Goalkeeping specialist Sergio Rapuano joined the Longwood men's soccer coaching staff as a special assistant in May, 2015. Rapuano has nearly three decades of coaching experience at the youth and collegiate levels.
"I am delighted to introduce Sergio as our newest staff member and welcome him to the Longwood family," said Atkinson, now entering his 13th year at Longwood. "Sergio brings with him a wealth of experience and will be a fantastic addition to Longwood men's soccer both on and off the field."
A former professional goalkeeper in Europe and the United States, Rapuano possesses a lengthy coaching resume that most recently included a stint as youth club director at the Clearwater Soccer Club in Clearwater, Fla., beginning in 2007. At Clearwater, Rapuano coached various youth programs and managed the placement of over 1,000 players and 100 coaches into the club's numerous programs and teams. He was responsible for the mentorship of Clearwater's league directors and coaches while also cultivating the club's growth and fundraising efforts. From 2007 to 2011, Clearwater grew from 550 players to over 1,000 and met or exceeded yearly fundraising goals every year of Rapuano's tenure.
Rapuano's time at Clearwater coincided with several coaching positions, including the spring of 2012 when he was on staff as assistant coach of the Columbia University men's soccer program. At Columbia, Rapuano was exposed to the Division I collegiate coaching environment through player development, film review, the planning and oversight of team and individual practice sessions, monitoring players' academic progress, scouting, scheduling, recruiting and fundraising.
"I am deeply honored to be part of the Longwood University men's soccer program," said Rapuano. "When an opportunity presents itself from such a storied university like Longwood, you certainly want to take advantage of it. Longwood's rich history of academics and athletics, as well as having the opportunity to work alongside such a great coach in Jon Atkinson, made it an all-around easy decision for my family and me to be part of Longwood's community. I look forward to being part of the continued success of the men's soccer program."
Rapuano spent five years in the Division II ranks as well, working as a member of the Southern Connecticut State University athletics staff, during which the men's soccer program won three NCAA Division II National Championships.
Alongside his collegiate experience, Rapuano has been a coaching fixture at numerous youth and coaching camps over the past 20-plus years. He has worked on staff as a director or coach at the Tim Howard Goalkeeper Camp, Duke University soccer camps, South Florida goalkeeping and soccer camps, Coerver Coaching School and Victory Soccer School, among others. He also served as a site coordinator for the U.S. Soccer Developmental Academy.
Rapuano also recently ran CollegeSoccerPlacement.com as the organization's CEO, beginning that position in 2006. CollegeSoccerPlacement.com is a resource designed to assist college-bound soccer players in gaining exposure to collegiate coaches. The organization provided academic and athletic evaluations to student-athletes that were then used to craft the most effective recruiting plan for each participant. Rapuano also assisted parents and guardians in understanding and navigating the college athletics process. Beginning with his assumption as CEO in 2006, Rapuano helped place over 150 student-athletes into colleges or universities.
While at Southern Connecticut, Rapuano studied business management and marketing. He possesses his USSF National "C" License, a USSF National Goalkeeper License and an Italian Coaching Badge.
Rapuano began playing professional soccer at the age of 15 for Casertana FC in Italy. He returned to the United States and played professionally with various clubs, including a stint with Vasco Da Gama that resulted in a trip to the National Open Cup semifinals. He was a three-time Goalkeeper of the Year in the North East Premier League in 1991, 1992 and 1993 as well as the LASA Goalkeeper of the Year in 1995.
