St. John’s men’s soccer announces coaching staff updates

With the start of the 2021 season less than a month away, St. John’s men’s soccer head coach Dr. Dave Masur has announced the promotion of David Janezic to associate head coach and the addition of Ryan Arvin to the staff as an assistant coach.

Janezic, who begins his fifth year at St. John’s in 2021, has helped elevate the Red Storm program since arriving on campus in 2017.  With Janezic on staff, St. John’s has finished .500 or better in all but one season, highlighted by a 2019 campaign that saw the Red Storm reach the NCAA Tournament Round of 16.  That season, the Red Storm finished with a record of 14-5-1, rising to as high as no. 4 in the United Soccer Coaches poll and no. 1 in the RPI.  Additionally, all five of the Red Storm’s losses came to teams that reached at least the second round of the NCAA Tournament.  For their efforts, Masur and Janezic were rewarded with BIG EAST Coaching Staff of the Year honors.

“This is a very well deserved promotion for Dave,” said Masur.  “During his time with the program, he has not only made very noticeable strides in our recruiting efforts, but he has made key contributions to our training and game-planning efforts that have translated to on-field success.  I look forward to working alongside Dave as we continue to do great things on and off the field.”

Janezic’s impact on the Red Storm’s recruiting efforts has been undeniable.  Since his arrival in 2017, 12 Johnnies have been named to All-BIG EAST Teams with four student-athletes earning major end-of-season awards from the BIG EAST.  In 2017, David Enstrom and Harry Cooksley were named BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year and BIG EAST Midfielder of the Year, respectively.  Two years later, Jan Hoffelner earned BIG EAST Co-Goalkeeper of the Year honors while Tani Oluwaseyi became the first Johnnie since 1996 to be named BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year.

“I’m extremely thankful to Dr. Masur, Athletic Director Mike Cragg and the administration at St. John’s University for the opportunity to continue to help build the men’s soccer program,” said Janezic.  “I am humbled and honored to be recognized for my contributions to the program.  I can say with certainty that I have become a better coach and mentor because of Dr. Masur.  While I’m certainly proud of what we have accomplished over the last four years, our job is far from over as we look to build St. John’s into the best program that it can be.”

Arvin comes to Queens following six seasons on staff at St. Bonaventure, where he helped transform the Bonnies program from a conference cellar dweller into a perennial contender.  After inheriting a team that tallied one victory during the season before his arrival, Arvin helped turned the Bonnies into a postseason team by year three, as the squad went .500 in conference play and earned a berth in the Atlantic 10 Tournament for the first time in nearly a decade.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Ryan to the St. John’s family,” said Masur. “Ryan has made a name for himself in the coaching community as a tireless recruiter during his time at St. Bonaventure.  Additionally, we think that he will be able to help us in the defensive third of the field given his proven track record of developing goalkeepers.”

While in Olean, Arvin played a key role in nearly all aspects of the program, but placed a special emphasis on mentoring the team’s goalkeepers.  Luke Iacobellis, a four-year starter for the Bonnies, graduated with the third-best goals against average in program history and finished fourth on the all-time wins list in Olean. This past spring, St. Bonaventure goalkeeper Justyn Sandhu placed sixth nationally in saves per game (5.12).

“I first want to thank Coach Masur and the search committee for choosing me to be a part of such a prestigious university,” said Arvin.  “The soccer program at St. John’s is known worldwide for its rich history of success. It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to work with such a fantastic coaching staff and high level student-athletes. I also want to give a special thanks to Coach Kwame Oduro for his key role in my coaching development while at St. Bonaventure University. I appreciate his encouragement and guidance as I continue to further my career here at St John’s.  I can’t wait to get out on the pitch and get to work.”

Under Arvin’s guidance, St. Bonaventure student-athletes also excelled in the classroom, as the program registered a perfect APR score in five consecutive seasons.

Arvin played collegiately at both Canisius and Mercyhurst.  He left Canisius in possession of the school’s goals against average records for both a career (1.18) and single season (1.08).  In his one season with the Lakers in 2014, he compiled a 11-0-0 record with five shutouts and led the team to the NCAA Division II Tournament Round of 16.

The Red Storm will kick off its season on Aug. 26, when the Johnnies travel to South Carolina for a showdown with ACC powerhouse Clemson.  The Red Storm will open its home slate on Aug. 30 against UAlbany at Belson Stadium.