Men’s soccer coach, mentor looks to continue success with team

Alejandro Solana // Staff Writer

Entering his third season as the head coach of the men’s soccer program, Scott Calabrese has brought success to this program in little time, but has also been a mentor off the field for his players.

In only two seasons, Calabrese transformed the Panthers from a middle-of-the-pack conference team to Conference-USA champions and a team now ranked No. 22 in the nation.

Calabrese’s ability to bring the best out of his players on the field isn’t the only thing that stands out to the team.

“One of the most important things that he does that a lot of coaches don’t pay attention to, is more of the off-the-field stuff,” says redshirt freshman midfielder Andrew Booth.

Calabrese, according to Booth, makes it easier for the team to balance training, matches and school – a quality that is “really unique.”

“I’ve never had a coach who is this committed,” Booth said. “Always making sure we sleep the right amount, eat th right things, and keep us hydrated before games, our training regiment is great, so we’re not worried about injury.”

From his days as assistant coach for Clemson and North Carolina, to his days as the head coach at East Tennessee State and FIU, winning seems to follow Calabrese. The Bryant College graduate has had success at every level of the game, and his players take notice of his commitment to the game.

“He’s different than any coach I’ve had. Tactically and as a person,” said defender Juan Benedetty.

The 5-foot-5 senior leftback owes a lot of his success at the collegiate level to Calabrese. Considered undersized by many, Benedetty significantly improved his game over the course of his four years with FIU, and Calabrese was a big part of that, even helping him reach, what he called, his “new prime.”

“I think it’s been great for everyone with Scott being here,” Benedetty said. “On a personal level, last year up until I got injured, he had me playing the best I had ever played. It was like a new prime and obviously Scott has a lot to do with that. He gives me confidence and allows me to play with aggressively.”

A goalkeeper in his playing days, Calabrese remembers what it was like being a student-athlete and how difficult it can be balancing sports, school and a job.

“I don’t think it changes, it gets even harder when you get older and have kids and a job,” Calabrese said.

It’s why he focuses so much on being a mentor in all areas of his players’ college life.

Calabrese has watched players, namely Daniel Gonzalez, graduate from FIU and continue their career at the next level. He’s also given us the opportunity to witness cinderella-like-moments with walk-on defensemen Patrick Lopez, a player Calabrese brought in, who scored championship-winning goals.

The first two seasons under Calabrese were successful turnarounds for FIU, and as his third season is underway, there is no reason to believe it won’t continue to be this way for this program.

FIU’s next home game will be played Sept. 17, as the University of Kentucky comes down to Miami for a C-USA battle. Kick-off against the Wildcats will be at 7 p.m.