Coaches

HEAD COACH
TYLER SHEIKH

Tyler Sheikh will begin his first season at the helm of the Mount Aloysius College soccer program in 2012.

Sheikh was hired as the head coach of the Mountie soccer team in February of 2012. He arrives at Mount Aloysius after serving as the head boys’ soccer coach of Brookfield High School in Brookfield, Conn. In one season at Brookfield, Sheikh found tremendous success in leading the Bobcats to the state quarterfinals while defeating top-20 nationally ranked Bunnell High School and drawing nationally ranked Pomperaug High.

Before his appointment he was a high school alternative education and history teacher in Connecticut. He was also the head coach of a U-17 boys’ premiere soccer program.

Sheikh began his soccer coach career as the assistant varsity and head junior-varsity coach at his high school alma mater, Nonnewaug High of Woodbury, Conn., under Toby Denman (current 4-time league champion) for two seasons. Sheikh led the junior-varsity team to an undefeated season as his guidance helped develop those players for their championship varsity careers. Before being named head coach at Brookfield, Sheikh also served and learned under older brother Jared Sheikh (Jared is distinguished in Connecticut for his three state titles in seven years).

Sheikh led Nonnewaug to its first state championship during an undefeated senior season. He was named MVP of the state tournament and an All-New England selection. Sheikh also served as co-captain of Nonnewaug with newly appointed Mount Aloysius College assistant coach Ian Taff.

Sheikh played Division II soccer at Stonehill College where he was second on the team in points as a freshman. The next year he played for a college prep/PDL team at a soccer academy in Florida while attending college and earning a 4.0 gpa. He then transferred to Division I Quinnipiac University where he was a starting striker for his lone season in Hamden, Conn.

Sheikh earned his bachelor’s degree in History from Quinnipiac University and his master’s degree in Education from the University of Connecticut.

An NSCAA licensed coach; Sheikh also serves as a staff coach with the PA-West Olympic Development Program.

Sheikh has been around sports his entire life. He has been a professional tennis instructor for over a decade and has wrapped his life around soccer as a player, referee, and coach since a young age.

Sheikh is enthusiastic to lead one of the youngest coaching staffs in the country, and after moving to Cresson, Pa, he’s excited to be doing so at a place that feels like home.

“I came to Mount Aloysius because it felt like a family. I value the institution’s goals for its student-athletes and the administration and athletic staff behind the scenes,” Sheikh said. “I was overjoyed they put the same trust in me to help develop these men and women through soccer. There are exciting possibilities in growing the Mountie soccer program.”

Contact Coach Sheikh
(814) 886-6485

 

 

ASSISTANT COACH
MATT DAVIS

Matt Davis joins the men's and women's soccer programs as an assistant coach for the 2012 season.

A recent graduate of Albright College in Reading, Pa, Davis was a four-year starter and two-year captain on defense and in the midfield for coach Pat Stanco. In 2010, Davis helped lead Albright to their first nine win season in over a decade and was named a CoSIDA/ESPN the Magazine College Division All-District Second Team selection.

Davis was also a three-time honoree on the Middle Atlantic Conference Honor Roll for student-athletes and a member of the MAC Sportsmanship Team his senior season. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Albright with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Communications. During his time in Reading, Davis served as an assistant in the athletic department to the Sports Information Director.

A native of Glenside, Pa, Davis attended Bishop McDevitt High School, where he was a four-year starter for the Lancers. During his senior season, he led the program to the most victories in school history as well as a spot in the Philadelphia Catholic League playoffs for the second time since the program's inception.

While coaching at Mount Aloysius, Davis will also be going to graduate school as he works towards a master’s in Business Administration. When he isn't around soccer, Davis enjoys playing basketball and is an avid Philadelphia sports fan.

Coach Sheikh on Davis: “I’ve only known Matt for a short time, but his knowledge and experience in DIII soccer and of the Pennsylvania circuit will serve the programs well. His playing career speaks for itself and his performance in the classroom makes him a great role model for our student-athletes. I’ll look to Matt for his opinions and his willingness to help the programs succeed the right way.”

Contact Coach Davis
(814) 886-6485

 

 

ASSISTANT COACH
IAN TAFF

Ian Taff begins his first season on the sidelines for the Mount Aloysius men's and women's soccer programs as an assistant coach in 2012.

Prior to arriving at Mount Aloysius, Taff was on Tyler Sheikh's staff at Brookfield High School in Brookfield, Conn. He served in the capacity of assistant varsity and head junior-varsity coach. In his one season at Brookfield, Taff made tremendous strides with his junior-varsity players and helped the varsity squad advance to the state quarterfinals.

Taff's soccer experience has taken him to various parts of the world. While studying and working in both Belize and Ecuador, he volunteered his time by organizing and instructing soccer clinics for children in rural areas.

A native of Woodbury, Conn., Taff attended Nonnewaug High School, where he was a four-year starter for the Chiefs in the midfield. He played a key role in helping Nonnewaug capture their first state championship during his senior season. While battling back from ACL surgery, he also played a part in his hometown’s only U-23 Connecticut state championship team.

While at Mount Aloysius, Taff will also be completing a degree in Biology. In his free time, Taff enjoys cycling and watching any and all soccer.

Coach Sheikh on Taff: “Ian brings a passion for sport that will be evident to all the players. I’ve captained many teams and coached the past two years with him. There are few people in soccer whose opinions I respect more. His knowledge of the game and appreciation for its nuances will develop our players in a variety of ways. Both programs are lucky to have his talents and ethic.”

Contact Coach Taff
(814) 886-6485