FAIRFAX, Va. – George Mason University Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics
Marvin Lewis announced an agreement on a contract extension through the 2029 season with men's soccer head coach
Rich Costanzo.
After leading the Patriots to one of the most successful regular seasons in program history, Costanzo was the first coach to earn Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year honor. He is the fifth Patriots' coach across all sports named A-10 Coach of the Year since George Mason joined the conference in 2013.
"We are thrilled to continue having Rich at the helm of our men's soccer program," Lewis said. "He is a proven winner, building a championship-caliber program from the ground up in Fairfax.
"In just three seasons, Rich has transformed the George Mason men's soccer culture, elevated our on-field performance, and brought a renewed energy to our University. His leadership has resonated deeply within our Northern Virginia community, inspiring youth leagues, Mason students, and our campus with an exciting, innovative brand of soccer. We are fully committed to supporting Rich's championship vision as he leads our program into an even brighter future."
Costanzo, in his third year with George Mason, guided the club to the aforementioned Atlantic 10 regular season title for the first time in program history. The Patriots finished the season 13-4-1 overall, won seven of eight matches at home in the regular season, went 6-1-1 in conference play to post six wins in the A-10 regular season for the first time, and after earning the top-seed in the A-10 Championship, advanced to the semifinals of the conference tournament.
"I want to thank
Marvin Lewis and Deputy AD, Intercollegiate Sports, Todd Bramble for their support, belief and confidence in our coaching staff and program," said Costanzo. "Our athletics department leaders share in our vision in competing for championships and developing George Mason soccer into a national brand.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to continue leading our program and working with this talented and committed group of student-athletes and coaches. We have stayed focused on the process and have worked diligently to build a strong foundation and a culture focused on
kaizen. We are excited for the future at George Mason."
Costanzo was named the head coach in April 2022 and inherited a club that finished a combined 4-18-5 over the two previous seasons.
The Patriots climbed to 13th in the United Soccer Coaches Association poll this season, the first time in 10 years that George Mason has been in the national rankings. The Patriots finished the A-10 regular season third in goals (33), and goals per match (2.2) and tied for the third-fewest goals allowed (17).
Six Patriots earned Atlantic 10 post-season honors, including freshman midfielder
Martim Sereno, who was selected to the 12-member All-Rookie Team. He is the seventh Patriot to earn a spot on the A-10 All-Rookie Team.
Graduate student
Marek Gonda and sophomore
Quentin Clain were named All-Conference Second Team forward, sophomore
James Eliuda was tabbed All-Conference Second Team midfielder and graduate student
Luis Maestre and senior Javi Sanchez earned All-Conference Second Team defender honors.
The six players are the most Patriots selected to the A-10 All-Conference Team.
Beyond their success on the field, they also excelled in the classroom, earning an impressive 3.50 GPA during the fall semester.
Costanzo joined the Patriots after five seasons as an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh men's soccer program, where he helped guide the Panthers to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances (2019-2021) and an appearance in the College Cup.
Costanzo played at Penn State (2004-2005), where he was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2004 and was also selected Freshman All-America by Soccer America and TopDrawerSoccer. He transferred to the University of Maryland (2006-2008), and as a senior, he captained the 2008 squad to the NCAA Division I National Championship and ACC Championship.
Costanzo graduated from the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business in December 2008 with a Bachelor of Science degree in General Business.
After his collegiate career, Costanzo played in more than 100 games over five years professionally, with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (43 games), Rochester Rhinos (2010-11), and the Minnesota Thunder (20 games) of the United States Soccer League (USL).
