Manhattan University announces hiring of Tom Giovatto as men’s soccer head coach

RIVERDALE, NY – With the start of the 2025 campaign just a few weeks away, Manhattan Jaspers’ Director of Athletics Irma Garcia has announced Tom Giovatto as the sixth Men’s Soccer Head Coach in program history.

Giovatto is set to succeed Jorden Scott, who was recently promoted to Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs and Program Development on June 19.

“I am thrilled to officially welcome Coach Tom (Giovatto) to our Jasper family!” Exclaimed Garcia.

“His track record of success both on the field and in the development of student-athletes is truly outstanding. Tom brings a coaching philosophy that aligns perfectly with our vision of holistic success, encompassing excellence in the classroom, service in the community, and competition at the highest level on the soccer field. I’m confident he will build on the strong foundation laid by Coach Jorden (Scott) and take our Jasper soccer program to new heights.”

While serving as the head coach of the Long Island University Women’s Soccer program in 2024, he oversaw three players being named as Northeast Conference (NEC) All-Conference honorees. The year prior, Giovatto served as the Assistant Coach for Fordham University’s Men’s Soccer program.

“Tommy is an accomplished, successful, and championship coach, and I could not be handing the program off to a better man,” described Jorden Scott.

“After 15 years of building the program from the ground up, it was critical that we found someone who understands what it takes at the mid-major level to push beyond expectations, is willing to absorb themselves in our Jaspers Soccer community, and we are fortunate to have found that coach.  I look forward to supporting Tommy in his transition, and I am excited for the student-athletes to gain from his experience and knowledge.”

The four-time NEC Coach of the Year was instrumental in leading the St. Francis Brooklyn Terriers Men’s Soccer program for 16 seasons. While at the helm, Giovatto led his teams to capture five NEC Tournament titles and make as many NCAA Tournament appearances in eight years (2013-2021). His teams also won four conference regular-season titles, highlighted by back-to-back undefeated NEC seasons (2016 and 2017). In the Spring of 2021, St. Francis Brooklyn claimed its first NCAA tournament victory in program history against Milwaukee in double overtime before falling to eventual national runner-up Indiana.

“I’d like to take a moment to thank Director of Athletics Irma Garcia and Deputy Director of Athletic Anthony Kurtin for the opportunity to lead Manhattan University’s Men’s Soccer program.” Said Giovatto. “Additionally, I want to thank Jorden Scott for his support and belief in me to take the program forward as he moves to administration.”

“From my years competing in New York City, I know the potential of Manhattan Men’s Soccer. This a program with a history talented players, an incredibly supportive alumni group, and a high competitive ceiling. Our location in the best city in the world, plus exciting investments in facilities and new partnerships with Capelli, gives us a chance to bring championships here through hard work and identifying the right talent to win in the MAAC, our region, and beyond over the coming years.”

Additionally, Giovatto is a three-time United Soccer Coaches’ Northeast Region Coach of the Year, a two-time Big Apple Soccer Coach of the Year, and ECAC Coach of the Year.

While in Brooklyn Heights, Giovatto accumulated a 144-96-44 win, loss, and draw record, finishing second on the Terriers’ Men’s Soccer all-time wins list.

Over his nearly two decades in the NEC between St. Francis Brooklyn and LIU, Giovatto mentored two NEC Players of the Year, four NEC Defensive Players of the Year, three NEC Rookies of the Year, an NEC Goalkeeper of the Year, and 36 First Team All-NEC selections.

Giovatto began his collegiate career as an assistant coach at fellow MAAC institution Saint Peter’s University in 2001. Two seasons later, he helped the Peacocks win nearly 20 matches and advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament before moving to Long Island and Stony Brook University. He then began his time in Brooklyn Heights as an assistant coach, taking the reins before the 2007 campaign.

He played his collegiate soccer at nearby Iona University for three seasons. After graduating in 1997 with a degree in mass communications, Giovatto played for Major League Soccer side New York/New Jersey MetroStars during the preseason. He also played for the Brooklyn Knights of the USL PDL and the Baltimore Blast of the NPSL.

Additionally, Giovatto coaches for MLS Next side Downtown United Soccer Club Girls Academy 2007.

“I am excited to start with the team in August and help all of our student-athletes have a meaningful experience while developing as young men.”