Don Palmucci
Don Palmucci
Title: Assistant Coach
Email: don.k.palmucci@wilmu.edu
Don Palmucci brings extensive experience and dedication to the Wilmington University women's soccer program, serving under Head Coach Jeff Zoyac since 2013. With over 15 years in college-level coaching, Palmucci has played a pivotal role in various aspects of the team's development and success.
His responsibilities at WilmU encompass a wide range of duties, reflecting his deep involvement in the program's day-to-day operations. These include planning, organizing, and conducting training sessions, strategizing for set pieces, recruiting talented players, fostering a positive team culture, analyzing game film, and scouting opponents.
In the 2021-2023 seasons, Palmucci notably focused on fortifying the team's defense, resulting in a resilient unit that achieved impressive statistics: a 12-5-3 overall record with eight shutouts and just twelve goals conceded in twenty games, maintaining a low 0.97 goals against average (GAA). His coaching prowess was evident in the individual accolades earned by players like Samantha Emmi and Jimena Garcia Risota, Manuela Restrepo who received recognition at regional and national levels for their D2CCA All-American performances.
Beyond tactical and technical coaching, Palmucci emphasizes character development and mental resilience, incorporating mental imagery, mindset training, and team-building exercises into his coaching philosophy. His holistic approach extends from on-field performance to nurturing a supportive and growth-oriented team environment.
Palmucci's coaching journey began as a graduate assistant at The College of New Jersey and evolved through roles in motivational sports companies, youth soccer clubs, and collegiate programs like Salem Community College and Cumberland County College. He has also contributed significantly to the Olympic Development Program (ODP) in New Jersey, underscoring his commitment to player development at various levels of competition. From there, he founded and started a motivational sports company called Program for Results (PFR), which worked with high-level college and professional athletes to develop accountability for life goals, behavior, and sports performance.
In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Palmucci serves as a Student Assistance Coordinator, Guidance Chair, and Anti-Bullying Coordinator at the Pennsville School District in Salem County, New Jersey. His academic background in Psychology (B.A., Magna Cum Laude) and Counseling & Personnel Services (M.A.) from The College of New Jersey further enriches his approach to mentoring student-athletes both on and off the field.
Residing in South Harrison, New Jersey, Palmucci values family life with his wife Suzanne and their two children, Alyssa and Josh, balancing his professional commitments with personal fulfillment. 
Overall, Don Palmucci's tenure at Wilmington University reflects a deep-seated passion for soccer and a comprehensive approach to coaching that encompasses skill development, strategic planning, and the cultivation of a supportive team culture. His impact extends far beyond the field, shaping the lives and careers of student-athletes under his guidance.