Coaches

Matt Heitmann

Former Pioneer student-athlete and assistant Matt Heitmann ‘14 was named the William Paterson men’s soccer head coach during the summer of 2022.


Heitmann had already been an 11-year member of the WP coaching staff when he was named the head coach -- eight seasons as an assistant coach (2014-21), two as an undergraduate assistant coach (2011-12), and one as a volunteer assistant coach (2013).


Heitmann (2007-10) was a standout in the Pioneer defensive third, earning selections to the 2010 All-New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) First Team and National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) South Atlantic All-Region Third Team, the 2009 All-NJAC Second Team and the 2008 All-NJAC Honorable Mention. A starter in 17 of 19 matches as a senior, the back had one goal and an assist, including the tying goal for his first career score in a 2-1 win at Kean. The 2008 ECAC Metro Region Tournament Most Outstanding Player, he had a goal and two assists while starting 73 of 77 career matches and helped lead WP to the second round of the 2010 NCAA Tournament.


In addition to coaching the Pioneers, Heitmann has also worked with FC Motown (United Soccer League 2, National Premier Soccer League, U23; 2020-current).


Heitmann has played for New Jersey Blaze (National Premier Soccer League; 2009-11), Motown FC (Garden State Soccer League; 2011-15).


A native of Westwood, N.J., Heitmann was awarded a William Paterson bachelor’s degree in exercise science in 2014. He holds a United States Soccer Federation (USSF) “C” License and NSCAA National Diploma.


Heitmann’s WP Coaching Highlights

- Three all-NJAC honorees

- Five academic all-district selections

- Five spots on the Academic All-NJAC Team