NSCAA Release

VESTAL, N.Y. – Binghamton head men's soccer coach Paul Marco has been named the National Soccer Coaches' Association of America (NSCAA) recipient of the Mike Berticelli Excellence in Teaching Award. The award is named in memory of the Notre Dame coach who was serving as NSCAA's Vice President of Education when he passed away in January 2000. It is presented each year to a member of the NSCAA Academy staff in recognition of their positive contributions to the game of soccer and excellence in coaching education.

"The Berticelli Award is determined by the Association's Coaching Academy Staff and the respect and admiration of one's peers is always special," NSCAA Director of Coaching Education, Ian Barker said. "Paul Marco's selection is well deserved. On a personal note, he has been one of my strongest supporters, collaborators and friends in trying to deliver quality coaching education and am very pleased to see him honored with this award."

"Receiving the Berticelli Excellence in Teaching Award is a tremendous honor," Marco said. "When I first joined our national staff Mike Berticelli was one of the more engaging and energizing personalities and I would follow him everywhere! He had a terrific way about education and a love second to none for the NSCAA. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my passion for the NSCAA and our coaching education program. This is where I developed as a new coach and continued to grow through educational opportunities."

Marco has been an NSCAA staff coach since 1996, and has instructed more than 150 residential and non-residential courses during his tenure. He has been an NSCAA Master Coach Diploma mentor for two cycles, and is a regular clinician at the annual NSCAA Convention. In June 2014, Marco taught an on-site course at the World Cup in Brazil.

In addition to his work with the NSCAA Coaching Academy, Marco is also very active throughout the Association. He has served as a member of the Education committee since 2008, and was the chair of the international subcommittee that helped develop the first NSCAA international diploma. Marco has previously served as the chair of the NSCAA Northeast rankings committee (2008-11).

Marco is in his 14th season as the head men's soccer coach at Binghamton University. He has led Binghamton to two America East Conference titles (2003, 2006), two America East regular season titles (2006, 2007) and a conference-record six consecutive appearances in the America East championship game (2003-08). This season, the Bearcats are 7-5-2 (2-1-1 AE) and currently in a three-way tie for first place in the America East Conference.

He will accept his award on Friday, Jan. 15 at the awards banquet during the annual NSCAA Convention.