Mark Plotkin has helped guide the Raiders to both regular-season and Patriot League Tournament championships during his first three years on the Colgate coaching staff. He was promoted to Associate Head Coach of the Raiders entering the 2017 season.
After finishing the 2014 season 6-10-2, Plotkin helped guide the resurgence of the Colgate men’s soccer program as the Raiders recorded back-to-back 10-plus win seasons in 2015 and 2016 for the first time since 1991-92.
The Raiders were crowned the 2016 Patriot League Champions, earning the program’s sixth-ever league title and NCAA Tournament appearance. Colgate finished 13-7-2 during the 2016 campaign, tying the program record for wins in a single season. The historic 2016 season followed an impressive 2015 campaign that saw the Raiders claim the Patriot League Regular-Season Title.
During his time as a Raider, Plotkin has coached one MLS SuperDraft pick (Ethan Kutler ’17, 39th overall pick), four NSCAA All-Region selections, the 2015 Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year (Ethan Kutler ’17), the 2016 Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year (Zach Tamen ’17), 12 All-Patriot League picks and three Academic All-League members.
Plotkin joined the Colgate staff after spending two seasons as assistant coach at his alma mater, DePaul University. There, he oversaw all aspects of recruiting, scouting and campus relations. Plotkin directed the Blue Demons summer camps, while also creating two new community service programs in which student-athletes led free soccer clinics for local schools and the American Youth Soccer Organization.
“I am thrilled Mark has joined me here at Colgate as my top assistant coach,” Ronning said. “He really understands what it takes to succeed at the highest level of college soccer, and more importantly, knows what attributes are demanded to be successful here at Colgate on the field, in the classroom, and in this community. Mark is a talented young coach who will add a tremendous amount to the Colgate soccer program in many ways, and I could not be more excited to have him a part of the Colgate soccer family.”
Plotkin is also no stranger to high academic standards as he emphasized success not only on the field but in the classroom as well. During his time at DePaul, the men’s soccer team received the National Soccer Coaches Association of America’s Team Academic Award for the 2012-13 season after the squad posted a combined GPA of 3.39.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to work at a first-class institution like Colgate University and for a first-class coach in Coach Ronning,” Plotkin said. “I'm looking forward to the future of Colgate soccer, competing for Patriot League Championships, NCAA tournament appearances, and continuing the tradition of recruiting and producing high-quality student-athletes here at Colgate.”
Prior to his coaching tenure at DePaul, Plotkin spent two years as Director of Operations for Northwestern men’s soccer. During his time in Evanston, Ill., he facilitated game-day set-up for home games, assisted with organization of travel arrangements, aided in the production of video analysis/scouting and directed the program’s “Corporate Club” fundraiser to raise money for the program.
The Wildcats were Big Ten regular season and tournament champions in 2011.
A four-year starter at DePaul, Plotkin led his team from the midfield position. He helped the Blue Demons to four consecutive appearances in the Big East Championship tournament, including semifinal appearances in 2007 and 2008. Plotkin was a driving force behind DePaul winning its first Big East Red Division title and earning its first program appearance in the NCAA tournament in 2007. He finished his career in 2009 tied for fifth all-time in games started with 74.
The 2010 graduate earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing. He is currently working on completing his master’s degree in sports administration from Northwestern.
He holds a U.S. Soccer Federation National “C” Coaching License, while also having youth coaching appearance with FC United in Northfield, Ill. Plotkin and his wife, Christen, reside in Hamilton.
