Michael Catanzarite's coaching journey has taken him from New York to Virginia, Ohio, Australia, and now northwest Iowa. Along the way, he has developed a simple philosophy: relationships come first, and soccer provides the opportunity to make a lasting impact.
Full Interview
Catanzarite joins Dordt University as an assistant men's soccer coach after playing collegiately at Liberty University and Cedarville University, experiences that shaped both his faith and his approach to coaching.
"Both were Christian universities, so I got to be around other guys who loved Christ," Catanzarite said. "It was a really good experience to be around like-minded people who were seeking the same things. I also got to play for multiple different coaches with different strengths, and those are things I'm looking to take with me into this next chapter."
While a love for soccer drew him toward coaching, it wasn't the game itself that ultimately convinced him.
"The easy answer is that I love soccer and wanted to stay involved in it," Catanzarite said. "But beyond that, I've seen the impact a coach can have on someone—for better or worse. I think it's a big responsibility. I want to encourage players in their strengths, get the best out of them, and make sure they know I care about them as players and as people."
That perspective resonated with interim head coach Tim Lee, who quickly reached out when assembling his coaching staff.
"Tim told me about Dordt's mission, the facilities, the staff, and the community," Catanzarite said. "After talking with my family, my references, Coach Lee, Dr. Kaiser and President Hoekstra, it became a pretty easy decision. Like Liberty and Cedarville, Dordt was another place where the mission really stood out."
One of Catanzarite's primary responsibilities will be recruiting, an area where he brings valuable experience.
He has coached at the youth and academy levels, spent five months playing professionally in Australia while coaching youth players ages 12-17, and most recently worked as a scout for Detroit City FC, evaluating players from around the world.
"I've watched players from Montenegro, Finland and many other countries," he said. "That experience helps you identify talent, but it also helps you understand what kind of people fit a program."
As recruiting continues to evolve through transfer portals and international recruiting, Catanzarite believes Dordt offers a compelling opportunity.
"We want strong domestic players, international players and transfers who want to be part of the Dordt community," he said. "We're looking for players who fit what we're building."
His coaching style centers on communication, honesty and encouragement.
"I'd say I'm very vocal," Catanzarite said. "When a player does something well, I'm going to tell them. I also want to be honest with my players so they know exactly what I expect, where they fit in the program and how they can improve. I want to maintain that integrity with them."
He also hopes to provide another layer of support within the coaching staff.
"I want players to feel like they can come to me and communicate openly. I want to build genuine relationships with them."
If given only a few moments to describe Dordt Men's Soccer to a prospective student-athlete, Catanzarite begins with a question instead of a sales pitch.
"I'd first want to know what's important to that player," he said. "But what Dordt offers is a faith-based institution that seeks to do everything with integrity, love, humility and joy. Coach Lee and I are going to care for you as a player and as a person."
He also points to Dordt's investment in athletics.
"We have Division I-level facilities with grass fields, indoor and outdoor turf, outstanding training and recovery spaces. We're creating a professional environment where players can develop, while everything we do is for the glory of God."
Now, with preseason quickly approaching, Catanzarite is eager to finally work with the team he has spent weeks getting to know over the phone.
"Our first practice is August 5," he said. "Coach Lee, our graduate assistant Stevie and I will be picking players up the day before. I'm excited to finally meet the guys in person. We think this can be a really special season."
