CLINTON, N.Y. - Hamilton College Director of Athletics Jon Hind '80 has announced the retirement of long-time Head Men's Soccer Coach Perry Nizzi, effective on June 30, 2025.
 
Nizzi, who is also a physical education instructor at Hamilton, was hired in December 1997. The search for a new coach will begin immediately.
 
In 26 seasons with the Continentals Nizzi posted a record of 211-146-48, including a team-record 12 wins in 2001, and his teams reached double figures in wins eight times. He coached an all-American and 23 all-region team picks, and since 2011 had 16 all-New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) selections.
 
"Perry Nizzi has been an excellent ambassador for the men's soccer program, Hamilton College and the greater Mohawk Valley," Hind said. "He has done a remarkable job in directing our men's soccer program for more than two decades."
 
Nizzi has led Hamilton to plenty of team success with 17 trips to the postseason including five NCAA Division III championship appearances. The 2016 NESCAC Coach of the Year guided the Continentals to the conference championship final that same year. Nizzi led the team to Liberty League tournament titles in 2004 and 2007, and regular season crowns in 2000 and 2006. In 2000 Hamilton advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals and was ranked 16^th in the final Division III coaches poll.
 
Nizzi's last year with the Continentals was one of his best as the team received an at-large bid to the NCAA championship, defeated Calvin University 3-2 in the first round and tied Kenyon College 2-2 in the second round before Kenyon advanced on penalty kicks. Hamilton's final overall record was 8-6-4.
 
"Perry Nizzi will leave an indelible mark on Hamilton Athletics and the countless student-athletes he has mentored," Hamilton Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator, Deidre Pierson said. "He is known for his unique coaching style and his true legacy lies in the positive impact he has had on the lives of his players. Coach Nizzi fostered a team environment that was both intensely focused and remarkably jovial. He possessed a rare ability to instill discipline and a strong work ethic while maintaining a lighthearted atmosphere that players cherished. He created a culture where student-athletes could thrive as players, students and as individuals."
 
In 17 years as the head coach at Herkimer College from 1981 to 1997, Nizzi's teams won 291 matches, giving him a total of 502 victories in 43 seasons at the two schools. He is a member of five halls of fame including Rome Sports Hall of Fame, Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame, NJCAA Soccer Hall of Fame, Herkimer College Athletic Hall of Fame and SUNY Cortland's C-Club Hall of Fame.