FACT FILE

High School:
Clarence High School
(1990)

College:
Canisius College
(1990-92)

Fredonia State College
(1992-95)

Master's:
Buffalo State College
(1997)

PhD:
Penn State University
2008

PLAYING EXPERIENCE

Played two years at Division I Canisius College

Played 2 years at Fredonia State University; Captain Senior Year

Head Coach John Parente

jmp296@psu.edu

John Parente enters his ninth season as head coach of the men's soccer program at Penn State Altoona.  Parente has guided the program since its inception in 2001 and, through seven seasons, has accumulated a career record of 87-44-10.  The 2007 season saw the Lions set a new single-season wins total with 16 and graduate the most heralded student-athlete in Penn State Altoona history in Bryan Pierzga. Aside from 2001, the team has reached double digit victories every year and has been a fixture in the AMCC and ECAC (Eastern College Athletic Conference) playoffs.  Parente has coached an impressive 42 AMCC all-conference selections and seven NSCAA Regional All-Americans while himself winning conference Coach of the Year honors twice in 2001 and 2004.

Before undertaking coaching duties at Penn State Altoona, Parente served as the men's assistant head coach at State University of New York College at Fredonia from 1994-1997.  In three seasons at Fredonia, comprising a 48-13-1 record, John helped guide the Blue Devils to two SUNYAC titles, two NCAA Division III playoff appearances, and a ECAC post-season appearance.  During this time, the Blue Devils were ranked in the top 20 nationally, including a #1 ranking in 1996, and a #2 ranking in 1995.  Once arriving in Central Pennsylvania, Parente remained active in coaching soccer through the Centre Soccer Association, Keystone Soccer, and several local camps.  In addition, he served as a volunteer assistant for the State College High School boy's team for three seasons.

Parente, a Buffalo, New York native, played for Division I Canisius College for two seasons before transferring to SUNY Fredonia.  He finished his playing career at Fredonia, where in 1993 as captain, he led the team on a path towards their ongoing Division III success.  During his playing days in college, Parente also coached a youth select team from the Buffalo area, taking the team to two national tournaments.

Currently, Parente holds a doctorate in Higher Education from Penn State University and also serves as the Director of Recreation and Intramural Sports at Penn State Altoona. He and his wife, Amy, an Assistant Professor in Biochemistry, and their two sons (Sam and JT) reside in Altoona.

John is a member and received the Advanced National Diploma from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Contact Coach Parente
Phone: 814-949-5159

Assistant Coach Patrick "Mo" Taylor

Penn State Altoona is extremely fortunate to have Patrick (Maurice) Taylor as a member of the coaching staff. He brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to the program. Within central Pennsylvania, he has been extremely active in the youth soccer scene on and off the field. Originally from Jamaica, his playing career includes competitive play at various levels in both Jamaica and Bermuda. "Mo" holds a USSF "C" license with the United States Soccer Federation and has helped coach the Lions since 2002.