Rough Riders Name Gerry Lucey as Head Coach
Long Island Rough Riders name former player Gerry Lucey as head coach for the upcoming PDL season. Lucey led the University of Tampa Women’s program to the 2007 NCAA Division II National Championship, finishing as the program’s most winning coach of all time with a record of 114-43-20.
Soccer News: The Long Island Rough Riders announce Gerry Lucey as head coach for the club’s 2016 PDL season. Lucey formerly played for the Rough Riders between 1997-2000 and will take charge of the men’s team following a successful coaching career in the NCAA. The Ireland native is welcomed back to the Long Island soccer community as the 2016 PDL season prepares to kick off this week.
“The Rough Riders organization meant a lot to me when I played here”, said Lucey, a USSF A-License coach. “Having attended college at LIU-CW Post and spending 11 years here before moving to Tampa, I have many close friends and immediate family on Long Island. I was fortunate to coach many wonderful teams and players during that period and have a very strong affinity to the area.”
Lucey led the University of Tampa Women’s program to the 2007 NCAA Division II National Championship and has become the program’s all-time winningest coach with a record of 114-43-20. Lucey spent a total of 17 seasons in the college game, with 10 of those years served as an NCAA Head Coach. During his college tenure he tallied one national championship, two trips to the final four, 4 regular and 5 conference championships and 8 NCAA appearances.
Lucey retired from the Rough Riders in 2000 after leading the team in total points (9 goals, 9 assists) and holding a place on the A-League All-Star team. “I wanted to come back to more familiar surroundings, friends and family. I wanted to get back to people I love and trust.” Lucey will be replacing former Rough Riders player Paul Roderick who joined the coaching staff in 2007.
“We are very fortunate to have a coach with the knowledge and experience of Gerry Lucey,” said Flavio Ferri, Rough Riders General Manger. “We are grateful for Coach Roderick’s time with the PDL team and we are confident that Coach Lucey will build upon the foundation that Coach Roderick has helped to establish.”
With the recent announcement of the organization’s affiliation with New York City F.C., Lucey is excited to work with Patrick Vieira and model his coaching style similar to the Frenchman’s side.
“The Rough Riders are a team that wants to play attractive soccer and it’s always been my style. It’s something we want to do at every level of the organization,” stated Lucey who will also serve as the Director of Coaching for the Riders’ youth development programs.
“We keep it on the ground and teach the kids the right way to play. It’s been a big part of my life and I really want to give back to the community here, from our youngest members all the way up to the PDL team,” – continued Lucey.
The partnership provides the Rough Riders with the resources from New York City F.C. staff of all levels who will collaborate with the program on coaching methodologies, technical support and other aspects of soccer development.
“Personally I’m looking forward to the interaction with the New York City FC coaching and scouting departments, and how this will positively impact our PDL team”, said Lucey. “I’m always looking to learn and grow as a coach and this new relationship opens up new avenues to receive top-notch information that we can pass along to our own organization.”
The Rough Riders open their season on May 7th versus Westchester Flames.
Source/Photo Credit: Long Island Rough Riders
