of the American Soccer Club of New York in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). His professional coaching resume also includes head coaching stints with the Staten Island Monarchs and Long Island Rough Riders, as well as an assistant coaching role with the NY Cosmos B team, where he helped guide the club to the 2016 NPSL National Championship. Fitzgerald also led the Long Island Lady Rough Riders to the 1997 W-League National Championship, a team that was later inducted into the Long Island Soccer Player Hall of Fame.
 
At the collegiate level, Fitzgerald spent 20 seasons as the associate head coach at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, helping the Mariners compile a 241-105-22 record, appearing in six NCAA Tournaments and producing six All-Americans. Throughout his tenure, he played an integral role in recruiting, player development, and fostering academic success among student-athletes.
 
Beyond the sidelines, Fitzgerald is one of the nation's most accomplished coach educators. He serves as Director of Coaching Education for the Long Island Junior Soccer League and as a National Staff Coach Educator and State Technical Director for United Soccer Coaches. Throughout his career, he has helped educate and certify thousands of coaches while mentoring the next generation of soccer leaders.
 
Fitzgerald also serves as the Boys U17 coach in the Olympic Development Program (ODP), where he helps to identify and develop elite players for regional and national competition as well as recruiting and supervising accredited coaching staffs. In addition, he serves as a Match Director for Major League Soccer, providing game reports and analytics to the league office for disciplinary and developmental purposes.
 
Fitzgerald's distinguished career has earned him numerous honors, most recently the 2025 United Soccer Coaches' Mike Berticelli Excellence in Coaching Education Award, one of the organization's highest recognitions for outstanding contributions to coaching education and service to the game.
 
"I am honored and greatly looking forward to leading this team," said Fitzgerald. "The passions and professionalism of the administration at Molloy is impressive and I already feel like part of the family. I believe we have a solid coaching staff in addition to talented players who are eager to get to work. I'm very excited for what's to come!"