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GMC Men’s Soccer Alum Named Goalkeeper Coach for Sky Blue FC
(October 19, 2009) - Poultney, VT - Former Green Mountain College men's soccer standout Rick Stainton Jr. was named goalkeeper coach of the defending Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) league champion Sky Blue FC. The announcement was made Wednesday, October 14th at the Sky Blue headquarters in Somerset, NJ.
A 1998 GMC graduate, Stainton was a standout 2-sport athlete in men's soccer and lacrosse. During his senior season, Staiton claimed the starting goalkeeper position for the Eagles, leading the squad to a NAIA Regional Championship and a berth in the National Tournament. While his individual performance was noteworthy, Staiton credits the squad for their success. "I received much individual recognition that year, but it couldn't take the place of what we accomplished as a team. It was a great year!"
Following his graduation, Stainton began his ascent into the coaching ranks, accepting the position of head boy's varsity coach in his hometown of Brick NJ. During his 5-year tenure, his teams captured 3 Class-A South Division Championships while numerous players collected individual honors including 5 All-State nominees and one NSCAA All-American.
In June 2003, Stainton returned to his alma mater, taking the reins of the women's soccer program. During his single season at GMC, Staiton helped the Eagles transition from an NAIA to Division II institution both on and off the pitch as coach and compliance supervisor. Two of his student-athletes were honored with an appearance at the New England Senior Bowl match while the squad received the NSCAA Team Academic Award with a cumulative 3.39 GPA.
In 2006, Stainton was named head women's soccer coach at Division II Caldwell College (NJ) were his squad finished 7-11-1 overall (4-5-1, conference) in the challenging Central Athletic Collegiate Conference (CACC).
Rick moved on to Division I Rider University in 2007 as the goalkeeper coach followed by a move to the professional ranks with the NJ Wildcats of the United Soccer League (USL) W-League while also serving as the sport administrator for the Seton Hall Pirates women's soccer team where he worked alongside US Women's U-17 coach Kazbek Tambi.
