Dear Players, Colleagues, and Friends,
After a 24-season tenure at Binghamton University and more than 30 seasons as a Division I Head Coach, I am retiring from collegiate coaching. As I reflect on this chapter of my career and look toward what comes next, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. The game of soccer has given me far more than wins, titles, or recognition—it has given me lifelong relationships, shared purpose, and the privilege of walking alongside players and coaches as they chased something bigger than themselves. Every stop along this lifelong journey has shaped me, challenged me, and reminded me why this game matters so deeply to so many.
For me, this journey has always been defined by purpose, place, and people. The game has been my purpose for as long as I can remember. Every morning I wake up thinking about it, and every night I go to sleep still thinking about what’s next—how to help players grow, how to move teams forward, how to take people to places they have never been before and to levels they may not have believed they were capable of reaching. Soccer has never simply been what I do, it has been at the core of who I am; it has been how I try to show up each day, how I connect with others, and how I measure progress beyond the score. It has challenged me, taught me a lot, and given me a framework for leadership and growth that extends far beyond the field.
Just as important has been place. Binghamton became more than a job or a stop along the way—it became home. Building a life in this community, investing in this university, and growing alongside so many people here shaped both my career and my family in ways I will always cherish. I take immense pride in the years spent wearing the “B” on my shirt, watching the guys compete against outstanding opponents in our hooped kits, and knowing that every time we stepped on the field we were fighting to represent not just a place, but a culture of excellence. Representing this university truly meant something—it’s a hat I never took off—and being part of a community that believed in what we were building is something I will always be proud of.
Together, we built something that exceeded expectations and defied predictions—conference championships, NCAA Tournament runs, and an environment that players and supporters took pride in. Every season, the dedicated fans, and the moments under the lights belong to the players, the staff, and a community that showed up and believed. Being named America East Coach of the Year and later recognized among the Top 50 coaches by victories are honors I accept humbly, knowing they reflect the collective work of so many players and staff. Before Binghamton, West Virginia played a foundational role in shaping who I am as a coach and mentor. From conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances to the lessons learned through rebuilding and competing at a high level, those years laid the groundwork for everything that followed. I remain deeply grateful to everyone who was part of that chapter.
I have also been fortunate to learn from and be supported by extraordinary mentors and close friends throughout my career. I want to especially thank people like the late great John McGrath who gave me my start in college coaching and introduced me to the United Soccer Coaches (formerly NSCAA), Schellas Hyndman, Paul Payne and “Uncle” Norm Pross, among so many others, whose guidance, perspective, and friendship has helped shape my approach to the game and to leadership. Their influence has extended far beyond the field, and I am forever grateful for the example they set and the trust we have shared over the years.
The game has always been about people. The players who trusted the process, the staff who poured themselves into the work day in and day out, and the colleagues who challenged and supported me along the way are the true legacy of this career. Championships fade and records change, but relationships endure. I have been fortunate to work alongside extraordinary colleagues throughout my career, and I want to specifically thank my current staff—Tommy Moon, Evan Maslin, Harrison Williams, and Josh Miller—for their professionalism, commitment, and daily investment in our players. Coaching is never an individual pursuit, and I am better because of the people I have shared the touchline, the locker room, and the long hours with.
I also need to acknowledge the foundation that made all of this possible—my family. To my wife, Sheryl, thank you for your unwavering support, grace, and understanding through every season. You stood beside me through late nights, long road trips, and countless sacrifices—when I was late to family dinners, missed dance recitals, or spent dozens of nights each year away from home recruiting. To my daughters, Emily and Stephanie, thank you for your patience and love as you grew up alongside the game. Your encouragement and belief sustained me in ways I cannot fully put into words, and everything I have done has been made better because of you.
To the players—past and present—thank you for your trust. You allowed me into some of the most formative years of your lives, and I never took that responsibility lightly. Helping you grow as competitors and as people has been the greatest reward. Everything I have tried to build has been about creating a place where you could learn, compete, grow, and believe in yourselves. I will always be a protector of the game and the champion in your corner, so no matter where your path takes you, you can always call on me when you need friendly guidance or support.
As I step into this next chapter, I do so with appreciation for everything that came before it. The game continues to evolve, and I remain committed to learning, sharing, and contributing to it as much as I can. I carry forward the lessons, relationships, and memories of every player, coach, colleague, and community that made this journey meaningful. With utmost gratitude, thank you.
Coach Marco
