The College of New Jersey Athletics

P.J. Ringel '21 was named interim head coach of the TCNJ men's soccer program for the 2024 season.

"I am excited for P.J. to lead the men's soccer program this upcoming season," TCNJ Executive Director of Athletics Amanda DeMartino said. "He understands the culture of TCNJ Athletics, and knows what it takes to compete in the NJAC, capturing two championships over the past five years as both a player and a coach. His demonstrated ability to lead, build team culture and win, along with his commitment to prioritizing the student-athlete experience, aligns perfectly with our goals and expectations for the program, making him an ideal fit to lead us through the transition at this time.

We have a talented group of men's soccer student-athletes and very much look forward to having them back on campus next month for preseason." 

Ringel was a star at Marlboro High School, where he stands as one of the program's all-time greats. As a senior in 2016, he scored 21 goals and carried the Mustangs to the Central Jersey Group IV championship game, the team's first appearance in a sectional final in 12 years. Marlboro finished the year 20-2-2, a school record for wins in a season.  

After the 2016 campaign, Ringel was named Shore Conference Player of the Year by the Asbury Park Press. He also earned first team All-Shore Conference and first team All-State honors from the Soccer Coaches Association of New Jersey and finished his career second all-time in goals and third in points at Marlboro.

Ringel played club soccer for Marlboro SA Warriors, winning the US Club Soccer State Cup championship and playing in the National Cup finals in 2017.

Despite many offers to play soccer at the collegiate level, Ringel opted to continue his basketball career at TCNJ, where he enjoyed a terrific career for the Lions and went on to win championships as both a player and coach. A three-year starter at point guard, he ranks third all-time in program history with 294 career assists, including a remarkable 155 during the 2019-20 season to place second in a single campaign at TCNJ. That total led the NJAC and stood 19th in all of Division III. Ringel also led the team and ranked fifth in the NJAC with 55 steals as the Lions won the NJAC championship and posted their first NCAA Tournament win since 1989.

In his COVID-shortened senior season (2020-21), Ringel earned second-team All-NJAC honors after averaging 11.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game. That year, he again topped the NJAC in assists per game, finishing seventh in the country. 

Ringel spent the previous two years as a graduate assistant to men's basketball head coach Matt Goldsmith, playing an instrumental role in helping the Lions capture the NJAC championship in 2024.

"I am so thankful for the opportunity to coach these young men and lead the men's soccer program this fall," Ringel said. "I am very fortunate to have gained the knowledge it takes to run a successful and competitive program in the last seven years, not only from Coach Goldsmith but from so many of the tremendous coaches in our department. The combination of my passion for soccer as well as my experience playing will help me immensely in this new endeavor."

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
"PJ is a proven winner and an elite culture builder," Goldsmith said. "He is as competitive as they come and lives and breathes soccer. From high school championship runs to NJAC titles, he has won at every level he has played and coached. He comes from a family of coaches and has seen winning at the highest levels.

Because of his background, PJ understands what a winning culture looks and feels like and will work tirelessly to establish a special environment in the TCNJ Men's Soccer locker room. He will hold his players accountable and will teach them how to earn everything they get on a daily basis. I have full confidence that PJ will put this program on a path that will lead to sustained success."
-Matt Goldsmith, TCNJ men's basketball coach
 
"P.J. is an exceptional young man, and I believe TCNJ is very fortunate to have someone like him take over the men's soccer program. Watching him come through our athletics department as a student-athlete, young coach, and now head coach is encouraging. His growth and commitment to excellence will be extremely beneficial to the team."
-Joe Galante, TCNJ wrestling Coach
 
"I am really excited for P.J. to step in as the interim men's soccer coach. As a former student-athlete and event staff student worker, P.J. demonstrated competitiveness, passion, and a strong work ethic. His drive and commitment to TCNJ will bring a positive impact and success to the Men's Soccer program." 
-Liz Shatkus, Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Facilities & Operations / Senior Woman Administrator
 
"Having known P.J. for many years, both as a coach and a family friend, I've watched him grow into an exceptional athlete and leader. P.J. played for me until his senior year of high school, contributing to several very successful teams. His leadership on and off the field was outstanding, demonstrating qualities that set him apart. It was clear early on that he would one day become a great coach and leader both on and off the field."
-Frank Rizzi Owner of CM19 Soccer
 
"I've had the honor of knowing P.J. for over 15 years as a friend, teammate, and even opponent. Always a fierce competitor who I was always happy to share the field with unless he was on the other side of the ball. Someone to whom teammates looked for inspiration and the will to keep fighting. A fantastic athlete in all respects and an even better person. I see no better fit for the role and look forward to seeing him excel as a coach and mentor for the young student-athletes who get the chance to play for him."
-Tom Judge, Former All-American at James Madison and 2021 MLS draft pick