Jason Palkovic Appointed as Acting Head Women’s Soccer Coach

Herkimer College has appointed Jason Palkovic, Utica, NY, as acting head coach for the women’s soccer team for the fall 2016 season.

Palkovic has served as an assistant coach for the men’s soccer team, under head coach Pepe Aragon, since 2004. He has helped lead the Generals to five national championships (2005, 2008, 2011, 2012 and 2013). Palkovic has also served for the past two years as an assistant coach for the women’s soccer team.

Palkovic was a standout at Palmyra Area High School, near Hershey, PA, where he held the high school's record for total points in a season. During his time at Palmyra Area High School he received numerous accolades. He was named to the Patriot News Big 11, Lebanon Daily News 1st team, MVP, 1st team Mid-Penn All-Star, Central Penn All-Star and led his team in goals & assists his senior year.

He played soccer in the Greater Pittsburgh Outdoor Premier League, where he won the golden boot for top goal scorer, for two years before moving on to coach the Rome Free Academy varsity girls soccer team (1999 and 2000) and the Westmoreland-Oriskany boys varsity soccer team (2001). He also helped in the forming of the Rising Stars soccer club, where he was director of coach and player development. Palkovic holds a state goalkeeping & advanced regional diploma from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

Palkovic holds an A.A.S. degree from Herkimer College. In addition to his coaching duties, he is employed full-time as a technical assistant in the Athletic Department.

Palkovic will replace Ryan Brooks-Newton who has coached the women for two seasons. Brooks-Newton recently announced his resignation due to plans to relocate. Director of Athletics Donald Dutcher said, “We have been fortunate to have had Ryan as our women’s soccer coach. He gave us two tremendous years winning back-to-back regional championships, a first for our women’s soccer program. I am grateful to Ryan for his hard work and leadership, and for putting our women’s soccer program on the map.”

Athletic Director Donald Dutcher said, “Jason has an extensive resume as a player and a coach, and he truly understands the Herkimer Generals culture and commitment. His knowledge of the game of soccer and experience at Herkimer will provide a high level of consistency for the program and our student-athletes.”