Giorgio Antongirolami has been a key member of the Rockhurst University men's soccer coaching staff since 2000 and currently serves as Associate Head Coach. A native of Rome, Italy, Antongirolami has been an integral part of the Rockhurst program for more than 25 years and has helped establish the Hawks as one of the premier NCAA Division II men's soccer programs in the country.
Antongirolami grew up playing soccer in Rome and developed within the S.S. Lazio system, where he was selected to the Lazio regional U16 and U17 teams. He later became involved with Lazio's youth program and worked within its coaching staff before moving to the United States in 1998, continuing his development under renowned Italian soccer educators Volfango Patarca and Sergio Vatta.
Antongirolami played two seasons at Rockhurst from 1998-99, appearing in 23 games despite suffering two ACL injuries. He later played professionally for the Cincinnati Riverhawks during the 2002 A-League season and accumulated approximately 240 semi-professional appearances during his playing career in Italy.
Following his playing career, Antongirolami began his coaching career at Rockhurst, serving as a graduate assistant from 2000-01 before becoming a full-time assistant coach in 2002. Since joining the staff, he has played an important role in the continued success and development of the Rockhurst men's soccer program.
During his tenure, the Hawks have compiled an impressive record while winning six GLVC regular-season championships and seven GLVC Tournament titles. Rockhurst has made numerous NCAA Tournament appearances during Antongirolami's time on staff, including four trips to the NCAA Division II national semifinals in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017. The Rockhurst coaching staff was recognized as the NSCAA Regional Coaching Staff of the Year in both 2016 and 2017.
Antongirolami has also played an important role in the recruitment and development of Rockhurst student-athletes. Over his 27 seasons with the program, he has helped recruit and develop numerous All-American, All-Region and All-Conference players, as well as several players who have gone on to play professional soccer.
His responsibilities have included recruiting and evaluating players from the United States and internationally, with a particular emphasis on identifying student-athletes who can succeed both academically and athletically at Rockhurst. His international soccer background and extensive connections in European soccer have helped strengthen Rockhurst's ability to attract talented players from around the world.
In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Antongirolami has remained involved in the development of international opportunities in soccer and education. He was one of the founders of the Rome City Institute, an international higher-education institution in Rome focused on sport, business and education, where he has served in leadership roles including Chairman and Co-CEO.
Antongirolami earned both his undergraduate degree and MBA from Rockhurst University, combining his background in business with his extensive experience in soccer, coaching and student-athlete development.
Antongirolami's connection to Rockhurst has also extended to his family. His son, Luca Antongirolami, developed through the Sporting Kansas City Academy and has pursued a professional soccer career, continuing a family connection to both Rockhurst and the Kansas City soccer community.
Antongirolami and his wife, Josie, live in the Kansas City area with their children, Luca and Antonella.
With more than 25 years on the Rockhurst coaching staff, Antongirolami continues to contribute to the development of the Hawks both on and off the field, helping recruit, develop and mentor student-athletes while contributing to the tradition of excellence that has defined Rockhurst men's soccer.
