Tommy Mattera joined the Columbia men's soccer staff as an assistant coach in August of 2019 after spending the past three years at the University of Bridgeport.
“I’m really excited to be adding another valuable person and coach to our staff,” head coach Kevin Anderson said. “Tommy’s collegiate background, both as a player and a coach, are very similar to that of myself. Having this common background has made Tommy’s transition as smooth as one could hope for. Our players and staff are already benefiting from his experience and I’m confident that the best is still yet to come.
“I want to thank Pete Doneit, the head coach at the University of Bridgeport, for allowing both Tommy and I the opportunity to meet and discuss what his future could look like with us at Columbia. Finally, a special thanks to all of our staff for all of their dedication during the first few weeks of preseason. We are starting to make a solid team with each member adding in their area of expertise at a level that has the potential to be one of the factors that make a difference in 2019.”
Mattera served as recruiting coordinator and ran day-to-day operations, opponent scouting and training sessions in his three years at Bridgeport. He also coached five All-ECC selections and assisted the program through a tremendous turnaround. After winning just three matches in Mattera’s first season, the Knights went 10-4-1 in 2018 and finished the campaign on a six-match unbeaten streak.
“I would like to thank Pete Doneit and Anthony Vitti for my time at Bridgeport,” said Mattera upon arriving at Columbia. “My three years there were wonderful and a time of my career that I will not soon forget. It was because of my time with the Purple Knights that I was prepared to move on and join the staff here at Columbia. I know the future is bright at Bridgeport.
“That being said, it is an honor and a very humbling opportunity to begin a new adventure here at Columbia University. I would like to thank Kevin Anderson and Peter Pilling for giving me an opportunity to further my career at a world class institution. I could not be more excited to represent the men’s soccer program and help it grow in any way I can. I will give all that I have to help our student-athletes grow as both players and young adults. Kevin’s knowledge and drive are no doubt a great resource and I look forward to learning from him as the journey takes course.”
Prior to his time at Bridgeport, Mattera spent four seasons at his alma mater, Southern Connecticut State University (2012-15), and three seasons at the University of New Haven (2010-12). In Mattera’s time at SCSU, the Owls advanced to the NCAA Regional semifinals and were ranked as high as No. 5 in the Div. II national polls. Mattera also coached two NSCAA All-Americans, seven NSCAA All-Region selections, 10 All-Northeast 10 selections, six rookie team members and two NE10 Rookies of the Year. He coached two more All-NE10 performers and two NE-10 Rookie Team honorees while at New Haven.
Mattera began his coaching career with CJSA ODP in 2007. His club coaching experience is expansive, including time with the Norwalk Junior Soccer Association, Shoreline FC, Beachside SC and New York Soccer Club Academy. The 2012 Connecticut Junior Soccer Association / Thomas E. Krusewski Young Coach of the Year still serves as the technical director of Norwalk Junior Soccer Association.
In his playing days at Southern Connecticut State, Mattera earned an NE10 Tournament Championship and an NCAA Regional Championship. In 2006, he also helped his team to an NCAA Elite 8 appearance.
Mattera is a Regional Youth National Team Scout for U.S. Soccer who holds a bachelor’s degree in general studies from the University of Connecticut. He has earned both the USSF National “B” License and the USSF National Youth License.
