Garden City, N.Y. — Adelphi University head men's soccer coach Gary Book has resigned from his position to pursue a professional coaching opportunity with a Long Island-based soccer organization, announced on Wednesday.
He will serve as the Managing Director of the Island FC for its inaugural MLS NEXT Pro season in 2027. In the role, Book will be responsible for overseeing the club's academy operations, player pathway development and football administration.
Book departs Adelphi after leading the program since 2018, posting an overall record of 77-39-19 (.641) in seven seasons. His first two years saw double-digit wins, of 17 and 15, respectively with a deep playoff run in 2018. Book led the team to its second Northeast 10 Conference crown en route to an East Region trophy in that second campaign. The Panthers ultimately concluded that run in the NCAA Quarterfinals.
"We thank Gary for his service to the Adelphi men's soccer program and the leadership that he provided during his time as the head of the program," said Danny McCabe, Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation. "We are grateful for Gary's many contributions to our long and storied history of success at Adelphi and we wish him all the best in this new endeavor."
In each of the last five seasons, Book's squad has won nine games and earned a spot in the NE10 tournament. In total, he coached 34 NE10 All-Conference selections, led by one NE10 Player/Rookie of the Year in Paolo Marciano. In 2019 he was named the league's Coach of the Year while Book and his coaching staff were named East Region Staff of the Year in 2018 and 2019 by the United Soccer Coaches.
Additionally, the team achieved one of its highest rankings on record in the 2019 season, when they started at No. 5 before rising to No. 2 and ultimately the No. 1 seed on September 17, 2019.
"I want to thank Adelphi University, the administration, our student-athletes, alumni, and supporters for the opportunity to be part of such a phenomenal and respected program," Book said.
"This was not an easy decision, but I am excited for the opportunity to continue my career at the professional level with the new MLS Next Pro team right here on Long Island. I will always value my time with the Panthers and take great pride in what we accomplished together."
In addition to on-field success, Book was instrumental in engaging with alumni and connecting them with the current team, through his Ambassador program.
A national search for Adelphi's next head men's soccer coach will begin immediately.
