February 1, 2023 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Richmond Kickers News Release
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce that Conner Cappelletti has joined the Kickers’ technical staff as an assistant coach ahead of the 2023 USL League One season.
“Conner is a quick-thinking, hard-working coach with the ability to recognize talent and help nurture and develop that talent,” Richmond Kickers’ Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach, Darren Sawatzky said. “He has great experience in USL League Two and his network of coaches and players is great.
“He understands the demands of the modern game, and his skill set aligns with where we are looking to go. As both a player and a coach, his competitive drive fits with the winning culture here. We needed a hungry, talented, and humble coach. Conner will hit the ground running, and we are happy he is with us.”
Cappelletti joins Sawatzky’s technical staff on the bench alongside goalkeeping coach, Akira Fitzgerald, director of player personnel, Raymond Smetanick, and athletic trainer, Rodrigo Perez. The 34-year-old from Kent, Wash. brings nearly a decade of experience coaching and developing pre-professional talent as well as playing experience at the collegiate, pre-professional, and national team levels.
“It was very exciting to have the conversation and be considered when Darren approached me about the opening assistant coach position,” Cappelletti said. “Coaching in the professional ranks is something I’ve always wanted to do.
“For a lot of reasons, Richmond is the right place for me and my family. I’ve known Darren for a while having played for him and coached against him, and I know what his values and standards are and I align with those. Having also talked to Rob [Ukrop] who shares those qualities, my family and I are excited to be a part of this community-focused organization.”
As a player, Cappelletti began his collegiate career at Wallace State playing during the 2007 and 2008 seasons and earning NJCAA All-Region honors in both his freshman and sophomore seasons before transferring to Division I school Valparaiso where he played from 2009-10.
The defender also simultaneously played at the pre-professional level with the Indiana Invaders in 2009 and Kansas City Brass in 2010 while at Valparaiso. After graduation, Cappelletti played at Rocket City United from 2011-12.
He would move to Eugene, Ore. to join Lane United FC – a former Premier Development League (PDL) side, now, USL League Two -…