Rob Czlonka, enters his first season as the Head Men's Soccer Coach at Northeastern State University.  

Previously, Czlonka was an assistant at the University of Rhode Island for three seasons prior to joining the RiverHawks.

"Rob has all the tools necessary to transform our men's soccer program into a regional and national power," said Konya. "His knowledge of the game, along with his extensive experience in NCAA programs, premier clubs and ODP teams, provides Northeastern State with a qualified coach who can lead this program to the high expectations we have for the RiverHawks.

"We are extremely excited to have Rob join our staff."

Prior to his stint with the Rams, Czlonka was an assistant for two seasons at Carnegie Mellon where he helped the Tartans to a pair of ECAC tournament appearances and an ECAC Division II South title. He also served as an assistant at Oberlin (OH) College.

Czlonka was co-captain of the soccer squad at Chowan (NC) University where he earned his bachelor's degree. He received his master's from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, earlier this year.
 
"After meeting with the Northeastern State administration and the soccer team, I am very excited," said Czlonka, a native of Newport News, Va. "There's a ton of potential and lot of skill returning for the 2011 season.  Add that to the talent within our incoming class, the fantastic support from our Athletic Administration and loyalty of our men's soccer Alumni, it is easy to see why the future is bright for this program.

"The main thing I hope to bring to the NSU men's soccer team is a model for our student-athletes to follow that will focus on academic success and teamwork.  We will focus on having a strong work ethic on and off the field, which I believe will translate into success both now in the classroom and on the field but also in life."

With ties to a wealth of soccer contacts across the country, Czlonka believes his recruiting background will pay dividends.

"There's a lot of great soccer being played in Oklahoma, Texas and much of the Midwest," he said, "but there is a lot of talent leaving these areas. It is important we don't let that happen. I will work hard to bring local talent to Northeastern State. Then, we can bring in student-athletes from across the country and a few international players."

Czlonka, who holds a "B" license from the United States Soccer Federation and an Advanced National Diploma from the NSCAA, is married. He and his wife, Lisa, have a son, Gabriel (2yrs) and a daughter Ke'alohilani (6mos).

ROB CZLONKA FILE

• Assistant Coach University of Rhode Island (2008-2010)
• Assistant Coach Carnegie Mellon University (2006-2008)
• Assistant Coach Oberlin College (2005-2006)
• Rams FC Director of Coaching/Head Coach U13 and 16 Boys (2008-2010)
• Honolulu Bulls Soccer Club Staff Coach (2004-2005)
• Summer Camp Staff Coach
  • Notre Dame (2005-2010)
  • Georgetown (2006-2010)
  • Dartmouth (2010)
  • Penn State (2005-2007)
  • Rhode Island (2008-2010)
• Olympic Development Program - ODP - Rhode Island (2009) & Hawaii (2004-2005)
• Hawaii Baptist Academy Head Coach Varsity Boys Soccer (2002-2005)
• Bachelor of Science Degree from Chowan University (May 1997)
• Master of Science Degree from Duquesne University (August 2010)