NEWS

 

DAVIDSON, N.C. – Vice President and Athletic Director Chris Clunie has announced an extension for Charlie Slagle Men’s Soccer Head Coach, Mike Babst, through the 2029 season. In addition to the extension, Jesse DiLuzio has been promoted to Associate Head Coach.

“We are excited to lock in Coach Babst and his family here at Davidson,” said Athletic Director Chris Clunie. “He has elevated the program during his time here, and we are thrilled with the team’s direction and success.”

Entering his sixth season at the helm, Mike Babst is coming off a historic year leading the Wildcats. He guided Davidson to its first-ever Atlantic 10 postseason win and the team’s first 10-win season since 2014.

Babst also coached two all-region performers in Denis Krioutchenkov and Vincent Bennage, the first Wildcats to make all-region in the last nine years. The potent forward duo ranked inside the conference’s top 10 in five different offensive categories last year.

In his previous three seasons, Babst guided the program to a 25-20-6 overall mark and two postseason appearances. He’s also coached a total of six all-conference performers and the team has been ranked in the top-25 in two of the past three seasons.

“I am very grateful for Chris’ support and trust in me to lead our men’s soccer program,” said Babst.

“Over my time here, I have seen the incredible personal and professional outcomes produced by a campus committed to bringing out the best in one another. On top of that, we have a staff, roster and alumni group that supports us and believes we can compete at the highest level of college soccer. This community is unlike any other in college athletics, and my family and I love being a part of it.”

DiLuzio Promoted to Associate Head Coach

In addition to Babst’s extension, assistant coach Jesse DiLuzio has been promoted to Associate Head Coach. DiLuzio enters his fourth year at Davidson after serving as a graduate assistant at the University of Louisville. He has been a vital contributor to the team’s recruiting efforts, guiding training sessions, and organizing team operations.

“We are also happy to promote Coach DiLuzio as he is a great young coach in the industry with undoubtable future head coach prospects,” said Clunie.

Under his guidance alongside Babst, the ‘Cats had one of the best defenses in the A-10 last season. The Wildcats allowed just 16 goals in 16 games played, the second fewest in the conference. He also brought in recent recruits in Ayman Maadir who made the A-10 All-Rookie team in his first collegiate season, and Nico Quanbeck, who was ranked on TopDrawSoccer.com’s Top 100 freshmen last year. 

“I’m extremely grateful for Coach Babst, Davidson athletics and Chris Clunie for the opportunity to serve in this role for the men’s soccer program,” said DiLuzio. “Over the last four years as an assistant coach, I’ve grown to love Davidson as a community, and as an elite, education-first institution that aids our players for the rest of their lives. I am eager to continue to recruit and coach student-athletes who are top individuals, students and community members both on and off the Davidson soccer pitch.” 

The Wildcats open the 2024 regular season Friday night at Charlotte.