WEST CHESTER, Pa. – West Chester University veteran head coach Kendall Walkes announced the hiring of Dominic Popolizio as assistant coach recently. Popolizio comes to the Golden Rams from Chestnut Hill College where he was an assistant coach.
“We are happy that Dominic has joined our staff,” Walkes said. “His knowledge of the area gives him an advantage in recruiting, and his experience with fundraising events should benefit the West Chester soccer program greatly. He will be a great addition to the Golden Rams.”
Popolizio helped guide Chestnut Hill College to its first Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Tournament appearance last fall as the Golden Griffins earned a regional ranking for the first time in school history as well. He replaces Steve Blumenthal on Walkes’ staff. Blumenthal, who spent the last six season’s as Walkes’ top assistant, moved on to Immaculata University as its head coach this past spring.
Popolizio currently coaches at the club level and plays in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) for the FC Reading Revolution.
“I am very excited to become a part of the West Chester University men’s soccer program,” Popolizio said. “West Chester’s rich tradition in the game of soccer is what drew me to this opportunity. I look forward to working with Coach Walkes and the rest of the Golden Rams.”
Popolizio enjoyed three winning seasons as head coach at Downingtown East High School from 2007 to 2009 and currently coaches the 96 Blue boys’ team at Spirit United Soccer Club. Additionally, Popolizio also coached for Montgomery United Soccer Club (1996-2004), Horsham Soccer Club (2005-08), and the National Soccer Academy (1999-2005). Popolizio currently holds the NSCAA Advanced Regional coaching diploma.
As a collegiate student-athlete, Popolizio was a four-year starter at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn., where he led the team in assists all four years of his college career and helped the Bobcats to a Northeast Conference (NEC) semifinal appearance in 2004.
Popolizio was named National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) regional All-America, Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) all-state selection, Pioneer Athletic Conference-10 (PAC-10) League most valuable player (MVP), and first-team, all-league during his senior year at Lansdale Catholic High School.
Popolizio earned bachelor‘s degree in Health Sciences with a minor in Biology from Quinnipiac. He currently resides in Downingtown, Pa.
