NJIT men's soccer head coach Fernando Barboto has announced the hiring of John Velasco as Assistant Coach. Velasco brings a wealth of experience in coaching and player development, having previously served as the top assistant at Temple University. Under his guidance, Temple improved significantly, growing its roster and earning a postseason berth for the first time in years. With a successful coaching background at several institutions, Velasco is expected to make a positive impact on NJIT's program.

By the Numbers
  • At Temple University, Velasco helped increase the roster from 13 players in Spring 2023 to a 15-player recruiting class for Fall 2023.
  • Velasco led King's College to a 9-6-1 overall record in his first season, earning him the MAC Freedom Coach of the Year award in 2021.
Yes, But

While Velasco's track record shows promise, there remains a challenge in adapting to NJIT's unique environment and expectations, particularly in balancing academic and athletic success.

State of Play
  • NJIT's men's soccer program is on a trajectory of improvement, partially due to recent coaching hires.
  • Velasco's experience in collegiate soccer and recruiting will be crucial in attracting talent and enhancing team performance.
What's Next

As Velasco transitions into his new role, future developments may include strategic recruitment efforts and adjustments in training methodologies aimed at elevating the team's competitiveness within their conference.

Bottom Line

John Velasco's extensive coaching background and proven success in player development position him as a key asset for NJIT's men's soccer program, with expectations for significant improvements in team performance and recruitment outcomes.