Coach Chris embarked on his playing career at the age of 5 with the Smithtown Kickers SC, which has since evolved into the Smithtown Slammers FC. He then went on to make a name for himself as a standout player for the Smithtown FC Thunder and Smithtown FC Arsenal, both of which claimed the coveted number 1 national ranking in the ‘97 and ‘98 age group for an impressive 11-year period from 2007 to 2018. Under the guidance of renowned coaches Robert Schretmayer and Thomas Lips, who remain influential figures in the soccer world, Chris and his teams secured numerous accolades, including 5 State Cups, 3 regional championships, and a National Championship with the Arsenal.

During his time with Smithtown, Chris had the honor of representing the ‘98 ODP Eastern New York State team for two years, making significant contributions as the starting Center forward and earning the title of top scorer in the Region 1 tournament with 4 goals and 2 assists. His exceptional talent led to an invitation to join the Region 1 Regional Team, a prestigious group comprising the top 18 players from Maine to Virginia, where he showcased his skills as both the starting Right Winger and Center forward for two consecutive years.

Chris’ journey also took him overseas to Torino, Italy, where he competed against renowned football academies like Roma, Juventus, and Ajax U18, further enhancing his international soccer experience.

Transitioning to the collegiate level, Chris played for Herkimer County Community College, the country’s top-ranked two-year school at the time. There, he excelled as a 2-time Scholar All-American and served as the team captain for two years, contributing with 16 goals and 10 assists. Following his successful stint at HCCC, Chris transferred to Long Island University, where he played Division 1 soccer and etched his name in history by scoring the first-ever goal for LIU in D1 competition, leading the team to a memorable 1-0 victory against VCU.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education and Health Sciences under his belt, Chris transitioned to coaching and has obtained his D and B coaching licenses. He continues to channel his passion for soccer into coaching, working with both boys and girls at Smithtown and Kings Park Slammers.

Chris’s journey in the world of soccer is far from over, as he prepares for upcoming professional trials in Portugal and Spain in January. His dedication and love for the beautiful game remain unwavering, and he looks forward to the next chapter in his soccer career.