Bob Zanicky

Goalkeeping trainer Bob Zanicky began his coaching career in 1993 at The Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) as Women’s Goalkeeping Trainer. During his four year tenure at IUP, Bob reshaped the program developing goalkeepers who became recognized and chosen National All-Americans and Regional All-Americans. Goalkeeper trained by Bob was named to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference First or Second Team. Head coach Brian Lenosky elevated Bob’s status to Assistant Coach in 1995, the year IUP won its first and only State Championship. That same year Kristen Bardes, IUP’s Sophomore Goalkeeper, was named an NCAA Division 2 All American.

Bob returned to the Wyoming Valley in the fall of 2003, where he created a successful Goalkeeping program for Wyoming Valley Soccer Club (WVSC). Bob is no longer affiliated with WVSC, but during the two short years he ran the program, Bob’s goalkeepers were quickly recognized as some of the best in the state. Coach Zanicky’s youth goalkeeper’s have made the Olympic Development State Team, received invitations to the ODP regional Camp and finished in the top 8 in the Nation at the National Goalie Wars.

As a coach, Bob brings a positive influence to his keepers. Not one training session passes without him saying “You have more in you (ability) than you think.” His aggressive approach to goalkeeping includes both physical and mental preparation. “I want my players to work so hard that they take the pitch with complete confidence in their abilities. They know that they have done everything possible to prepare, that such preparation leads to success in all facets of life. I want them to look forward to the time when they have to make the great save. I want them to invite the best from their opponents with nothing but self-belief in their hearts. I never want a player taking the field doubting their ability. If that happens, I have failed them as a trainer, a coach and a mentor. As a youth coach and trainer I’m not just creating soccer players, I am helping mold young men and women in their formative years.”