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The UNB Saint John Seawolves are pleased to announce that alumnus PJ Ward (BBA’18) has been named co-coach of the Men’s Soccer team. Ward had an impactful and successful playing career for the Seawolves. He was a key team leader and was selected to ACAA All-Conference teams in 2015 and 2016. He was the Seawolves MVP and was the recipient of the SRC Athletics Recognition Award in 2016. 

Ward gained valuable experience as an assistant coach with the Seawolves since 2017 under Coach Dave Vicente’s tutelage. Coach Vicente believes the timing is right for a transition to expand Coach Ward’s role into co-coach for 2021.

 Coach Vicente commented that “PJ showed interest in coaching while he played at UNBSJ. Coaching at Fundy Soccer for four years and getting his B license showed that he was committed to develop as a coach. Coaching both the men’s and women’s I thought why not keep him involved with the soccer program in a coaching capacity. It has been one of the best decisions I have made for the UNBSJ soccer teams. PJ’s hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm is contagious which shows his true love of the game. After four years as an assistant coach for both the Men’s and Women’s teams I believe that PJ is ready to take on the added responsibility.” 

Ward is thankful for the mentoring of Coach Vicente. “Dave has help me understand what it takes and means to be a university coach. His team management abilities and how to get the many pieces of the team working together as one group has been what makes him so successful. I hope to not only continue what Dave has done with the program, but to add on those topics and aspects while implementing my own coaching style to continue making the program better every year while competing at the highest level this university can.”

Athletics Director David Munro recognized the same qualities. “It is always exciting when a Seawolves alumnus stays connected to the program through coaching. I saw great qualities in PJ early in his Seawolves playing career. It was easy to see he was going to be one of the key leaders on the team. He gave his best effort all the time and had a big influence on the other players. Every team needs that leader. He brings the same effort and leadership to coaching and I have no doubt he will be successful with the transition to co-coaching. He has a great mentor in Coach Vicente and can lean on him when needed but develop his own approach at the same time.”