Dover, DE --- Delaware State University Director of Athletics Rick Costello has announced the appointment of Dover resident Nitan Soni as the university's new head women's soccer coach.
“Nitan stood out among the many fine candidates for the position because of his broad experience, local ties and energetic nature,” Costello said. “He was highly recommended by some of the most respected names in collegiate soccer. I believe Nitan has all the tools to lead our women's soccer program to the next level.”
“I'm grateful to Delaware State University for giving me the opportunity to lead its women's soccer program,” Soni said. “As a resident of Dover, with ties to the Delaware soccer community, I am familiar with the program and the great potential it holds.”
He added, “I am looking forward to working with the Delaware State administration and our student-athletes to take the program to new levels of success.”
Soni, 28, brings a wealth of coaching, teaching and playing experience to the position.
He most recently served as an assistant men's soccer coach at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA during the fall 2007 season.
From August 2005 to May 2007, Soni was an Assistant Men's Soccer Coach at Wesley College in Dover, DE. During the fall 2006 season, he helped lead the Wolverines to a 14-5-1 overall record. That season, Wesley earned its first ever top five regional ranking and was in the top 10 among all Division III schools in scoring defense.
Soni's coaching experience also includes a stint as an assistant with the Wesley College women's soccer team from August to December 2005. That season, the Wolverines reached the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference championship game.
He began his collegiate coaching career as an Assistant/Director of Men's Soccer Operations at Rutgers University from August 2004 to May 2005.
A native of Birmingham, England, Soni also served two tenures as a head coach for Delaware's Youth Olympic Development Program. His responsibilities included identifying elite players in the state, along with training and game day/tournament coaching.
In addition, he has worked with youth as a professional coach and trainer for the Central Delaware Soccer Association. During his tenure, the association's top team earned its highest ever regional and national ranking and defeated two top 10 nationally ranked teams in 2005.
As a player at Middlesex University in London, Soni helped lead the team to two league championships (1999, '00) and the South Division Cup in 2000. While at Halesowen College (England 16-18), he was a member of a league (1997) and cup championship team (1998).
Prior to his college career, Soni competed for several of England's top amateur clubs.
From 2003 to '04, he was a midfielder for Kappa USA Real Wyckoff in the semi-pro Garden State League in New Jersey.
Soni earned a joint bachelor's in Honor's Media and Cultural Studies/Information Technology from Middlesex University in 2001 and a Master of Arts in Teaching (specialty in math) from Wesley College in 2007.
What others are saying about Nitan Soni:
“Nitan Soni is an energetic individual with a great deal of passion for the sport. He is an outstanding teacher who relates well to young people. Delaware State made an excellent choice for its women's soccer program.”
Dave MacWilliams
Head Men's Soccer Coach
Temple University
“The appointment of Nitan Soni is a great move for Delaware State. Nitan has the skill, experience and determination to bring success to the program. He has great knowledge of the sport along with the energy and enthusiasm to become an outstanding head coach.”
Bob Reasso
Head Men's Soccer Coach
Rutgers University
