Former Iona College men’s soccer player Humbert Ferrer made the transition from being on the field last year to being the director of operations for the team.

Ferrer explained how he got the job and what it really means to him to be in this position for the season.

“Before my senior season came to an end, I already knew I wanted to become part of the program’s coaching staff,” Ferrer said. “With coach Hamilton and coach Lonchuk’s trust and support, I transitioned into this new role ahead of the season. Although I must admit it is a bittersweet feeling to watch the games from the sideline, I am very happy to continue to build upon this team’s success and support them with my personal experience.”

When players stop playing in their sport, it does not necessarily mean they are done with it in its entirety. Ferrer talked about how he has turned a potential negative into a positive.

“This is a natural progression of my soccer career,” Ferrer said. “After my career as a player, I am now slowly shifting towards a career in coaching sports management. Studying and understanding the game is something I have always been keen on while playing, and now have the opportunity to explore.”

Ferrer played on the team from 2015 to 2018 and recorded five goals. During his tenure with the Gaels, he was a part of two seasons with 10 wins. He knows what it takes to win and he spoke about what advice he can pass down to the current team.

“I have had the privilege of playing at Iona during my whole collegiate career, sharing the field with great players and even better people,” Ferrer said. “The players know I am here to support them, to provide experience and to help them develop as professionals and individuals. My advice to them is simple: to take advantage of the great opportunity they now have in their hands, and work tirelessly to achieve their goals while enjoying every moment of it.”

Sometimes when people switch positions, they create goals early on that they want to accomplish in order to progress in the best way possible. As director of operations, Ferrer touched on some of his own goals and what he wants to achieve in this new role.

“As director of operations I now have the opportunity to be part of an incredibly talented and dedicated coaching staff,” Ferrer said. “My goal as DO is to ensure everything runs smoothly both on and off the field and to assist the coaching staff in every way I can with my sports management and soccer experience.”

Ferrer and the coaching staff have propelled the Gaels to a red hot start to the season so far with seven wins under their belt.