WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary's University athletic director Brian Sisson announced Wednesday that John Pucci has been named the Cardinals' new head men's soccer coach.
 
Pucci comes to Saint Mary's after spending the past four seasons as the head boys' soccer coach at Humboldt High School in St. Paul, Minn.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome John to the Cardinal family and connect him with our student-athletes, staff and campus community," said Sisson. "His high energy, character, familiarity with the MIAC and Saint Mary's, and numerous connections and ties to the area will serve our program well.  
 
"John has a variety of coaching experience and is highly respected in numerous soccer circles for his player development. Combining all of this with his passion and vision will no doubt help move our program forward."
 
During his time at St. Paul Humboldt, Pucci led the team to the 2021 Minnesota High School League State Tournament, finishing runner-up. In 2020, Pucci was voted St. Paul Coach of the Year. 
 
"It is a great privilege and honor to be named the next men's soccer coach at Saint Mary's University," Pucci said. "I firmly believe that Saint Mary's is a sleeping giant in the MIAC, and I am excited to help lead the men's soccer program to new heights. 
 
"I would like to thank athletic director Sisson, as well as the search committee, for giving me this opportunity. Go Cardinals!"
 
While serving as the head boys' high school head coach, Pucci also worked as an assistant coach for Minneapolis City SC — a USL2 team based in Minneapolis, Minn. While with Minneapolis City SC, Pucci worked with collegiate athletes from a number of Division I, II, and Ill institutions, directly overseeing all goalkeepers in the program. Pucci also has been the head coach and director for the U23 Karen Men's National Team since 2019.
 
Pucci is no stranger to Saint Mary's and the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. He played collegiately at Hamline University and served as a volunteer coach for both Hamline's men's program and Macalester's women's program. Pucci also holds a USSF "C" license and is pursuing UEFA licensure through the Scottish FA.