(Story courtesy of Colorado College Sports Information)
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Scott Palguta,
who served the last two seasons as an assistant coach with the
Colorado College men’s soccer team, has been named the third
coach in program history, athletics director Ken Ralph announced
today.
Palguta succeeds Horst Richardson, who announced his retirement in
December after 50 years at the helm, including 49 as head
coach.
“First and foremost, I want to thank Ken Ralph and Greg
Capell for giving me this opportunity,” Palguta said.
“None of this would have been possible without Horst’s
mentorship over the last two years. I’ve learned a great deal
about being a college soccer coach, but specifically being a
college soccer coach at CC. Thanks to his efforts and taking me
under his wings, I feel very well prepared.”
During his two seasons as an assistant, Colorado College compiled a
29-10-4 record and were ranked as high as No. 14 in the National
Soccer Coaches Association of America’s Division III poll.
With last year’s 15-4-2 record, the Tigers posted their most
victories since the 2004 squad finished with a 16-4-1 mark.
“Scott is exceptionally qualified from his collegiate and
professional careers,” said Richardson, who compiled a
567-304-71 career record. “His appointment will be popular
not only with our players and alumni, but also with our coaching
colleagues.
Prior to joining CC for the 2013 season, Palguta played four
seasons as a defender with the Colorado Rapids of Major League
Soccer. He signed with Colorado in 2009 and was part of the 2010
team that won the MLS Cup.
“From the team’s perspective, we’re excited to
have a coach who is on the same page as the players and is ready to
attack the upcoming season,” said midfielder Caden MacKenzie,
who will be a junior this fall. “The guys were 100 percent
behind the decision to promote Scott and we couldn’t be more
excited to get back on the field.”
A native of Toms River, N.J., Palguta was a two-time all-Ivy League
selection at Cornell University, where he graduated in 2005 with a
bachelor’s degree in hotel administration.
While attending Cornell, Palguta played for Cape Cod of the USL
Premier Development League from 2002 to 2004, winning back-to-back
national championships with the Crusaders in 2002 and 2003
“We are thrilled that Scott emerged from a national search as
the top choice of everyone involved in the selection,” Ralph
said. “He has the vision, energy, passion, and tactical
expertise to take our program to the next level.
“His playing experience as an all-Ivy League performer at
Cornell University gives him a unique insight into the academic and
athletic demands placed on our students. Colorado College
soccer is in great hands moving forward."
Palguta got his first taste of professional soccer during his
senior year at Cornell after he was drafted by the Rochester Raging
Rhinos in the second round of the USL First Division College Draft.
He was named the league’s “Rookie of the Year” in
2005 and was an all-USL selection in 2008.
“From the moment I first set foot on campus, I sensed that
Colorado College is a special place and that the men’s soccer
program is a unique band of brothers,” Palguta
said. “It was immediately evident that CC was where I
wanted to begin my collegiate coaching career.
“What makes our program so exceptional and allows it to
thrive is the continued support of the wonderful alumni. Horst has
established an incredible soccer network, and a big aspect of my
job will be to keep this outstanding group of people engaged and
connected to the Colorado College men’s soccer
program.”
Palguta and his wife, Melissa, reside in Colorado Springs.