Tommies Men’s Soccer Opens a New Chapter Under Coach Pinsent

Fredericton, NB - After a historic 2024-25 campaign that saw the STU Tommies complete an undefeated season, capture the ACAA championship, and compete on the national stage as tournament hosts, the men’s soccer program enters a new era filled with both challenges and opportunities.

Although not part of the team last year, new head coach Miles Pinsent recognizes the significance of what the Tommies accomplished. “Last season speaks for itself—it was a huge moment for the program. Undefeated, a conference title, and hosting nationals. Those experiences showed our players what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Now that they know what’s required, we can focus on the task at hand.”

This year’s squad will feature a very different look, with changes to both the roster and coaching staff. Several of the key players including captains Josh Oaks, Luke Ewen, and Chi Nkoloagu who powered last year’s success have moved on, opening the door for returning players to take on larger roles and new recruits to make an immediate impact.

“The group will have to adapt quickly,” Pinsent noted. “We’ll be relying on contributions from both experienced returners and fresh faces.”

Pinsent began working with the team during the winter months, and he was encouraged by the energy and commitment shown during training. “The players brought great focus and intensity,” he said. “That foundation will serve us well as we build into the season.”

Despite the transition, the program’s expectations remain unchanged. “Our goals for success are the same,” Pinsent affirmed. “We want to compete for championships, and we’ll prepare accordingly.”

The Tommies will be led by captain Sam Choiniere, with veteran players Elias Stiphout and Adam Loewen providing additional leadership on and off the field. “As a new coach, I’ll be leaning on this group of leaders heavily,” said Pinsent. “They’ll play a crucial role in guiding the team through change.”

While the team’s tactical identity will be developed through training camp, the foundation will be built on discipline and adaptability. Tommies will emphasize defending as an organized unit and finding ways to create chances through different avenues.

The biggest challenge ahead will be navigating the transition period with new roles, fresh players, and a new coaching philosophy. But the team sees opportunity in growth and renewal.

The Tommies have built a reputation for exciting, competitive soccer in recent years, and Pinsent believes the community has every reason to rally around this year’s squad.
“The quality of play and the spirit of this team should make it easy for fans to get behind us,” he said.

With a fresh chapter ahead, the Tommies are eager to write their story. “I’m excited for the season to get underway,” said Pinsent. “We look forward to kicking things off on September 6th when we play Crandall in our first game of the season. We hope to see the Tommies community out in full force to support the team September 13th in our first home opener game against Holland at Grant Harvey Turf Field.”

By Martin Carvajal