John Fitzgerald, in his 15th year as the Associate Head Coach of the Mariners, brings a wealth of coaching and administrative experience to the Blue and Gray. Since his arrival, the Mariners have thrived as a regional power.

In 2004, he earned NSCAA/Adidas Northeast Regional Assistant Coach of the Year honors. As head coach of the Long Island Lady Rough Riders (1996-1998, 2006-Present), Fitzgerald led the team to the 1997 W-League National Championship title, posting a record of 33-9. Fitzgerald has also served as the Technical Director of the Long Island Junior Soccer League ODP. Additional experience includes being the NSCAA Regional Technical Director, the head coach of the 1998 USISL W-League Umbro All-Star Select Team, head coach of the LIJSL Coaching Academy between 1996-98, staff coach of the Eastern New York Olympic Development Program from 1986-97, assistant men’s coach at Farmingdale State between 1990-96, assistant coach of the Women’s U.S. Region I select team in 1986 and assistant coach of the three-time State Champion Hicksville Hawks between 1986-95. At Hicksville, he coached ten All-State selections, four All-Region selections, three national team players and three professional players.

“Coach Fitzgerald’s leadership and expertise continually contribute to the high success of our program,” said Mike Smolens.

A 1985 graduate of SUNY Farmingdale, Fitzgerald is an NSCAA “Premiere Diploma” licensed coach and owns a USSF “A” coaching license. Fitzgerald resides in Smithtown, N. Y. with his wife, Elizabeth, and their children, Erin and Sean.