Dec. 21—USC Aiken Director of Athletics Todd Wilkinson announced on Thursday the hiring of Nick Sakiewicz as head men's soccer coach.
"I am very pleased that Coach Sakiewicz will lead our men's soccer program, Wilkinson said. "His passion and enthusiasm for USC Aiken and the game of soccer was inspiring as we got to know each other. His successful experience as an Assistant Coach at Saint Leo University, Elon University, Guilford College, Johnson and Wales University-Denver and Villanova University brings the Pacers a coach that has been around a high level of play while preparing himself professionally to lead a soccer program.
"He knows what an elite team looks like and will produce a template focused on growth and success as Pacer men's soccer is recreated. It is time for USC Aiken men's soccer to be on the rise in the Peach Belt and Southeast region and Coach Sakiewicz's vision and passion will get us there. Pacer men's soccer is in great hands going forward. Go Pacers!"
Sakiewicz takes over the men's soccer program following the retirement of Ike Ofoje, who announced his retirement last month after 28 years leading the Pacers.
"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the USC Aiken men's soccer program and work with the great people in the Division of Athletics," Sakiewicz stated. "I am looking forward to moving the program into a new direction that will have success in the classroom, in the community, and on the field. I want to thank Todd Wilkinson, Dexter Harris, Brennan Hand, Susan Hood, Tim Hall, and Jaclin Poole. Go Pacers!"
Sakiewicz comes to USCA from Saint Leo, where he had served as an assistant coach since August 2020. In 2022, he helped guide the Lions to back-to-back shutout victories over nationally ranked No. 8 AUM as well as No. 24 West Florida.
While there, he recruited in-state, nationally and internationally. Sakiewicz handled the budget for travel, recruiting and video equipment while also organizing team travel needs. He coordinated and planned fundraising events and organized the recruiting schedule.
Sakiewicz spent time as the Director of Soccer Operations role at Villanova University (NCAA DI) as well as assistant coaching stints for Johnson & Wales University — Denver (NAIA), Guilford College (NCAA DIII), Elon University (NCAA DI) and Saint Leo (NCAA DII).
Off the pitch, his teams thrived. While at Johnson & Wales University-Denver, his team held the No. 3 National Academic Rank with a team GPA of 3.48. On the field, his squad made it to the conference championship match.