Binghamton University

MEN'S SOCCER DAILY UPDATE

August 27, 2008

Moving into the Coaching Ranks

Although his athletic career at Binghamton has ended, Matt Narode has stayed in the college soccer scene. Earlier this month, he was hired as the assistant coach at Skidmore College, a Division III program located in Saratoga Springs, New York.

A second-team all-conference selection at midfield his senior year, Narode was a four-year starter for the Bearcats and led the squad in scoring in 2005. He was just as successful in the classroom, having consistently been named to the America East Academic Honor Roll during his career.

During his time at Binghamton, Narode began to consider coaching after graduation. He and head coach Paul Marco talked about the possibility and this past summer, Marco recommended him to Skidmore.

"We had talks over the past few years about me getting into coaching," Narode said. "I am very thankful for the help (Coach Marco) gave me to get this position."

When Marco talks to his players about careers after college, coaching is mentioned as a possibility. Still, Narode stood out as a player who had the qualities necessary for making the transition from the field to the sidelines.

"Matt has a great understanding of the game," Marco said. "Having coached youth league players, he has really improved over the years in his ability to communicate to them. I'm sure he will continue to grow in that area. It's a great hire for Skidmore."

Although he has left Binghamton, Narode credits the Bearcat coaching staff of shaping much of his approach to coaching, which he intends to use at Skidmore.

"They definitely had a great impact on what my approach to coaching is," he said. There are lots of little things and principles to the game that I remember when I am coaching now."

Having been able to balance athletics and academics during his career at Binghamton, Narode intends to make it a priority to stress the same discipline to his current players.

"I definitely stress balancing athletics and academics," he said. "Anywhere you play during college, you have to realize that very few players make it to the professional level. The education you get is the most important thing."

While he is clearly excited about his new opportunity, Narode remains close to many of the current Bearcat players. To him, the past four years provided him with friendships and memories to last a long time.

"It's the most fun I have ever had playing soccer," he said. "There was such a togetherness on that team. I definitely keep up with them. I'm on the phone with the boys a lot to see what's going on (back in Binghamton). They are still my friends and I care about them."

Skidmore Press Release on Matt Narode hiring

Additional Notes: Marco wishes to clarify his description of redshirt freshman forward Matt Ryan's errant shot at last week's Bearcat Open, which was mentioned in the August 22 Daily Update.

"The ball didn't leave the tee," he said. "The club (completely) left his hand. The same thing also happened to (senior back) Liam Carson."

Posted August 27, 2008 at 10 a.m.
Feedback should be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu.

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