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Ryan Dunnigan is ready to get going.
The 26-year-old was hired this week as Putnam Science Academy’s new boys’ prep soccer coach and he is looking to make connections right away.
“I’m ready to start reaching out to guys on the current roster and start getting to know them as best I can,” Dunnigan said. “You’d certainly like to do it in person, but the most important thing is making sure they can start feeling comfortable with me as a coach. There is always some uncertainty when there’s change, and I just want to make sure these kids know that I have their best interests in mind.”
Dunnigan comes to PSA from Post University in Waterbury, were he was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for a team that has won back-to-back conference championships and earned a spot in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Division II Tournament last season.
That recruiting piece will certainly come in handy as Dunnigan has built up a lot of contacts with different international agencies. PSA’s soccer team, like Post’s, has a distinctive international flavor. The Mustangs, who went 8-2 last year and finished No. 4 in the country, were comprised of top-level players from around the globe, most notably from Sprain, Brazil, Italy, and South Africa.
“Recruiting is one of those things I have always been passionate about,” said Dunnigan, who grew up a fan of Chelsea in the Premier League. “Coaching is great, obviously, but I really am passionate about recruiting. Watching film, watching them play in person, seeing what they have a taste for.
“I’ll be utilizing my contacts to continue to build a diverse program, but also to bring along some domestic kids as well and work to expand there.”
Having players from different parts of the world can pose problems in terms style and philosophy.
“It comes down to coaching style and really hammering that home every day,” Dunnigan said. “I like to play possession-based. Regardless of where the kids are coming from, you’re looking for guys who fit your system and style.
“I know there’s already a great foundation built here in just the three years the school has had a program. Talented players are coming here and I just want to continue to grow this thing and help these young men grow and develop on and off the field.”
PSA is offering partial scholarships of $29,100 to any senior soccer player— boy or girl — who is not yet signed to play in college, as the coronavirus pandemic has shut down the regular recruiting window this spring and into the summer, limiting options for many seniors. But a postgrad year at PSA is an option that Dunnigan will certainly emphasize.
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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