Jean Tassy
Encyclopedia
Playing career
Tassy began playing soccer in the U.S. at Canton Junior CollegeState University of New York at Canton
The State University of New York at Canton , is a public, coeducational, residential college located on a spacious campus along the banks of the Grasse River in St. Lawrence County, New York within the Town of Canton. Its northern location places SUNY Canton close to the Adirondack Mountains, the St...
in Canton, N. Y., where he was a two-time All-American in 1968 and 1969. Then he was recruited by Fred Hartrick to play for Buffalo State College
Buffalo State College
The State University of New York College at Buffalo, referred to as Buffalo State College, often referred to colloquially as Buff State, is a public, liberal arts college in Buffalo, New York, United States and is part of the State University of New York. Buffalo State was founded in 1871 as the...
, where he earned Division I All-American honors his junior year. During that season, he led the Bengals to what was then the best season in school history (13-0-2), an appearance in the NCAA Tournament and a final season ranking of seventh in the nation.
After playing college soccer
College soccer
College soccer is a term used to describe association football played by teams who are operated by colleges and universities as opposed to a professional league operated for exclusively financial purposes...
, he went on to play professionally. Tassy was drafted by the Toronto Metros in 1971, and then played two seasons with the New York City Cacos. He was invited to play for Haiti in the 1974 FIFA World Cup
1974 FIFA World Cup
The 1974 FIFA World Cup, the tenth staging of the World Cup, was held in West Germany from 13 June to 7 July. The tournament marked the first time that the current trophy, the FIFA World Cup Trophy, created by the Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga, was awarded...
, but declined, citing the political climate of his home country.
Coaching career
Tassy is a USSF "B" licensed coach and holds degrees in Physical Education and French.Tassy began coaching the Niagara Purple Eagles men's soccer
Niagara Purple Eagles men's soccer
The Niagara Purple Eagles men's soccer team is the men's college soccer team that represent Niagara University and competes in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference of NCAA Division I. The Purple Eagles play their home games at Niagara Field on the campus of Niagara University...
team in 1974, staying there until 1981. He then went on to Buffalo State College
Buffalo State College
The State University of New York College at Buffalo, referred to as Buffalo State College, often referred to colloquially as Buff State, is a public, liberal arts college in Buffalo, New York, United States and is part of the State University of New York. Buffalo State was founded in 1871 as the...
, leading the Bengals' men's team to three NCAA Tournament appearances (1982, 83 and 84) and producing seven All-Americans. In a later stage, he coached the women's team at the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, also commonly known as the University at Buffalo or UB, is a public research university and a "University Center" in the State University of New York system. The university was founded by Millard Fillmore in 1846. UB has multiple campuses...
, where he was named the Mid-American Conference
Mid-American Conference
The Mid-American Conference is a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I college athletic conference with a membership base in the Great Lakes region that stretches from Western New York to Illinois. Nine of the twelve full member schools are in Ohio and Michigan, with single members...
Coach of the Year in 2000 (a first for a UB coach).