Phil Stern, the Director of Athletics and Recreation, announced the hiring of Tommy Mattera as the latest addition to the College of Mount Saint Vincent's coaching staff. Mattera has been selected to lead the men's soccer program and will also serve in a dual role as assistant Athletic Director with a focus on game day operations.
"Tommy is the perfect fit for our CMSV soccer program," said Stern. "He has recruiting experience at all levels of college soccer and has countless ties to the New York City area. His vision for our men's soccer program will enhance the experience of the young men already in our program."
Mattera is inheriting a Dolphins squad that lost their 2020 season due to the Covid-19 pandemic but was heading in the right direction the year prior. Despite finishing the 2019 campaign with an overall record of 4-11-2, the team turned the corner in the final leg of the season and was eliminated from playoff contention in their second-to-last game of the year. The roster has an intriguing mix of veterans and underclassmen, giving Mattera the opportunity to compete right out of the gate.
"It is truly a dream come true. I'm honored to have been selected to lead the Men's Soccer Program forward," Mattera stated. "I would like to thank Director of Athletics,
Phil Stern, and the entire search committee for their professionalism and diligence throughout the process. I would also like to thank Coach Kevin Anderson at Columbia University for allowing me to take this opportunity to further my career, for always being a great mentor, and friend. I could not be more excited to get started, help this program be everything it can be and support our student athletes both on and off the pitch."
Mattera comes to the Mount with a wealth of soccer knowledge, which he received by coaching at multiple collegiate and club levels.
Mattera was most recently employed by Division I Columbia University as an assistant coach, where he aided in day to day operations, recruiting, opponent scouting and on-field instruction. Mattera coached two All-Ivy recipients, three All-Ivy Honorable Mentions and an Ivy League Rookie of the Year in his two years with the men's program.
From 2016 through 2019, Mattera served on the men's soccer staff at Division II University of Bridgeport. He aided in day to day operations, opponent scouting and training sessions, as well as serving as the recruiting coordinator. Mattera had previous stops as an assistant coach with Division II Southern Connecticut State University (2012-15) and Division II University of New Haven (2010-12). Mattera was one of the driving forces behind a SCSU team that ranked as high as number five in the nation while holding the longest winning streak in the country, as well as a multitude of individual and team accolades.
In addition to his college-level experience, Matters serves as an East Region National Team Scout for U.S. Soccer. From 2003 until 2019, Mattera has coached multiple club programs, including the New York Soccer Club, Beachside SC, Trumbull Real Rush and Shoreline FC, among others, as well as coaching with the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association
Mattera played collegiately at Southern Connecticut State University from 2005 until 2007, where he won a Northeast 10 Conference Championship. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Connecticut and currently resides in Norwalk, Connecticut.
There may still be questions ahead about the 2021 season. But no matter what's to come in the future, Mattera is setting his sights high.
"The goal for us is to help build a program that our CMSV staff, students, families and alumni can be proud of, enjoy coming to watch and one that the players will have pride in taking part," Mattera said emphatically. "The staff and I will give all that we have to aid in the growth of our budding program. Go Dolphins!"
