Michael Smolens has finished 20 seasons at the helm of the men’s soccer program at the United States Merchant Marine Academy with a record of 251-113-26. He has led the Mariners to 19 consecutive winning seasons – all with 10 wins or more – as well as eight conference championships and three bids to the NCAA Tournament.

In 2009, Smolens led his club to its third NCAA Tournament appearance during his tenure with a 15-4 overall record and a 6-1 mark in the Landmark Conference. Four Mariners were named to the All-Landmark teams, including two of his players who were tabbed as the Offensive Player of the Year and the Rookie of the Year. The Mariners had a number of big victories during the 2009 season including wins over NCAA Qualifiers, Plattsburg (2-1), St. Joseph's (4-0) and Catholic (1-0). Their 2-0 win over Coast Guard continued the Mariners' unbeaten streak in the Superintendents' Trophy, which dates back to 1999.

In 2007, Smolens guided the Mariners to the first Landmark Conference regular season title, finishing the season 11-6 (6-1). Smolens and his staff were named the Landmark Conference Coaching Staff of the Year in 2007. He has also been named the NSCAA Regional Coach of the Year in 2002 and 2004 and the Skyline Coach of the Year on nine occasions. The 2002 club was ranked as high as sixth nationally and the 2004 campaign finished the fall ranked No. 17 in the NSCAA National Poll.

In addition to his coaching duties, Smolens serves as the Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations and oversees compliance, scheduling and academic affairs. Coach Smolens has also worked with numerous soccer programs, including the New York State Olympic Development squads and Coaching License Clinics. He earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education at Springfield College in 1984 and was also a three-year starter for the Chiefs’ soccer team.

He earned a master’s degree in sports administration from Adelphi University in 1990. Furthermore, he holds a USSF “B” coaching license and an NSCAA advanced national coaching diploma. Smolens resides in Great Neck, N.Y. with his wife, Patti, and daughters, Kate and Diana.

John Fitzgerald, in his 13th year as the Associate Head Coach of the Mariners, brings a wealth of coaching and administrative experience to the Blue and Gray. Since his arrival, the Mariners have thrived as a regional power.

In 2004, he earned NSCAA/Adidas Northeast Regional Assistant Coach of the Year honors. As head coach of the Long Island Lady Rough Riders (`96-`98, 2006-Present), Fitzgerald led the team to the 1997 W-League National Championship title, posting a record of 33-9. Fitzgerald has also served as the Technical Director of the Long Island Junior Soccer League ODP. Additional experience includes being the NSCAA Regional Technical Director, the head coach of the 1998 USISL W-League Umbro All-Star Select Team, head coach of the LIJSL Coaching Academy between 1996-98, staff coach of the Eastern New York Olympic Development Program from 1986-97, assistant men’s coach at Farmingdale State between 1990-96, assistant coach of the Women’s U.S. Region I select team in 1986 and assistant coach of the three-time State Champion Hicksville Hawks between 1986-95. At Hicksville, he coached ten All-State selections, four All-Region selections, three national team players and three professional players.

“Coach Fitzgerald’s leadership and expertise continually contribute to the high success of our program,” stated Mike Smolens.

A 1985 graduate of SUNY Farmingdale, Fitzgerald is an NSCAA “Premiere Diploma” licensed coach and owns a USSF “A” coaching license. Fitzgerald resides in Smithtown, N. Y. with his wife, Elizabeth, and their children, Erin and Sean.