Sheikh Named Head Men’s Soccer Coach

CHICOPEE, Mass. – Elms College Athletic Director Peter Krasny recently announced the hiring of Jared Sheikh as the new head men's soccer coach.

Coach Sheikh takes the reins of the men's soccer team which is fresh off its first-ever New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) Championship tournament title and the program's first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division III Championship.

Coach Sheikh brings a wealth of coaching experience to Elms and has spent the last 13 years in the high school ranks in Connecticut. He also brings club coaching experience including AC Caldo Soccer Premier in Southbury, Conn. from 2006-2011.

Prior to Elms, Coach Sheikh completed a four-year stint at Brookfield High School from 2007-2010 where he directed the team to an SWC Championship in 2009 and the Class L State Championship in 2007 and 2009. For his efforts, he was named the Danbury New Coach of the Year during both seasons.

Coach Sheikh began his coaching career at Nonnewaug High School in Woodbury, Conn. from 2000-06. He was named the Berkshire League Coach of the Year in 2002, 2003 and 2004 and guided his team to the 2002 Class M State Championship.

Since 2000, Coach Sheikh has compiled an impressive 139-27-10 overall high school coaching record and twice coached players in the Connecticut Senior Bowl in 2002 and 2003.

In the summers of 2006 and 2008, Coach Sheikh was a player/coach for the Woodbury United U-23 club which won the U-23 Men's Collegiate State championship in 2006.

Coach Sheikh has obtained several coaching certifications including his USSF B License, as well as the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) State and Regional Goalkeeping Diploma, the NSCAA National and Advanced National Diploma, and the NSCAA Premier Diploma.

Coach Sheikh earned his bachelor's degree in Biology from Trinity College in 2001 and his master's degree in teaching from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Ariz. in 2006.