December 7, 2012
James Bruno Named New Head Men's Soccer Coach at Purchase College
Purchase, NY (Dec. 7, 2012) – Master recruiter James Bruno, a former college standout and most recently a Division II coach, has been named the new leading man for the men's soccer program at Purchase College, Athletic Director Chris Bisignano announced today.
Bruno is the new head coach of the Panthers, replacing James Quiroga, who spent the last two seasons at the helm. "We are extremely delighted to welcome James Bruno on board," Bisignano said. "He's a great fit and a terrific addition to our program. Under his guidance, we are excited about the future of our men's soccer team."
Bruno received a Masters of Organizational Leadership (MSOL) from Mercy College in January 2012. In addition, he holds an Advanced National Diploma from the NSCAA and a USSF National "D" License. A former college player himself, Bruno has an interesting story that extends well beyond the soccer field. He is a retired New York City Fire Department Lieutenant.
After a thirteen-year career cut short by injury, Bruno earned his first shot at college coaching in 2010, when he joined Mercy as an assistant. In that role, Bruno aided head coach Chris Smith with the day-to-day operations of running a highly competitive DII program. His primary responsibilities included recruitment of highly qualified student-athletes and managing all facets of financial aid, eligibility and NCAA compliance.
"I'd like to thank AD Chris Bisignano for this opportunity at Purchase," Bruno said. "I'm looking forward to the challenge."
Purchase's new head coach is no stranger to coaching challenges, especially when it comes to turning programs around – something he and Coach Smith did at Mercy in a very short period of time. Inheriting a program with a two year combined record of 4-26-1, Bruno and Smith would turn that around in three short seasons.
And it all started on the ground floor with recruiting.
Bruno's 2010 recruiting class would see 10 new student athletes arrive on campus with two being recognized as East Coast Conference All- Conference selections. Finishing the season 6-7-4 began the resurgence for the Mavericks.
In his second year at Mercy, Bruno's recruiting class resulted in the signing of 13 student-athletes and William Koki's first ECC All-Conference selection. According to Mercy, the 2011 group was one of the best recruiting classes in the history of its program. Injuries and absences led to a difficult campaign resulted in a 6-10-1 record with eight losses decided by one goal.
The 2012 season was Bruno's most successful year with three of his recruits garnering all-conference selections led by William Koki's first team selection and NSCAA Second Team Regional All-American. The team finished 10-5-3 and qualified for ECC post season play for the first time since 2006. Bruno's 2012 team would also garner an NSCAA National Ranking of #24 in week two of the season, as well as a 10 week NSCAA East Regional Ranking.
In the classroom, Bruno's student-athletes have also seen great success, as 13 Mercy players have been named to the East Coast Conference Honor Roll over the past two years.
Prior to his coaching duties at Mercy and his time with the FDNY, Bruno played at Utica College, where he earned a bachelor's in Political Science. Since graduation, he has played for various amateur teams in the tri-state area, and volunteering with the Goshen Youth Soccer and Lacrosse clubs.
Today, Bruno resides in Orange County, NY with his wife, Heather, and their three children, Kevin, Ella and Cooper.
"This is an extremely exciting time for me," Bruno said. "I'm ready to get rolling."
Let the recruiting season begin.
The Panthers will have their first non-traditional season this spring under Bruno and then the men's soccer program returns to regular season action in early September, with preseason on tap for late August 2013.
Bruno is the new head coach of the Panthers, replacing James Quiroga, who spent the last two seasons at the helm. "We are extremely delighted to welcome James Bruno on board," Bisignano said. "He's a great fit and a terrific addition to our program. Under his guidance, we are excited about the future of our men's soccer team."
Bruno received a Masters of Organizational Leadership (MSOL) from Mercy College in January 2012. In addition, he holds an Advanced National Diploma from the NSCAA and a USSF National "D" License. A former college player himself, Bruno has an interesting story that extends well beyond the soccer field. He is a retired New York City Fire Department Lieutenant.
After a thirteen-year career cut short by injury, Bruno earned his first shot at college coaching in 2010, when he joined Mercy as an assistant. In that role, Bruno aided head coach Chris Smith with the day-to-day operations of running a highly competitive DII program. His primary responsibilities included recruitment of highly qualified student-athletes and managing all facets of financial aid, eligibility and NCAA compliance.
"I'd like to thank AD Chris Bisignano for this opportunity at Purchase," Bruno said. "I'm looking forward to the challenge."
Purchase's new head coach is no stranger to coaching challenges, especially when it comes to turning programs around – something he and Coach Smith did at Mercy in a very short period of time. Inheriting a program with a two year combined record of 4-26-1, Bruno and Smith would turn that around in three short seasons.
And it all started on the ground floor with recruiting.
Bruno's 2010 recruiting class would see 10 new student athletes arrive on campus with two being recognized as East Coast Conference All- Conference selections. Finishing the season 6-7-4 began the resurgence for the Mavericks.
In his second year at Mercy, Bruno's recruiting class resulted in the signing of 13 student-athletes and William Koki's first ECC All-Conference selection. According to Mercy, the 2011 group was one of the best recruiting classes in the history of its program. Injuries and absences led to a difficult campaign resulted in a 6-10-1 record with eight losses decided by one goal.
The 2012 season was Bruno's most successful year with three of his recruits garnering all-conference selections led by William Koki's first team selection and NSCAA Second Team Regional All-American. The team finished 10-5-3 and qualified for ECC post season play for the first time since 2006. Bruno's 2012 team would also garner an NSCAA National Ranking of #24 in week two of the season, as well as a 10 week NSCAA East Regional Ranking.
In the classroom, Bruno's student-athletes have also seen great success, as 13 Mercy players have been named to the East Coast Conference Honor Roll over the past two years.
Prior to his coaching duties at Mercy and his time with the FDNY, Bruno played at Utica College, where he earned a bachelor's in Political Science. Since graduation, he has played for various amateur teams in the tri-state area, and volunteering with the Goshen Youth Soccer and Lacrosse clubs.
Today, Bruno resides in Orange County, NY with his wife, Heather, and their three children, Kevin, Ella and Cooper.
"This is an extremely exciting time for me," Bruno said. "I'm ready to get rolling."
Let the recruiting season begin.
The Panthers will have their first non-traditional season this spring under Bruno and then the men's soccer program returns to regular season action in early September, with preseason on tap for late August 2013.
-Bobby Ciafardini, SID
