The Syracuse and Camden, New York, community is mourning the untimely death of beloved longtime collegiate soccer coach and former athlete, Jaro Zawislan.
Jaro Zawislan passed away earlier this week, leaving his family and loved ones heartbroken. Details surrounding his untimely death have not yet disclosed.
A native of Poland, Jaro was a cherished was a cherished member of the American and Polish sports community and touched the lives of many with his over two-decade-long career as a soccer coach.
Zawislan began his athletic journey at Clemson University, where he played on the men’s soccer team from 1990 to 1993.
In his 88 games with the Clemson Tigers, Zawislan made 446 saves and was a three-time Atlantic Coast Conference and four-time All-South region selection.
Additionally, he was named the MVP of the 1993 ACC tournament and was also a two-time national All-Academic honoree.
He earned his Bachelor’s degree in computer science from Clemson in 1993 and his Bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Toronto in 1999.
Following his graduation from Clemson University, Zawislan played professionally both in the United States and Poland.
In 1994, Jaro played for the Columbia Heat in the USISL, being named an Atlantic Division All-Star.
Similarly, in 1995, the Toronto Shooting Stars selected him in the National Professional Soccer League draft, but he chose not to sign with Toronto but play in the Poland II Liga with Arka Gdynia.
In 1996, Jaro returned to the United States, where he signed with the Detroit Neon of the Continental Indoor Soccer League.
Likewise, in the fall of 1996, Zawislan signed with the Toronto Shooting Stars, playing one game in November 1996 in place of an injured starter, Paolo Ceccarelli, and in 2000, he played one game for the Atlanta Silverbacks in the 2000 A-League.
Late Jaro Zawislan Began His Collegiate Coaching Career at Creighton University
Jaro Zawislan began his coaching career in 1999 at Creighton University, serving as the assistant coach for the Creighton Bluejays men’s soccer team.
Simultaneously, he also coached the Nebraska Olympic Development Program’s Open U-23 team and the Nebraska state ODP goalkeepers.
During his two seasons at Creighton, Jaro led the Bluejays to a national runner-up finish in 2000 and a Missouri Valley Conference championship, helping the Creighton keepers to a school-record 22 victories.
In his first season on the Bluejay bench in 1999, he guided Creighton’s goalkeepers to the nation’s best goals-against average.
He further continued his coaching career, serving as the assistant coach for the Stanford Cardinal men’s soccer team from 2001 to 2002, where he helped the team to the College Cup Final Four in 2001, along with its first Pac-10 championship and best record in program history at 19-2-1.
Zawislan then went on to become the assistant coach for the Syracuse Orange men’s soccer team in 2002 and served in his position until 2009.
Furthermore, Zawislan’s first head coaching journey began at Cornell University when he was named the 11th head coach on April 13, 2009.
He served as the head coach of Cornell men’s soccer team for seven seasons (2009-2015), leading the team to four consecutive winning seasons from 2011 to 2014, including three seasons with 10 wins or more and an Ivy League Championship in 2012.
From 2022 until his recent passing, Zawislan was serving as the head women’s soccer coach for Le Moyne College in Syracuse, leading the Dolphins in several victories.
Additionally, Zawislan served as the president and technical director of Syracuse FC.
The untimely death of coach Jaro Zawislan has left a profound void in the lives of her family, friends, and loved ones.
Many of his loved ones are sharing his memories on social media and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.
Camden Boys Soccer wrote:
“Jaro was more than a coach — he was a mentor, a teacher, and a true ambassador of the game. Through the multiple camps he ran for both our boys and girls soccer programs in Camden, Jaro left a lasting impact on our athletes, not only by developing their skills, but by challenging them to work harder, believe in themselves, and respect the game.Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, players, and the entire Syracuse FC family during this incredibly difficult time. Jaro’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the love he had for the game.Rest in peace, Coach. You will never be forgotten. ⚽💙”
Another added:
“Good friend and past player Jaro Zawislan passed away yesterday in New York State where he resides. Jaro was a fantastic Individual, great goalkeeper and life full of compassion and integrity. Was able to help him go to Clemson University on athletic scholarship. Jaro had a fantastic career as a player and coached as an assistant at Syracuse and Stanford and was head coach at Cornell. His recent coaching position was at LeMoyne University in Syracuse, which was his home. He will be remembered and gone to soon. RIP Jaro, myself and many and all people who came in contact with you, will always remember you.”
Bobby Graham
Jaro Zawislan’s contribution to the sports community as a standout athlete and longtime coach will always be remembered. His family will soon provide details about his funeral and memorial services.
