DUBUQUE, Iowa – Director of Athletics Denise Udelhofen ('90) has announced the hiring of Nick Rizzo ('10) as the next head coach of the Loras College men's soccer program.

"It's always meaningful to welcome an alum back home," said Udelhofen. "Nick's journey has come full circle, and we're excited to see him inspire the next generation of student-athletes in our men's soccer program. As a former student-athlete, he truly understands the impact this program can have. We are excited for his vision, leadership, and dedication to building a championship culture both on and off the field."

Rizzo returns to his alma mater after a successful five-year stint as the women's head soccer coach at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. During his time leading the Cardinals, Rizzo compiled a 58-29-8 overall record and guided the program to its only four Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Playoff appearances. He helped engineer one of the top turnarounds in the conference, improving Saint Mary's from a 13-92-4 MIAC record from 2010-2019 to a 27-17-11 mark from 2021-2025, earning 2024 MIAC Coach of the Year honors in the process.

Under Rizzo's leadership, Saint Mary's produced two MIAC Defensive MVPs, one MIAC Offensive MVP, 15 All-Conference selections, and 10 All-Region honorees. The Cardinals also found success in the classroom, posting a cumulative 3.61 team GPA from 2021-2025 while earning five United Soccer Coaches (USC) Team Academic Awards and the USC Team Pinnacle Award, recognizing excellence in winning percentage, academics, and sportsmanship.

"My family and I are very excited to be back at Loras," said Rizzo. "The men's soccer program has a rich history that I am eager to continue. The foundations are very strong with the current group. We will work hard this fall to be one of the toughest teams to play in the region. I want to thank Denise Udelhofen for this opportunity, and I am also ecstatic to be working alongside Matt Pucci, who is a longtime teammate, colleague, and close friend of mine. We are going to accomplish incredible things together here."

Prior to Saint Mary's, Rizzo spent four seasons as the head women's soccer coach at Monmouth College where he compiled a 41-30-5 overall record. He led the Fighting Scots to the 2019 Midwest Conference Championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance while earning Midwest Conference Coach of the Year honors in both 2017 and 2019. Rizzo inherited a program that had made just three conference tournament appearances in the previous 25 years and helped lead Monmouth to two tournament appearances in three seasons.

Rizzo's coaching career also includes assistant coaching stops at Saint Mary's University from 2013-2015 and Aurora University from 2011-2013. He began his collegiate coaching career at Loras during the 2010-11 season as an assistant men's soccer coach, helping guide the Duhawks to an NCAA Sweet 16 appearance.
In addition to his collegiate experience, Rizzo served as the head varsity boys soccer coach at Wahlert Catholic High School from 2008-2011. During his tenure, Wahlert captured the 2008 state championship, finished as state runner-up in 2009 and 2010, and placed third in 2011. He also earned MVC Coach of the Year honors in 2008 and 2010.

A 2010 graduate of Loras College, Rizzo earned a bachelor's degree in secondary education and mathematics before completing his Master of Business Administration at Aurora University in 2013. He also holds NSCAA Advanced National and National Diplomas along with a USSF C License.

As a student-athlete for the Duhawks from 2006-2009, Rizzo was a four-year varsity letterwinner and three-time Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) All-Conference selection. During his career, Loras captured four consecutive conference championships and advanced to the NCAA Final Four in 2007 and 2008, in addition to a Sweet 16 appearance in 2009.

Rizzo is set to begin his duties with the Duhawks on Monday, June 1.