Coaches

Damien Marchione - Head Varsity Coach

Damien is an alumnus of St. Thomas Aquinas High School. As a player he enjoyed plenty of success at Aquinas helping lead the Knights to their first ever state ranking, a final record of 16-1-3, a Tri-County League Championship, multiple District Final appearances, and tallied more than 100 career points. He also played in the Olympic Development Program, was an All Conference college player, and went on to play in the PDL/USL before turning to coaching.

As JV coach in 2005 he led the boys to an 11-1-3 record and after taking the head coaching spot in 2006, guided the Knights to three consecutive District Championships tying a Stark County record. He also helped the Knights achieve their highest ever state ranking of 2nd in 2007 paired with Regional Finals appearances in 2008 and 2009. Marchione was awarded Tri-County League Coach of the Year in 2006 and Stark County Coach of the year in 2007.

Imploring international training and tactical methods he has developed a system of play the Knights take pride in. Marchione is also a coach for Cleveland United, Ohio-North Olympic Development Program, Canton United, and holds a United States Soccer Federation National ‘B’ License as well as his NSCAA National Diploma which he passed with distinction. He is also the General Manager of the Canton United Soccer Club. He cites his father Damien Marchione Sr. as is biggest soccer influence.

Nick Fernandez – Assistant Varsity Coach - Junior Varsity Coach

A 2008 graduate, Nick was a starter in the 2007 squad that was ranked 2nd in the state and was a Regional Finalist. Nick went on to play soccer at Malone College before becoming an assistant at St. Thomas for the past two seasons. During the summer Nick also worked soccer camps at Bethany College and will be getting involved with the Canton United Soccer Club in the fall. He will also be taking the USSF ‘D’ license course this coming winter. In the 2010 season he will have the additional responsibility of coaching the Junior Varsity team.


Mike Fetters – Assistant Varsity Coach

Another 2008 graduate, Mike is entering his first year as an assistant coach at Aquinas. As a three year member of the program, he is prepared with the knowledge and expectations of the system at St. Thomas. After playing on two District Championship teams Mike went on to play collegiate soccer at Mount Union College in Alliance.