Aug. 9, 2010

PHILADELPHIA - Pat Morris and Gianni Grimaldi have been named assistant coaches for men's soccer at Saint Joseph's University, it was announced by first-year head coach Don D'Ambra.

Morris, a defender with the Philadelphia KiXX of the Major Indoor Soccer League, rejoins former teammate and coach D'Ambra with the Hawks. Morris' professional career with the KiXX has spanned eight years and he is a seven-time All-League selection. The team's captain for the past eight years, he earned the MISL's Defender of the Year award twice and helped the KiXX to league titles in both 2001 and 2007. He has played in over 300 games and scored more than 150 goals in his career thus far.

A former standout at Philadelphia University, Morris was a four-time All-Soccer Seven selection and was the Soccer Seven MVP as a senior. A 1998 graduate with a degree in finance, he was inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.

Morris, a native of Philadelphia, owns more than 30 international caps as a member of the U.S. National Futsal Team, and has participated in the World Championships, the Pan-American Games and a CONCACAF qualifier.

"I am very excited that Pat Morris will be joining our staff. I have played with and coached Pat for many years at the professional level and I am certain he will enhance our program. Pat has an excellent eye for talent and will be an strong asset in the recruiting process," said D'Ambra.

Grimaldi brings more than 30 years of collegiate coaching and recruiting experience to the Hawk program. Most recently the head coach of the Burlington County (N.J.) College men's soccer team, Grimaldi has worked at every collegiate level, and at schools such as Princeton, Georgetown and Catholic University. He helped four teams reach the NCAA and NAIA Tournaments in his career.

He is the first North American to coach professionally in Italy, with the Perugia and Ponsacco clubs. Grimaldi possesses three "A" coaching licenses, from the United States, Italy and Europe.

"Gianni will be a great addition to our staff. He has a tremendous amount of coaching experience, has a very intelligent soccer mind and is an excellent recruiter," said D'Ambra.

D'Ambra was named Saint Joseph's head coach in April, replacing Tom Turner, who retired after 23 years. The Hawks open the 2010 season on September 3, hosting Penn at Finnesey Field.