Enters Fourth Season on Men’s Soccer Staff

John W. Beyer Head Men’s Soccer Coach Erik Ronning has announced the promotion of Mark Plotkin to Associate Head Coach, effective July 1.

Plotkin is entering his fourth season on the Colgate staff and has helped guide the Raiders to both regular-season and Patriot League tournament championships during his first three years in Hamilton.

“Coach Ronning has created an unbelievable environment to learn and develop in, and I could not be more grateful for the opportunity he has given me,” Plotkin said.  “I’m honored to be named the Associate Head Coach of the Colgate Men’s Soccer program and excited to continue my growth under his leadership. We have a phenomenal group of student-athletes that we have the pleasure to work with each and every day, and I thank them for their trust, work ethic, and belief that has helped me grow as a coach and leader over the past three years.

“I would also like to thank Vicky Chun, Ann-Marie Guglieri, and Yariv Amir for this opportunity. Their support of the men’s soccer program is apparent each and every day, and they have done an amazing job of creating a positive culture within the Colgate Athletics Department. Colgate is a special place, and I am excited to continue competing for championships year-in and year-out with our fantastic group of coaches and student-athletes.”

After finishing the 2014 season 6-10-2, Plotkin helped guide the resurgence of the Colgate men’s soccer program as the Raiders recorded back-to-back 10-plus win seasons in 2015 and 2016 for the first time since 1991-92.

The Raiders were crowned 2016 Patriot League champions, earning the program’s sixth-ever league title and NCAA tournament appearance. Colgate finished 13-7-2 during the 2016 campaign, tying the program record for wins in a season. The historic 2016 season followed an impressive 2015 campaign that saw the Raiders claim the Patriot League regular-season title.

During his time as a Raider, Plotkin has coached one MLS SuperDraft pick (Ethan Kutler ’17, 39th overall pick), four NSCAA All-Region selections, the 2015 Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year (Kutler), the 2016 Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year (Zach Tamen ’17), 12 All-Patriot League picks and three Academic All-League members.

“Mark has made a tremendous impact on Colgate Soccer and our scholar-athletes since his arrival,” said Ronning.  “He is a rising star in college coaching and an asset to the community.  Mark has embraced the culture of Colgate Soccer wholeheartedly, and has helped to improve the quality of the program in every aspect.  This is a well-deserved promotion and I am thrilled that he will be by my side helping to lead this talented group to new heights.”

Success Before Colgate

Prior to joining the Colgate staff in 2014, Plotkin spent two seasons as an assistant coach at his alma mater, DePaul. He also spent two seasons as the Director of Operations at Northwestern.

A four-year starter at DePaul, Plotkin led his team from the midfield position. He helped the Blue Demons to four consecutive appearances in the Big East championship tournament, including semifinal appearances in 2007 and 2008.

“A little over three years ago Coach Ronning asked me to come work for him, and while it was a very difficult decision for my wife and me to leave our home in Chicago, we know we made the right decision coming to Colgate,” Plotkin said.  “The Ronning family welcomed us with open arms, as did the entire Colgate community. Coach Ronning cares so much about his staff, student-athletes, Colgate University, and this community.”

The 2010 DePaul University graduate earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing. He is currently working on completing his master’s degree in sports administration from Northwestern.  Plotkin and his wife, Christen, reside in Hamilton.

By martha

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