PHILADELPHIA – The James C. Gentle Head Coach Brian Gill announced the promotion of Matt Poplawski to associate head coach of the University of Pennsylvania men's soccer team on Wednesday afternoon.
 
"It is a nice feeling when our assistant coaches get the recognition that they deserve," said Gill. "Matt has, without question, been a loyal servant to Penn men's soccer going back to his undergrad days. As a player, captain, and now coach, he has truly been a part of some of the best moments in our program's history. So, for him to be named Associate Head Coach is more than deserved for his impact on Penn Soccer."
 
Poplawski returned to University City during the fall of 2021, helping Penn win three straight Ivy League regular season titles and two NCAA appearances, with the coaching staff earning United Soccer Coaches (USC) DI Men's Northeast Region Staff of the Year in 2022 and 2024, as well as Ivy League Coaching Staff of the Year during the 2024 campaign.
 
"I am extremely grateful to coach Gill and the administration for this opportunity," said Poplawski. "I feel fortunate to work alongside such a dedicated group of student-athletes and coaches at a program that means a great deal to me. It has been incredibly rewarding to see this program grow over the years, and I'm excited for us to continue raising the standard in the years ahead."
 
The Red and Blue have performed well on the field under Poplawski's guidance, with nine Quakers earning USC All-Northeast Region nods, 31 garner All-Ivy honors, including forward Stas Korzeniowski and defender Leo Burney landing Ivy League Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year during the 2022 and 2024 seasons.
 
Nine members of the Red and Blue who have played under Poplawski have gone on to compete in professional leagues, highlighted by Patrick Cayelli, Nick Christoffersen, Korzeniowski, and Ben Stitz being chosen in the MLS Superdraft, while Burney signed a homegrown contract with the Seattle Sounders.
 
A two-time captain for the Quakers, Poplawski had a successful playing career with Penn, totaling six goals and five assists for 17 points while capping off his time in the red and blue with a first-team All-Ivy recognition and ECAC All-Star nod. Over the course of four seasons, he started in 47 of the 57 games played.