Millsaps hires Michael Azzarone as assistant soccer coach

JACKSON, Miss.(Millsaps Athletics) – The Millsaps College men’s soccer team looks to continue their growth as a program after announcing Michael Azzarone as their assistant coach on Friday. Azzarone joins the staff alongside head coach Gentry Johnson, assistant coach Stephen Roberson and goalkeeper coach Derek Anderson.

He brings a thinking approach geared toward solutions that counter an opposing team’s strategy at game time. He possesses a deep understanding of data driven and qualitative analysis, and is able to find players that align with the team’s and school’s culture. He will also use his knowledge to analyze player profiles and communicate a comprehensive player recruitment strategy.

Azzarone joins the Millsaps College men’s soccer program after spending one season as an assistant coach for Wachusett United FC, a premier youth soccer club in the Central Massachusetts region.

Azzarone began his soccer coaching career at Wachusett United FC, where he helped develop players technically, physically, and mentally under the head coach’s philosophy. He also ensured that sessions ran smoothly and that players were constantly engaged. 

In August 2025, Azzarone became a Sports Analytics intern at Anna Maria College Athletics in Paxton, Massachusetts. His main tasks included tracking and organizing the statistics for games during the Fall and Winter sports. Azzarone also reviewed game footage and picked out key points for the school’s teams.

He spent two seasons playing for NCAA Division III Anna Maria College as a forward and defender.

In the summer of 2025, Azzarone was a Soccer Shots coach, where he started off as an assistant coach before being promoted to lead coach. There he oversaw the develop of youth players.

From August 2018 to December 2024, Azzaronewas a referee for the New Jersey Referee Association, where he was assigned as either an assistant referee or center referee for area games. Azzarone made sure he ensured a safe, productive, and safe environment for all players.

He completed his bachelor’s degree in Data Analytics from Anna Maria College in December 2025, achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA.

While at Anna Maria College, he also was a member the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and a student ambassador. He was involved with the Jersey Shore Boca and Lacey Soccer Clubs.

Azzarone intends to pursue his master’s degree at Millsaps College, while managing the men’s soccer program as an assistant coach.