Scott Palguta discovered his passion for the game of soccer when he was only five years old. He used to spend hours upon hours everyday on the blacktop outside his house kicking a soccer ball against the garage door with his bare feet. Palguta played basketball, baseball, track, and cross-country as well but soccer was always his first love.
Upon attending Cornell University, Palguta focused his passion completely on soccer, playing both for the school as well as on a lower division professional team. “I played in the USL for a really reputable club in Rochester, New York because it was the sensible thing to do at the time,” says Palguta.
Rather than not finishing his senior year, which is what happens to most college athletes when they get drafted professionally, Palguta received a degree from an Ivy League school and was also able to get his feet wet in a reputable professional organization.
Palguta then transitioned to the major league, playing as a defender on the Colorado Rapids. “The highlight of my professional career would have to be in 2010 when we won [the] MLS cup,” Palguta said.
After four years in the major leagues, the time came to think about moving on. “After coming down here and speaking to Horst, I had an immediate attraction to this place, and it didn’t take long to figure out that this is where I wanted to be,” says Palguta. “So I made the decision to hang ‘em up and retire and I haven’t looked back since; it’s been a great few years.”
But, being a good player doesn’t make a good coach, according to Palguta. “It lends a certain amount of credibility to the guys,” says Palguta, “but it’s no prerequisite to being a good coach by any means.”
However, having played at every single level, from high school to collegiate, professional clubs to the major league, Palguta has learned a good deal about coaching. “Each of those experiences were unique and I carry [what I learned from my coaches] with me everyday, and that helps me now in my coaching career.”
Palguta was mentored by now-retired coach Horst Richardson for two years before taking over as head coach this year. “I felt very well prepared when I was given the job that I could hit the ground running and that the transition from Horst to myself would be seamless,” said Palguta.
Senior Trevor Houghton confirms it has indeed been a seamless change. “ He’s done a tremendous job not only making this season a smooth transition, but elevating our work rate and performance,” Houghton said. “Because of his experience playing as a professional, he provides us with insight into the game that most other coaches aren’t able to provide.”
Houghton notes that Palguta conducts extremely beneficial film sessions, teaches them drills from the MLS, and reminds them to stay present and trust the process.
But beyond the drills, the games and the wins, Palguta’s favorite thing about coaching soccer is turning his players into men. “Some are more mature than others when they get here, but to be able to spend four years with them and have such a strong impact on their lives on and off the field for four years—that’s really rewarding,” says Palguta. “That’s the best part.”
Junior captain Christian Wulff believes in Palguta’s ability to influence all the guys on the team. “The lessons of the game can teach you about yourself, your peers, how to live, how to make decisions…the implications are infinite,” says Wulff. “We trust Scott to teach us those things off the field, while continuing to coach us on the field.”