Written by: Emily Sashko, class of 2022
The New England College Men’s Soccer team is getting a new set of brain power behind the coach’s title, and boy is he a force to reckoned with. Pat Laughlin, who has been the powerhouse behind Brown’s men’s soccer department, has decided he is ready to take on a new challenge. That challenge being the current NECC champions at New England College.
The New England College men’s soccer program this past season took the conference by a storm. Entering the playoffs, ranked second underneath Eastern Nazarene, the Pilgrims had nothing to lose, but everything to leave on the field. After facing some heart heavy losses earlier on in the season, those boys were set out for revenge, and you better believe they did just that. Taking down the number one seeded Eastern Nazarene during the championship game, 3-1, they continued to push through the barriers that were set for them. The Pilgrims entered their post-season of play though with a lot of uncertainty with the future of this championship winning team. With their third head coach in three years leaving, major key players transferring, and questionable upcoming conference season, the historic Pilgrims program of 2021 looks to revamp their upcoming season and push past the obstacles set in their way.
Captain Jake Natola comments on the transition of power and how he sees the men’s team adjusting to these obstacles they have faced this past season and spring. “We are excited to see where it goes. We want to defend our title, and we believe with this group of guys we can do just that. I personally think Coach (Pat) has a great knowledge of the game. He has an impressive background coming from such reputable programs, and it will be interesting to see where he takes the program after coming from division one.”
Pat Laughlin does have the experience to back up his knowledge though. He played D1 soccer at the University of Maine, was the head coach at Champlain College for four years, from there he went to Dean College where he was the Assistant Athletic Director and head men’s soccer coach for six years, then followed by his powerful reign over at Brown for over twelve seasons. Pat talks about those experiences he had to get where he is now. He stated, “Everyone has a history and a past where they are from, and my times at those places were amazing, but I am ready for a new challenge. Henniker and New England College felt like the right place and time, and I am thankful for Dave DeCew for all his help.”
NEC was the right place and time indeed. From spending most of his adult life in the New England era, Laughlin quickly fell in love with the Henniker area and the amenities it has to offer. He brought his family out to the school, and made sure they would be as committed to the area, town, and program, as much as he would. When discussing the change of the area and division after being at a D1 program for over twelve years though, Pat smiled. He is hoping to help bring the program to another level all together, and is well aware of the challenges that he may be facing while taking over the program. “The transition from division one to division three is of course going to have its own challenges in itself, but I am ready for it. This is a great group of boys, and they have a ton of heart. That is all I can ask for.”
Logan Cassin expresses his excitement about the upcoming season under a new era of coach. “He does not want to change the culture of the group we have, and that is important to us. I am excited to see him put his knowledge to use on the field, and see where he takes me as a soccer player for the next season.”
Soccer is not the only focus for the new coach though, he wants to make a community here for the program. “I want to recruit players who want to be here. Who wants to get a degree along with the joys of playing soccer while they are here. You have to work with the area around you and make it your own, and I plan on doing exactly that. No one wants someone who is only there for one thing, when they can have it all.”
Being able to build a community, based on the heart these boys already have for their program and school, should not be a hard task. They created an environment they continue to thrive off of, and having the plus of a coach who shares the same heart and love for not only their sport, but the community they created is going to be extremely important to their success in the upcoming season. The men’s soccer team takes the field again in August 2022, and they are ready to defend their title, which they worked so hard to earn.
“We are ready to reach a new atmosphere this season. Just you wait,” Cooper Ribaudo finishes off.
