Drexel University Athletics
Drexel Names David Castellanos Head Men's Soccer Coach
1/11/2024 11:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer, Drexel Athletics
PHILADELPHIA – Drexel University Director of Athletics Maisha Kelly has announced the hiring of David Castellanos as the head men's soccer coach. Castellanos is the eighth head coach to join the program, which spans over 75 years.
"We are excited to welcome David back to West Philly," Kelly said. "David has had a successful track record as a student athlete, professional soccer player and coach, inclusive of his time at Drexel when we experienced a rebuild that yielded the successful program that presents today. We were fortunate to have a competitive pool of candidates where Dave's passion and commitment to Drexel men's soccer was evident and palpable. I look forward to the next chapter and continued success of our men's soccer program under Dave's leadership."
Castellanos returns to the Dragons after a year of leading the Chestnut Hill men's soccer team. He produced two Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference all-conference selections during his time with the Griffins.
"I am honored and humbled to accept the position as the next Head Men's Soccer Coach at Drexel University," Castellanos said. "I would like to thank Maisha Kelly, Nick Gannon, and the entire search committee for entrusting me with this program. As a Philadelphia native, it is a great privilege to lead this team and continue upholding the standard of excellence that Drexel has deeply established over the many years. The significance of this opportunity is not lost on me. My staff and I will work tirelessly to foster a championship culture by nurturing the collective and continuing to create successful and versatile student athletes, on and off the field. Drexel Men's Soccer has a rich history of success, and we will rely on the investment and foundation our alumni have created to guide us to victory. I am eager to get started working with the staff and team to continue building a successful program and making our Drexel community proud."
Before joining the Chestnut Hill program, Dave was an essential piece to the Drexel men's soccer team. Under the leadership of Michael Marchiano, Castellanos assisted in the team's day-to-day operations and helped lead the program to three straight trips to the CAA Semifinals, which was a first in program history. During Castellanos' time with the Dragons, he helped produce two CAA Players of the Year, seven All-Conference selections and a CSC Academic All-American. Castellanos also helped produce the program's second Major League Soccer SuperDraft pick in program history.
Castellanos served as the head coach of the Penn State Abington men's soccer program from August 2005 to February 2019. Castellanos guided the Nittany Lions to back-to-back NCAA Division III Tournament berths in 2017 and 2018. In addition, the Nittany Lions captured three North Eastern Athletic Conference Championships and three regular season titles. The team posted a 142-98-21 record across the span of 15 seasons under the leadership of Castellanos. He was also named the NECAC's Coach of the Year in 2012, 2016 and 2017.
A graduate of the University of Connecticut, Castellanos helped the Huskies capture the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer College Cup in 2000. After graduating from Connecticut in 2003 with a bachelor's degree in sociology, Castellanos played for teams such as the Minnesota Thunder and the Virginia Beach Mariners, both in the United Soccer League. He was also a part of the Colorado Rapids, an MLS team, before finishing his playing career with the Philadelphia KIXX from 2005 until the team's last season in 2010.
Castellanos has earned the NSCAA Advanced National License and two licenses from the United States Soccer Federation, the Senior A License and the B License.
"We are excited to welcome David back to West Philly," Kelly said. "David has had a successful track record as a student athlete, professional soccer player and coach, inclusive of his time at Drexel when we experienced a rebuild that yielded the successful program that presents today. We were fortunate to have a competitive pool of candidates where Dave's passion and commitment to Drexel men's soccer was evident and palpable. I look forward to the next chapter and continued success of our men's soccer program under Dave's leadership."
Castellanos returns to the Dragons after a year of leading the Chestnut Hill men's soccer team. He produced two Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference all-conference selections during his time with the Griffins.
"I am honored and humbled to accept the position as the next Head Men's Soccer Coach at Drexel University," Castellanos said. "I would like to thank Maisha Kelly, Nick Gannon, and the entire search committee for entrusting me with this program. As a Philadelphia native, it is a great privilege to lead this team and continue upholding the standard of excellence that Drexel has deeply established over the many years. The significance of this opportunity is not lost on me. My staff and I will work tirelessly to foster a championship culture by nurturing the collective and continuing to create successful and versatile student athletes, on and off the field. Drexel Men's Soccer has a rich history of success, and we will rely on the investment and foundation our alumni have created to guide us to victory. I am eager to get started working with the staff and team to continue building a successful program and making our Drexel community proud."
Before joining the Chestnut Hill program, Dave was an essential piece to the Drexel men's soccer team. Under the leadership of Michael Marchiano, Castellanos assisted in the team's day-to-day operations and helped lead the program to three straight trips to the CAA Semifinals, which was a first in program history. During Castellanos' time with the Dragons, he helped produce two CAA Players of the Year, seven All-Conference selections and a CSC Academic All-American. Castellanos also helped produce the program's second Major League Soccer SuperDraft pick in program history.
Castellanos served as the head coach of the Penn State Abington men's soccer program from August 2005 to February 2019. Castellanos guided the Nittany Lions to back-to-back NCAA Division III Tournament berths in 2017 and 2018. In addition, the Nittany Lions captured three North Eastern Athletic Conference Championships and three regular season titles. The team posted a 142-98-21 record across the span of 15 seasons under the leadership of Castellanos. He was also named the NECAC's Coach of the Year in 2012, 2016 and 2017.
A graduate of the University of Connecticut, Castellanos helped the Huskies capture the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer College Cup in 2000. After graduating from Connecticut in 2003 with a bachelor's degree in sociology, Castellanos played for teams such as the Minnesota Thunder and the Virginia Beach Mariners, both in the United Soccer League. He was also a part of the Colorado Rapids, an MLS team, before finishing his playing career with the Philadelphia KIXX from 2005 until the team's last season in 2010.
Castellanos has earned the NSCAA Advanced National License and two licenses from the United States Soccer Federation, the Senior A License and the B License.
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