By Riley Crowell
Asst. Sports Editor
Framingham State University’s Director of Athletics, Tom Kelley, announced Adam Gabbard as the new head men’s soccer coach Jan. 8.
Gabbard said, “I had about four or five people reach out to me saying, ‘Hey, I think this is something you should definitely put in for. I think it fits your personality. It fits your vision in terms of what the school is all about, and what they believe.’
“After meeting with the department, the athletic director, the deputy of athletics, and a couple coaches, it just felt right. I just felt welcomed,” he added.
Gabbard most recently served as head coach of Bristol Community College after spending several years as an assistant coach at Curry College and Dean College.
Kelley said, “Looking at his résumé, and where he’s been, he certainly has experience. He’s ready to take over a program.”
Gabbard, a former collegiate player at Curry College, noted his experience as a player has helped him in coaching. “I have four years of experience firsthand of what it was like, and what these guys go through on a daily basis.
“The experience of having lived it and knowing exactly what my guys either have gone through, or will go through, I think it’s so valuable,” Gabbard added.
Junior defender Lachlan Forgan said he has been encouraged by working with Gabbard. “The team is pretty fond of his tremendous focus on discipline and desire to build a successful group.
“So far, Coach Gabbard has been very proactive since being hired and has been doing things like getting the team involved in tours with new recruits and ensuring we were practicing as a team throughout the winter,” he added.
Junior goalkeeper Joseph Sturzo shares the same sentiment, stating, “The team is excited to get things underway with Coach Gabbard. The guys are showing a lot of determination to show our new coach what we are capable of.
“So far, we are playing hard and are being pushed by coach in order to ensure that we become the best that we can be,” Sturzo added.
Gabbard’s hiring follows a 2023 campaign for the Rams in which they finished with a record of 11-8-1, ending the season with a loss to Bridgewater State in the MASCAC Tournament Semifinal.
“Our 2023 season came up short of what we were capable of and it was very disappointing looking back on the experience,” Sturzo said.
Despite the disappointing end to the 2023 season, the overall outlook for the men’s soccer program is optimistic.
“I think we have all the pieces to contend for the conference title,” Gabbard said.
“Our coaching staff is pretty confident that we’re going to bring a good product and the guys will enjoy it,” he added.
“I think the team has the potential to win the conference in the fall,” Forgan said.
Sturzo said, “This season, we expect to be battling for a MASCAC championship.
“We’ve showcased our ability to play against teams of all skill levels and are going to ensure we battle for a MASCAC title this upcoming season, and for seasons to come in the future,” he added.
Kelley said, “We always hope you take it to a different level. For [Gabbard] to take it to a different level, that means he’s going to be winning conference championships and maybe a game or two in the NCAA tournament.”