ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Daniel J. White announced Scott Calabrese as the Knights' new head men's soccer coach on Tuesday afternoon.
Calabrese spent the past three seasons at FIU, taking the program to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in over 10 years by capturing the 2015 Conference USA Championship. He helped the Panthers to consecutive appearances in the finals at the C-USA Championship.
The two-time conference coach of the year has posted an 85-67-20 overall mark.
"I am very excited about the pedigree that Scott Calabrese brings to UCF," White said. "The soccer culture in Orlando has grown exponentially over the last several years, and I believe Coach Calabrese can help us add to that culture here at UCF. Scott has had great success in his coaching career. He was the region coach of the year at FIU in 2015 and won two conference championships at East Tennessee State, where he started the program from scratch. I look forward to watching him build the Knights into a national power in the soccer capital of the south."
The Newton, Conn., native has been known for building programs and started the program at East Tennessee State in 2008. In three short years, he guided the Bucs to the 2010 Atlantic Sun Championship behind 10 shutout victories, earning a berth in the NCAA Tournament. The 2010 NSCAA South Region Coach of the Year tallied four seasons with 10-or-more victories and also aided ETSU to the 2013 NCAA Tournament.
"I would like to thank Dr. Daniel J. White and the search committee for providing me with the opportunity to be the next head men's soccer coach at UCF," Calabrese said. "I am beyond excited to join this incredible and growing athletic department that is investing in its student-athletes and programs.
"I had an opportunity to meet the team and talk with the players individually this morning. They are very committed to seeing this program succeed, improve and progress. I can't wait to get started on the field in January and begin building personal relationships with these young men."
Prior to taking the head coaching position at ETSU, Calabrese served four seasons as an assistant at Clemson from 2003-06. He aided the Tigers to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including the 2005 College Cup and a No. 1 national ranking. He additionally worked as the director of the Clemson Soccer Academy, which hosts over 1,800 youth soccer players a year.
As a part of the coaching staff at North Carolina from 2000-01, he helped the Tar Heels to a pair of Elite Eight appearances, which included the 2001 National Championship and 2000 ACC Championship.
He has ties to the central Florida area, beginning his career as an assistant coach at Stetson from 1998-99.
Calabrese also has a connection to UCF women's soccer head coach Tiffany Roberts-Sahaydak, who he coached professionally as a member of the Carolina Courage (WUSA) coaching staff in 2002. He helped guide the Courage as an assistant coach to the Founder's Cup that season.
Calabrese graduated from Bryant College with a degree in business administration. He also holds an "A" coaching license and is a Level I and II certified goalkeeping instructor with the NSCAA.
The Calabrese File
Hometown – Newton, Conn.
Family – Wife, Farrell; Children Kai, Lucca and Kingsley
Education – Bryant College, 1995
Head Coaching Highlights
- Three NCAA Tournament Appearances (2010, 2013, 2015)
- Three Conference Tournament Titles (A-Sun – 2010, 2013; C-USA – 2015)
- Two-time Conference Coach of the Year (A-Sun – 2010; C-USA – 2015)
- Six years with 10+ victories
- 2010 NSCAA South Region Coach of the Year
- 2015 NSCAA Southeast Region Coach of the Year
- Began ETSU program in 2008
Assistant Coaching Highlights
- Five NCAA Tournament appearances
- Advanced to two NCAA College Cups
- 2001 National Champion (at North Carolina)
- Directed the Clemson Soccer Academy
- Coached professionally with the Carolina Courage (WUSA) and captured the 2002 Founder's Cup
Coaching Record
2008 6-10-1 .382 1-7-1 .167
2009 6-9-3 .417 4-4-1 .500
2010 15-6-0 .714 7-2-0 .778
2011 10-7-4 .571 3-4-1 .438
2012 10-6-4 .600 5-2-1 .688
2013 10-6-4 .600 5-2-1 .688
2014 6-9-1 .406 2-6-0 .250
2015 12-7-1 .625 3-4-1 .438
2016 10-7-2 .579 5-2-1 .688
Total 85-67-20 .552 35-33-7 .513