Tom Rafferty Enters 2019 Season As Head Men's Soccer Coach

Lincroft, NJ - Brookdale Community College is happy to announce the hire of Tom Rafferty as the Head Men's Soccer Coach for the start of the 2019 season. Rafferty has served as the assistant coach for the past three seasons.

"I am honored to be selected as the head men's soccer coach. I look forward to continuing the culture that former head coach Brennen Fitzsimmons had developed over the past three seasons. My thanks and gratitude go to Director of Athletics, Katelyn Amundson for her belief in me and her tireless support of the program", said Tom.

For the past three years, Tom has helped the team to an overall 33-16-4 record, eight NJCAA top 10 rankings while mentoring 14 All-Region student-athletes, one NJCAA All-American and three NJCAA goalkeeper of the week honorees. During post season play, the Jersey Blues reached two Region XIX semi-finals, one Region XIX final and notched a GSAC title in 2018.

"I am excited to get back on the field August 5th with our strong core of returning student-athletes and look forward to meeting the incoming class", said Rafferty.

Prior to Brookdale, Rafferty served as the boys' varsity coach at St. Rose from 1993-1996. He mentored several All-County, All-Shore and All-State student-athletes. He then spent three seasons as the head coach of the men's soccer program at Bloomfield College from 1996-1999. The Deacons posted an overall record of 36-17-7, reaching two CACC finals. Under Rafferty's tutelage, three student-athletes garnered NSCAA Regional Academic All-American distinctions.

Rafferty has spent decades coaching at the local youth level including clubs at Middletown, Toms River and Brick-Twin County. He notched appearances at two NJYSA State Cup Finals, one US Club Soccer State Cup Finals in 2008 before clinching one NJYSA State Championship.

Tom holds a USSF National D License, United Soccer Coaches (NSCAA) Premier Diploma and National Goalkeeper Certificate.

As a student-athlete, Tom attended Loyola College where he was a four-year starter. He supported the team to an overall record of 48-21-7 and graduated with a total of 47 goals and 17 assists. Rafferty holds the number one spot for goals scored in the programs NJCAA DI history. In 1985, he played in the Adidas Senior Bowl All-Star game and is a hall of fame inductee.

Tom is married to his beautiful wife Lorraine and they have three children - Patrick, Mikayla and Kaitlyn.