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Sports Connections: Get to Know New Griffin Head Coaches

Sports Connections: Get to Know New Griffin Head Coaches

Get to Know the New Griffin Head Coaches

With a new season comes new faces as Chestnut Hill College recently welcomed in a whole new class of student-athletes this semester. But the students weren’t the only ones to change as this offseason, several of the men’s programs as well as men’s and women’s tennis, found themselves looking to the future with brand new coaching hires.

Zack SsebantindiraZack Ssebatindira, Men’s Soccer

In mid-May, it was announced that Zack Ssebatindira, a former assistant coach specializing in goalkeeping at Jefferson University, would be the next head coach for the Griffins.

"I am tremendously excited to build upon the foundation that has been laid by my predecessors here, Julian Fernandez and Keith Cappo, as we look to compete both in the CACC and against regional competition,” says Ssebantindira. “I have inherited a special legacy and together, with our players, look forward to adding to it this fall."

Coming into his role with a program that has been on the rise, Ssebatindira brings a great deal of experience to his first head coaching position. The former coach at both Jefferson and Penn State Abington is also a youth soccer coach with the Continental Football Club and possesses both a United States Soccer Federation National D License and a National Soccer Coaches Association of America State Goalkeeping Level 1 certification.

“I am excited to have Zack join our staff as our new head men's soccer coach,” says Lynn Tubman, director of athletics and recreation. “I believe his experience, character, and coaching philosophy will provide our soccer program with the strong leadership it needs to continue to grow in a positive direction and compete at a high level."

Mike TerranovaMike Terranova, Men’s Lacrosse

They say you can always come home and that’s exactly what Mike Terranova, former associate head coach and offensive coordinator for the CHC men’s lacrosse team, has done as he replaces Brian Dougherty as the program's next head coach.

"I am very excited to return to Chestnut Hill College as the next head men’s lacrosse coach,” says Terranova. “My vision for the men's lacrosse program is congruent with the college's authentic commitment to academic excellence, shared responsibility and service to others. I could not have imagined a better place for me to become a head coach for the first time.”

After leaving Chestnut Hill College and the program he helped to build prior to the 2014 season, Terranova spent time gaining valuable experience as the assistant coach and offensive coordinator at Division I member, Lafayette College.

"Mike was a valued member of our coaching staff and was integral, as an assistant coach and associate head coach, in helping establishing our men's lacrosse program during its inception,” says Tubman. “I believe Mike’s recent tenure as a DI assistant coach, coupled with his commitment and dedication to our student-athletes will allow him to hit the ground running, and establish our program as a perennial power in the CACC.”

Mike PaukovitsMike Paukovits, Golf

With the July resignation of longtime head golf coach, Eric McNamee, his former assistant and PGA member, Mike Paukovits, has been tapped to replace him on an interim basis for this year.

“Coach McNamee was instrumental in solidifying our position in the CACC (Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference) and we wish him well in the future,” says Tubman. “But, we are happy that Mike has decided to stay on and assume head coaching responsibilities on an interim basis while we conduct a search for the upcoming fall."

With the team since the 2015-16 season, Paukovits is also a teaching professional at St. David’s Golf Club in Wayne, Pa., where he is directly responsible for all of the teaching programs including private lessons, video analysis, junior camps and clinics, and club fitting for membership. Paukovits, who brings a wealth of competitive golfing experience from competing in local Philadelphia PGA events, has also worked at Moselem Springs Golf Club in Fleetwood, Pa., the Jim McLean Golf School at Trump National Doral in Miami, Fla., as well as at Jupiter Hills Club in Tequesta, Fla.

“"It may sound lofty, but I am confident that we can get back to the NCAA,” says Paukovits, citing his belief in the consistency and comradery that will get them there. “As the interim coach, I am excited to be a part of this program's rise and see them compete against the top teams in the CACC."

Richard AldreteRichard Aldrete (Head Coach), Men’s and Women’s Tennis

In a decision that will only strengthen the men’s and women’s tennis programs, former head coach of last year’s men’s championship team, Ryan Gargullo, will now serve as the college’s first director of tennis operations. This is in addition to his new role as the head tennis professional at Green Valley Country Club.

"I am very pleased to transition from head coach to the college’s director of tennis operations," says Gargullo. "I have recently accepted the head professional position at Green Valley Country Club, but I am ecstatic that I am able to forge this great tennis partnership between the two institutions. With the addition of the facilities at Green Valley our student-athletes will not only have access to indoor courts for practices and matches, but the opportunity to work with other tennis enthusiasts at a well-respected club."

According to Tubman, the hope is that this “rewarding relationship,” which will allow indoor training for the tennis athletes during the winte,r among other amenities, will continue to grow the programs as regional and national powers.

With Gargullo in a new position, CHC has tapped longtime Philadelphia tennis professional and former head coach of both the Cabrini College and Girard College men’s tennis team, Richard Aldrete, to be the program’s next head coach.

"Bringing with him over two decades of collegiate tennis experience, Coach Aldrete will continue the progression of success that Chestnut Hill College has become accustomed to,” says Gargullo. “I'm very excited to work with Rich toward future CACC Championships and NCAA Championship Tournament bids."

In addition to his head coaching experience, Aldrete has worked as a staff professional at the Germantown Cricket Club, Julian Krinksy Camps and Programs, Applecross Country Club and more. He is also a member of the United States Professional Tennis Association with a Pat Etcheberry Fitness Certification, and is a Sport Science Competency Coach with the United States Tennis Association.

"I feel very fortunate to be a part of top tennis program, developed by Ryan and his predecessors, which has emerged into a regional tennis powerhouse, and to be a part of mission based college," says Aldrete. "I feel this collaboration with Ryan could take the program to the next level. I believe we can use our tennis programs as outreach to the urban community, extending our good work and further enhancing the experience of our student-athletes." 

Information provided from GriffinAthletics

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