Release courtesy of ACPHS Athletics
ALBANY, N.Y – Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Director of Athletics and Recreation, Katie Bishop, announced Monday the hiring of Jon Piraino as the new head coach of the men's soccer program. Coach Piraino replaces 30-year veteran, Rich Komulainen, who has transition into retirement after an illustrious coaching career at the college. Coach Rich leaves behind an incredible legacy at ACPHS compiling a career record of 210-174-13 dating back to 1985.
Piraino is no stranger to the Capital District, he just completed his fourth year coaching with the Albany Alleycats. As the head coach and lead trainer, his U16 girls team has progressed to #20 in the nation and #3 in New York State. Outside of his work with the Alleycats, Piraino previously worked as an assistant coach at Shaker High School (2012-2013) and Shenendehowa High School (2010-2012).
"I am looking forward to the challenge of maintaining this successful program both on and off the field for years to come. My long term vision for the soccer program aligns with the athletic department's ongoing drive to build high quality sports programs for all student-athlete's," Piraino said.
"We are very excited about Coach Piraino leading our men's soccer program into the future," said Bishop. "Jon is a very bright and talented coach with a wealth of soccer knowledge. We are all looking forward to the upcoming season."
Prior to his time in the Albany area, Piraino also worked with both boys and girls soccer programs at Camp Hill High School in Pennsylvania. Under his leadership, the boys team racked up a 45-9-1 overall record (22-2-0 in league) clinching the PIAA Class "A" Eastern Regional Championships (2007,2008) as well as Piraino earning PIAA Class "A" State Coach of the Year in 2008. The Camp Hill girls complied a 50-26-2 overall record (2007-2010) claiming the Mid Penn Colonial League Champions in 2007. The same year, Piraino was named Mid Penn Colonial Division Coach of the Year and Mid Penn "AA" Coach of the Year.
After coaching at the high school level for almost seven years in Pennsylvania, Piraino transition to Penn State Harrisburg, serving one season as the men's top assistant coach. He was primarily responsible for implementing tactical and technical instruction, as well as serving as the head recruiter for the program. He also had additional responsibilities surrounding analyzing and editing video footage.
Coach Piraino holds his USSF National "E" license and is an advocate in continuing his education and growth as a soccer coach through various coaching outlets. He is also an active member within the National Soccer Coaches Association (NSCAA).
Piraino holds his bachelor's degree in mathematics from the State University of Albany and his masters in arts and mathematics from The Sage Colleges. Piraino currently works as the Director of Mathematics for the Albany Charter School Network as well as a mathematics consultant with Math Solutions.
