The year 2022 marked a remarkable turning point for the world of collegiate sports, particularly in the CSAC (Colonial States Athletic Conference). Among the many talented and dedicated coaches in the conference, Jesse Zafiratos stood out as a beacon of inspiration. In this article, Athleticscare will delve into the journey of Coach Jesse Zafiratos during the 2022 CSAC season, exploring his coaching philosophy, memorable moments, and the transformative impact he had on his team. Join us as we celebrate his dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to the world of college athletics.
Overview About Jesse Zafiratos
2022 Coach of the Year for CSAC As the head coach of the Cedar Crest Women’s Soccer team in 2022, Jesse Zafiratos has recently finished his first season in that position. He guided the Falcons to the CSAC Regular Season title in his debut season, finishing as the top seed with a 12-4-2 overall record and remaining unbeaten in conference play with an 8-0-1 record. In 2022, the Falcons set a school record with 71 goals, and senior attacker Taylor Wolf led all scorers in the US with 30 goals in one season. In addition, Zafiratos was selected CSAC Coach of the Year for his efforts. Nine players also received All-Conference recognition from the conference.
The Transformative Season
The 2022 CSAC season was marked by numerous challenges, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which continued to disrupt the world of collegiate sports. However, Coach Jesse Zafiratos and his team tackled these challenges head-on with resilience and determination. Their season was a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, but it was during the toughest moments that Coach Zafiratos truly shone as a leader.
One of the defining characteristics of Coach Zafiratos’ coaching style was his ability to adapt and motivate his team. He instilled a sense of unity and purpose, emphasizing that success was not just about winning games but also about personal growth and self-improvement. Under his guidance, players learned the importance of perseverance and the value of teamwork.
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Impressive Career of Jesse Zafiratos
Jesse Zafiratos oversaw the men’s soccer program at Hood College for one season before joining the Falcons. With eight victories under his management, the Blazers set a record for a first-year head coach in the history of the program. In addition, he was in charge of finding a record-breaking 21 student-athletes for the program. Off the field, Zafiratos’ group earned a 3.30 team grade point average.
Zafiratos is no stranger to the CSAC; Jesse Zafiratos served as Rosemont College’s head men’s soccer coach for two years. He took over a club in 2019 that had missed the playoffs for seven years, leading the Ravens to the conference final, and increasing Rosemont’s win total from the previous season. Zafiratos attracted a sizable recruiting class once more, and 14 student-athletes enrolled in the program.
Prior to his time at Rosemont, Zafiratos had a successful three-year tenure as the head men’s soccer coach at Penn State Brandywine from 2016 to 2018, which culminated in the Lions’ first USCAA Championship. In addition to a perfect 27-0 record in the Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) and three consecutive conference championships, he had an overall record of 50-10-3. His squad from 2018 defeated top-ranked Johnson and Wales University (N.C.) 1-0 in overtime to claim the department’s lone national title, setting a school record for most consecutive victories (16).
He coached 10 USCAA All-Americans and 22 PSUAC All-Stars. With 102 goals scored in 2018, his club led all collegiate soccer divisions. Both the Philadelphia Inquirer Small College Coach of the Year for 2018 and the 2017 PSUAC Coach of the Year were awarded to Zafiratos.
He served as Widener University’s assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for four seasons before assuming charge of the program at Penn State Brandywine. Every season, Zafiratos has assisted the squad in increasing its victory count, especially in 2014, when they qualified for the ECAC South Region Semifinals.
Prior to transferring to La Roche University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Zafiratos started his undergraduate playing career at Kutztown University. He helped the Redhawks reach three Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference postseason trips as a three-year starter and senior captain. During his time with the Redhawks, he scored 21 goals and assisted 13 others. He received a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education upon graduation.
The product of Glenolden, Pennsylvania, scored 51 goals during his time at Interboro High School in Prospect Park, Pennsylvania. He was chosen for the All-Del Val first team three times, and as a senior, the Philadelphia Inquirer awarded him All-Southeastern Pennsylvania Honors. He guided the Bucs to two district playoff appearances in the PIAA Class AAA.
Zafiratos arrived at Cedar Crest with a stellar 66-29-6 career record. One of the best records among all college soccer coaches over the past five years is his 683 winning percentage.
Outstanding Achievements
- 2016-Penn State Brandywine: 15-3-1 (Psuac Champions)
- 2017-Penn State Brandywine: 17-5-0 (Psuac Champions, Psuac Coach Of The Year)
- 2018-Penn State Brandywine: 18-2-2 (Psuac Champions, Uscaa National Champions, Philadelphia Inquirer Coach Of The Year)
- 2019-Rosemont College: 8-10-2 (Csac Championship Game Appearance)
- 2020-Rosemont College: No Season Due To Covid
- 2021-Hood College (Md): 8-9-1- Most Wins By First-Year Head Coach
- 2022-Cedar Crest College: 12-4-2 (Csac Regular Season Champions, Csac Finalists, Csac Coach Of The Year, Program Record 71 Goals Scored)
- Career Record- 78-33-7 (.732 Winning Percentage)
Jesse Zafiratos just received the title of 2022 Lower Merion Soccer Club Girls’ Travel Coach of the Year while coaching the 2011 LMSC Swarm U11-A girls squad. For five years, he worked as a full-time administrator, senior staff coach, regional assistant director of coaching, and director of the college advisory program.
Conclusion
In the world of collegiate sports, coaches like Jesse Zafiratos are the backbone of excellence. The 2022 CSAC season was a testament to his commitment, passion, and leadership. Coach Zafiratos proved that success on the field is only part of the equation, as Jesse Zafiratos helped shape the future of his athletes both as players and as individuals. His legacy in the CSAC is one that will be remembered for years to come.
