SOCCER NETWORK: MSN NEWS: www.michigansoccernetwork.com/msnnews
BY DAN STICKRADT
DIRECTOR OF NEWS
BUSINESS LINE: (248) 525-2349
TW/X: @msn_stickradt @MiSoccerNetwork
ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – Rochester Christian University Athletics recently welcomed Nicolas Ranieri as the new head coach of the school’s men's soccer program, beginning with the 2024 season.
Ranieri, a Cincinnati native, enters his first role at an NAIA program.
“There are so many things that could motivate or excite a coach when taking on a new role, but ultimately what I find most exciting about taking on the new role at RCU is the opportunity to guide a talented group of players and implement short- and long-term strategies that will give us the best opportunity of having success while also preparing these student-athletes for the future,” offered Ranieri in a press release.
Ranieri is a late hire, getting the job July 27. Men’s soccer and women’s soccer both start official practices on Aug. 5 at Rochester Christian University and throughout the Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference and the NAIA.
Ranieri enters the role with a variety of experience both coaching and playing. During his collegiate career, Ranieri played for NCAA Division I program Lipscomb University and NCAA Division II program Virginia Wesleyan University. Following his collegiate career, Ranieri played in the professional circuit for five years before beginning his coaching career. Ranieri's most recent coaching tenure was at NCAA Division II program Tusculum University.
Ranieri replaces Dan Seargeant, who stepped down from Rochester Christian University earlier this summer after one-year stint as head coach.
“When it comes to coaching, the implementation of coaching points and applying them first in training, seeing how the players adapt to said implementations and seeing them applied successfully in the game is undoubtedly the most satisfying part of the job,” added Ranieri.
RCU Athletics Director Clayton Bissett had this to say on Ranieri's hiring and addition to the RCU athletics department family.
“We are extremely excited to be able to hire Coach Ranieri,” said Bissett. “He brings a vast wealth of knowledge with him from his playing and coaching experiences. I know he will hit the ground running and will work with his guys to be successful both on the field and in the classroom, as well as to help mold them into upstanding young men in the community.”
Rochester Christian University men’s soccer program is coming off a major rebuilding campaign in 2023. The Warriors finished just 4-10-2 overall and 2-8-1 in the Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference, good for 11th place. The Warriors, who were outscored 47-21 last season, recorded just three shutouts and were shut out three times, did not qualify for the WHAC Postseason Tournament.
(Have a story suggestion for the Premier Media Group and the Michigan Soccer Network regarding club soccer, high school varsity, amateur soccer, collegiate soccer or professional soccer involving teams, players or coaches with Michigan ties, contact Communications Specialist/Web and Content Editor/Director of News Dan Stickradt via email at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com or dstickradt@thepremiermediagrp.com, or call 248-884-1051 or 248-525-2349. Dan Stickradt is a 31-year veteran of the Michigan Media circles and recently joined the staff full time in March of 2024. Want to schedule a broadcast game or live show, contact PMG/MSN Director of Broadcasting Jonathan Turner for availability and pricing at jonathan@michigansoccernetwork.com and jonathan@thepremeiermediagrp.com.)
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