The Niagara College Department of Athletics and Recreation is pleased to announce the appointment of Rob Lalama as the Associate Head Coach of the Niagara College Men’s Soccer program.
The newly developed role is being implemented to work closely with current Head Coach Frank DeChellis. As Associate Head Coach Lalama will provide support in the overall development of the Knights soccer program. DeChellis will continue to oversee the overall operation of both the men’s and women’s soccer programs, while Lalama will focus his efforts solely upon the men’s program.
Being immersed in the Welland soccer community, Lalama has been a Knights’ spectator for a number of years. After watching the program’s growth over the past couple of seasons he jumped at the chance to join the coaching staff. “After sitting down with Frank and (assistant coach) Rino Berardi, I understand how important the student-athlete experience is and how much support the program has from the administration. That was the determining factor for me wanting to get involved,” Lalama said.
Lalama brings a wealth of coaching experience to the Knights sideline. He first began coaching soccer at the age of 16. It was then that Lalama found his passion for coaching, which he has now pursued for over 30 years ever since. In 2009 he was awarded the Gil Beaulieu Memorial Trophy, given to the Welland sports coach of the year by the Welland Sports Promotion Committee. Lalama has recently successfully completed his Pre-B Assessment with the Ontario Soccer Association. He is currently the Technical Director at the Welland Soccer Club, with his efforts focused primarily on grassroot development throughout the community.
Lalama and DeChellis have a working history with one another in the Welland soccer community. The pair, alongside current Knights’ goalkeeper coach Gerry D’Angelo, were all members of the technical staff at the Welland Soccer Club (WSC) from 2010-14. Lalama is currently the Technical Director at the WSC, assuming the role in 2014 when DeChellis’ commitments to Knights soccer increased.
Speaking about the appointment, DeChellis praised both the soccer knowledge and work ethic of Lalama. “Rob is very meticulous and he puts a lot of work into his preparation,” said DeChellis, “his professional approach merits wearing the Knights logo on his chest.”
Niagara College Director of Athletics and Recreation Matthew Davies was equally complementary of Lalama. “The Knights soccer program has been constantly improving for a number of years and it continues to move in the right direction. I believe Rob will contribute and strengthen that momentum and push the Knights towards further success,” Davies said of Lalama.
Lalama has already joined DeChellis at some of the program’s off-season training dates, and will continue to tirelessly work together over the upcoming months. The pair will look to improve upon momentum of a Knights program that reached the playoffs for the third consecutive year, and fourth time in program history, during the 2015-16 season.
