LAKELAND, Fla. – Southeastern University Director of Athletics Drew Watson has announced the hiring of
Gabriel Sitibaldi as the new head coach of the Southeastern University Men's Soccer program.
"We are thrilled to welcome
Gabriel Sitibaldi to the Fire family," said Watson. "His proven track record of success in the NAIA speaks for itself, but what impressed us most throughout this process was that he is a high-character leader who understands how to build winning programs while keeping the Christ-centered mission of Southeastern at the forefront. I look forward to seeing the impact he will have on our men's soccer program and the campus community."
Sitibaldi brings nine seasons of head coaching experience to Lakeland, spending six seasons at Williams Baptist University, followed most recently by a three-year stint at Trinity Christian College. Across his career, he owns an overall 93-58-22 record, highlighted by sustained competitive success and program-building leadership at both stops.
"I am blessed and honored to be a part of Southeastern University, which is a special community that emphasizes a Christ-centered environment, competitive athletics, and values academic success," said Sitibaldi. "I am grateful to SEU President, Dr. Kent Ingle, and Director of Athletics, Drew Watson, for entrusting me to carry out the mission and vision of the university for the men's soccer program. My family and I are excited to make Lakeland our home."
Most recently, Sitibaldi led Trinity Christian College to an NCCAA National Semifinals appearance in 2024, finishing the season with a 17-7-1 record. He followed that run with an 8-8-3 campaign in 2025. Over three seasons at Trinity Christian, Sitibaldi compiled a 34-23-8 record, earning CCAC Coach of the Year honors in 2023 and NCCAA Regional Coach of the Year recognition in 2024.
Prior to Trinity Christian, Sitibaldi spent six seasons at his alma mater, Williams Baptist, where he became the winningest head coach in program history. During his tenure, he posted a 59-35-14 record and guided the Eagles to unprecedented success, including the program's first NAIA postseason appearance in 2023. That season saw Williams Baptist finish 15-2-3, earn a victory in the opening round of the NAIA National Tournament, set a program record for wins, and close the year ranked No. 12 in the final NAIA Coaches' Poll.
Across his six seasons at Williams Baptist, Sitibaldi's teams produced 32 All-American Midwest Conference selections, including 16 First Team honorees, two AMC Newcomer of the Year awards, one AMC Freshman of the Year, and the 2022 AMC Player of the Year. His programs also emphasized academic excellence, placing 72 student-athletes on the AMC All-Academic list.
Sitibaldi began his coaching career at Williams Baptist as a student assistant before being promoted to assistant coach in 2016, laying the groundwork for his rise as a successful and respected head coach.
He takes over a Southeastern men's soccer program that has made four NAIA National Tournament appearances and is one year removed from winning the Sun Conference Tournament, positioning the Fire for continued success at the conference and national levels.
