Interview with Alex Bianchi: https://youtu.be/pSvLvIgCwxs
OSHAWA, Ont. - Alex Bianchi has been named head coach of the Durham College women's soccer program.
Bianchi, who has spent the last three seasons with the men's soccer team as an assistant coach, is a familiar face on campus and is excited for the challenge of being a head coach at the collegiate level.
"I'm really excited for the opportunity to take over the program and right now we're starting to build towards getting it back towards where it was," he said. "That's the first thought between Karen and I and we're looking forward to that challenge."
For over 20 years he has been involved with soccer in the Town of Ajax, in team coaching, staff coaching and serving on the executive board for both the Village Soccer Club and Ajax Soccer Club - including being heavily involved in the merger of the two clubs, which eventually became Ajax FC.
"It's the next level up," he said. "My background has been in club soccer for the last 20-25 years and now to be at the collegiate level - for me it's exciting. I've sent a lot of kids down to various schools to the US and Canada on scholarships, so now to be on the side where you are almost receiving those - it's kinda something I have always wanted to do and I am glad I got that opportunity."
As part of Ajax FC, he continues to be one of the driving forces in the development in student-athletes for post-secondary education. Known for structure and tactics on the field and a high emphasis in excelling in the classroom, many players have flourished under his guidance.
"We believe that Alex will fit perfectly with the women's program here after seeing the success he has had with women's programs at the club level," said Durham College athletic director Ken Babcock. "Alex has been on campus for three years, which is extremely valuable because he knows what our goals and philosophies are as a department. We look forward to the season getting underway in September and what he will do to build our program."
Recruitment for the 2017 season has already begun for Bianchi, something he is excited for, although he said he is slightly behind where he wants to be given the new role.
"Well if I am honest with you we're are a little bit behind," he said. "If we're looking at the boys, we've already zeroed in on a bunch of guys that we are interested in so stepping in as late as we have for the girls we are a little bit behind. It will be better in year two but I think we will get enough in year one to make a difference."
The Lords finished the 2016 season with a 5-7-0 conference record, falling 2-0 to Humber in the OCAA championship qualifying game.
Source: Durham College