John Stalzer is now in his third year with the Iona College Women’s Soccer Program.
A highly successful veteran coach, Stalzer came to New Rochelle with an outstanding record of success, and a proven talent for player development and team building. His high school teams were nationally ranked powerhouse programs regularly producing collegiate level student athletes. In just a number of years before joining the Gaels, well over 100 female soccer players have entered the collegiate ranks, throughout the US, who had been coached and mentored by Stalzer whether at the club, academy, or high school level.
Stalzer, a highly motivated and tireless recruiter – looks forward by continuing to fortify and build for the future, “brick by brick.” His ability to identify, attract, support, and mentor a continuum of high-performing student-athletes is helping to reshape the foundation and culture of the program both on the pitch and in the classroom. Since his arrival in 2016, the Team GPA has undergone a steady ascent, improving from a 3.2, to a current 3.69 index. He has fostered an environment that has produced 38 MAAC All-Academic honorees, along with a COSIDA Academic All-American selection. Thus far, the high expectations off the field have helped the Team demonstrate a progressively improving and high-spirited resolve to compete on the pitch as well.
Before his tenure here at Iona, Stalzer has held leadership roles and coaching posts at St. John the Baptist DHS and St. Anthony’s HS on Long Island, NY as well as positions at Maritime College, where he was an assistant coach for both the men’s and women’s programs. There he worked on establishing the women’s program, and was on the men’s staff honored with the conference ‘Coach of the Year’ award in 2004, ’06, and ’07. Previously, Stalzer helped lead Polytechnic University from 1998 til 2002, where in his final campaign also served as the Acting Sports Information Director for the entire Athletic Department.
A familiar face within the ENYYSA and LIJSL circles as a coach, trainer, and adult supervisor, he contributed to many top teams within the New Hyde Park, Albertson, HBC, East Meadow, and Farmingdale Soccer Clubs. Additionally, was Head Coach of the Exceptional Senior Games from 2003-2011, which was an annual selection of the region’s top talent pool that was prepared for showcase match presentation to college coaches. He served as Vice-President and General Manager for the U.S. Soccer Academy with responsibilities that extended over the administration and management of training programming, instructional clinics, summer outdoor and winter indoor camp programs, as well as other related coaching and developmental programs.
Raised in Queens, NY, Stalzer’s playing career, began with legendary boy’s side B.W. Gottschee, and continued while attending Christ the King High School and on through graduation from St. John’s University.
Poised to contribute to all aspects of the Iona Women’s Soccer Program both on and off the field, Stalzer is focused to utilize his extensive background, experience, and deep roots throughout the Metro NY and Long Island soccer community to help bolster the recruitment of qualified student athletes and the Iona College mission overall.
As a member of Gael Nation, Stalzer states that he is, truly energized and grateful for the opportunity to help guide this fine group of talented young ladies – helping to lift them to new heights!”
