Anthony Sherlock, who had a career as a player in Europe and has recently coached in the area, is the new head boys’ soccer coach at Mater Dei Prep.
Sherlock will be joined at the Middletown school by assistant coach Ralph Troisi.
Sherlock played semi-pro soccer in Europe, where he competed for Galway United in the League of Ireland. During his playing days, Sherlock reached the FAI Cup final, which is Ireland’s equivalent to the FA Cup in England.
Sherlock also competed as a semi-pro player in the North Eastern League with FC Goya and in the Long Island League with Hota Bavarian.
Once his playing career ended, Sherlock went on to run the Atlantic Highlands Recreation Department’s soccer program for five years and also served as a middle school head coach at the Ranney School in Tinton Falls.
Troisi is currently the club president and coach of the Hazlet United Soccer Association and played scholastically at Christian Brothers Academy.
“I am excited to coach varsity soccer at Mater Dei Prep. I look forward to meeting the players and getting practice started,” Sherlock said. ” I am grateful to [Mater Dei Athletic Director] Lance Bennett for the opportunity, and I am lucky to have Ralph Troisi as the assistant coach. I’m confident it’s going to be a great season.”
Bennett is confident in Mater Dei’s new additions.
“When a coach has coached on multiple levels and has played at a very high level, his experiences will help serve the program by continuing to progress higher-level athletes as well as develop inexperienced players,” Bennett said. “We feel that coach Sherlock, as well as his assistant, Ralph Troisi, will be a dynamic combination for the Mater Dei Prep soccer program.”
