Coaching Staff

Jimmy Zito - Head Coach
jimmyzito@hotmail.com

As Co-Head Coach of the Thunder, Jimmy guided the team to an 5-3-0 season record, capturing 3rd place in the East Region. He has introduced an exciting brand of soccer, emphasing commitment, team play, work ethics and discipline. 

Coach Zito, a former player who was a member of the National Championship team of 2002 believes that his players are student first and that strong work ethic in the classroom will lead to good work habits on the field.  Jimmy's passion for coaching extends beyond Algonquin Soccer as he is also a club coach with the Ottawa Fury.

Mike Gagliano - Assistant Coach

Mike joins the "Thunder" coaching staff after five of the most successful years in Algonquin Athletic's history.  He gained the respect of his teammates during his rookie year and became the team leader during the next four years.  Under his leadership the team earned five consecutive Provincial Championships along with one National Championship victory and three National Silver Medals.  Mike was twice named to the All-Canadian Team in 2005 and 2006.  Coach Gagliano is the type of person that you would want to represent the College as a player and now as a coach.

Les Escobar - Assistant  Coach

Les is a graduate and former goaltender for the Thunder Men's Program.  He was instrumental in winning the 1999-2000 Provincial Championship then earning a National Champoinship Silver Medal.  He has been the goalkeeper coach for the Ottawa South United Club for many years. Coach Escobar has previously worked with the Women's program and still has a hand in it but he spends most of his time these days with the Men's Program.