Mauro Diciocco of the Champlain Saint-Lambert Cavaliers is the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Men’s Soccer Coach of the Year.
Diciocco was honoured during the 2021 CCAA Men’s Soccer National Championship, hosted by the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), in Calgary, AB.
“Mauro has been very involved with his local community as well as the soccer program at Champlain Saint-Lambert,” said Alan Rogan, Acting CCAA Men’s Soccer Convenor. “We are proud of the work that Mauro has done with the Cavaliers Men’s Soccer program not only on the pitch but in the community as well.”
Diciocco guided Champlain Saint-Lambert to a 7-1-2 record and third-place finish in the always tough Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ).
The team faced many challenges this season that were dealt with head on by Diciocco. The Cavaliers rostered only five players who had every suited up in a college game prior to this season. He quickly built a sense of community with the team and created a team culture in an academic milieu.
His squad also led the RSEQ with the lowest number of cards and were awarded the Fairplay and Sportsmanship Award for the 2021-22 season.
Diciocco assists his players in improving and maturing as student-athletes, as well as citizens. He promotes and fosters a sense of togetherness within the team. Diciocco has created a safe environment at Champlain Saint-Lambert for student-athletes to be able to contribute within their abilities, while allowing them to continue to strive for excellence.
He also works with the team off the field in numerous ways to ensure the holistic development of the players.
“As an alumnus of Champlain Saint-Lambert and the Cavaliers’ Men’s Soccer program, Mauro not only understands the game, but what our goals are in regard to the student-athlete experience and student success,” said Vince Amato, Coordinator of Athletics at Champlain Saint-Lambert. “He’s able to connect with the students and get the most out of them, as can be seen with the team’s on-field success and their success in the classroom.”
Other nominees for the CCAA Men’s Soccer Coach of the Year award were Robby Toor of the Douglas Royals (Pacific Western Athletic Association), Connor Brady of the SAIT Trojans (Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference), Andrew Seuradge of the Sheridan Bruins (Ontario Colleges Athletic Association) and John-Ryan Morrison of the St. Thomas Tommies (Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association).
CCAA Coach of the Year winners receive a customized ring provided by Jostens Canada, the Official Ring Supplier of CCAA Championships.
Media Contact:
Rodney Wilson / rodney@ccaa.ca
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