There’s a lot for Robert Cavicchia to learn, and the new top dog in Medicine Hat’s soccer ranks can’t wait to get started.
The 34-year-old from Toronto was announced as both the new coach of men’s and women’s teams at the college as well as executive director for the city’s minor association Tuesday. He will visit the Gas City for the first time when he arrives Friday.
“It definitely will be a big change,” he said via cellphone Wednesday. “I’ve lived in different places, experienced smaller cities than Toronto and I know it’s going to take some adjusting. But I’m really looking forward to it, looking forward to the change and experiencing another beautiful city in Canada.”
There are a few things he’s got a leg up on. He’s worked in the real estate business for the last five years, so finding a place to live should be a straightforward task. He’s got plenty of experience with youth soccer clubs, most recently with the York Jets, and is coming off a season as assistant coach at NCAA Division 1 Niagara University. While at Niagara he worked on a master’s degree in sport management, so he’s certainly qualified for all the roles he’s being handed.
The synergy between those roles is what excited him about applying in the first place.
“I think it’s unique, the relationship between the two positions,” he said. “I found it appealing, having the combination of the two. It’s what I studied for, I enjoy working in both the youth associations and also the collegiate level coaching. I have that experience and I really enjoy both worlds.”
As for his goals, championships are the easy answer for the Rattlers teams but he knows it’s about far more than that.
“Of course you want to win championships at the collegiate level, but I think more importantly is that we’re going to continue to develop good people for the community, good citizens, as well as in the classroom.
“Long-term, it’ll be to keep growing soccer, keep people involved for life.”
He’s certainly proof of that. The all-time minutes leader from Syracuse University where he played goal from 2005-2008, Cavicchia’s involvement in the sport seems to only grow with time. He even did website design and social media for a National Premier Soccer League team the past two years.
Keeping him in the Gas City long-term may be the biggest challenge, though he’s already heard great things about raising a family here. He and his wife have one daughter with another child on the way.
“I like to lead by example, work hard and work beside the people I’m working with, get everybody involved,” he said. “I think that’s a good way to lead, to show people that I’m willing to do the work as well, to make sure we’re all working together for the same common goal.
“It’s a really important role for Medicine Hat soccer and I’m happy that I was the candidate that was selected.”
