WILKES-BARRE, PA (April 30, 2021) – ­King's College Associate Vice President and Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Cheryl Ish announced Friday afternoon the appointment of John Velasco as the new head men's soccer coach. Velasco will replace Mark Bassett, who departed King's after a 19-year tenure to take over the men's soccer program at Bloomsburg University.

"We are excited to welcome John Velasco to King's College to become our next men's soccer head coach," said Ish. "Coach Velasco's commitment to building strong relationships with the student-athletes on and off the field was evident to the search committee."

"It's an honor to be given the opportunity to represent King's College and the men's soccer program," said Velasco. "I would like to thank Cheryl Ish, the search committee, and everyone involved throughout this process."

Velasco comes to King's after serving as the head men's soccer coach at nearby Marywood University since 2018. After winning one game in his first year at Marywood, Velasco helped up the win total to six victories in 2019. His teams also earned United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award in 2018 and 2019. Velasco was responsible for budgeting, recruiting, alumni outreach, fundraising and community service involvement as well, and served as the Department Chair for the Marywood Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council.

Prior to Marywood, Velasco was an assistant coach at Division II Bloomfield College in Bloomfield, N.J., where he helped the Bears to a 12-4-2 record. Velasco oversaw academic development, recruiting and interpersonal development at BC.

His collegiate experience also includes a stop at Kean University from 2012-2017, where he was an assistant coach and interim head coach. An assistant from 2012-2014, he was charged to lead the team on an interim basis in 2016. In that year in charge, Velasco helped the Cougars to a 14-6-1 record and an NCAA Tournament berth.

Velasco has also worked as an Academy Staff Trainer and First Team Support Staff member for Columbus Crew SC of Major League Soccer. Velasco was in charge of overseeing and assisting tactical and technical development of academy players, while working with the first-team coaching staff from 2014-2016, helping the Crew to a 2015 MLS Eastern Conference title. Other experiences for Velasco include serving as the Regional Scouting Manager for Nike Academy The Chance from 2012 through 2014.

A 2012 graduate of Montclair State University with a B.S. in physical education and adult fitness, Velasco played two seasons for the Red Hawks. He is in the process of obtaining his Masters in Higher Education Administration from Marywood, with graduation expected in 2022.

Velasco has completed multiple certificates and diplomas for coaching from United Soccer Coaches, while holding F and E US Soccer Federation coaching licenses. He also earned the Athletico De Madrid Level III coaching methodology diploma, is an International Society of Performance Analysis of Sport analyst and is CPR certified.

"John's passion for soccer and his commitment to providing a positive, competitive experience showed us he was a great fit for King's," said Ish. "I'm confident that John will build on the success of this program and continue to compete at a high level, while never losing site of the Division III Philosophy."

When asked about the draw to King's, Velasco was quick to mention the standard of the program and department. "I was immediately impressed with the culture, environment, and passion that each member of the Athletics department shared throughout this process," said Velasco. "As for the program, Coach Bassett has done a phenomenal job in creating a culture of excellence both on and off the field which I will look to continue and build upon."


What They're Saying About Velasco
"After working with John for over three years I think his greatest qualities are his work ethic and his trustworthiness. John works tirelessly with passion and his relatable qualities allow individuals to be their authentic selves around him. I believe that John values the importance of preparation and understands the link between training and the way he wants his team to play." – Gregg Berhalter, US Men's National Head Coach

"John is an outstanding hire!  He is a great person to build on the success that Coach Bassett has established at the institution.  John is a great leader.  He does a great job of developing young men both on and off of the field.  I can't speak highly enough for the coach that he is, and I wish him the best of luck with his new program." - Rob Dallas, Head Coach, Cabrini University

"I think John is an excellent coach. He is a true professional.  He always brought great ideas and enthusiasm to all aspects of our program.  I am very happy to see that he has been chosen to lead the Kings College program." – Didier Orellana, Head Coach, Bloomfield College