SAINT PAUL, Minn.—Hamline University has named John Pucci as its next head men's soccer coach. Pucci returns to Hamline after having been a student-athlete for the men's soccer program.
"We are thrilled to welcome John back to Hamline University as our head men's soccer coach," said Hamline University Assistant Vice President / Athletic Director Alex Focke. "Throughout the interview process, it was clear that John has a passion and love for Hamline University. I am excited to watch John lead our men's soccer program into a bright future."
Pucci comes to Hamline following two seasons as head men's soccer coach at Saint Mary's (Minn.). A myriad of benchmarks were achieved throughout Pucci's time with the Cardinals. The 2023 season ended with SMU's first .500 record in 20 years, which included a road victory over Gustavus Adolphus, the program's first triumph over a ranked program. Pucci and the Cardinals began the 2024 season 5-0, the best start to a season since 1981. The 2024 campaign ended with SMU's first ever United Soccer Coaches All-Region player.
Pucci jumped into the college ranks from St. Paul Humboldt High School. He led the squad to their first ever MSHSL State Championship appearance in 2021, when they finished as a runner-up. It was that season Humboldt faced Como Park at Allianz Field, which marked the first ever amateur event in that facility. Humboldt High School accumulated six MSHSL All-State awards throughout Pucci's time as head coach. In 2020, Pucci was voted St. Paul Coach of the Year.
Pucci returns to the Pipers after having previously worked with the program as an assistant coach in 2021. He also had assistant-coaching stops with the Macalester women's program, as well as Minneapolis City SC.
Pucci obtained his bachelor's degree from Hamline in 2015.
"I am incredibly humbled and honored to have the opportunity to be the next men's soccer coach at Hamline University," said Pucci. "There is a unique sense of pride and commitment that comes with coaching at your alma mater, and I am excited to build a culture of excellence on and off the field here at Hamline. I would like to thank Alex Focke and the entire search committee for their trust in me and I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to an institution that means so much to me. I am excited to get to work with the current players shortly, and look forward to making my fellow alumni proud. Go Pipers!"