Max Watson
Head Coach
Max Watson is an accomplished and highly regarded head coach with deep ties to New York City soccer. As the Men’s Head Coach at the University of Mount Saint Vincent, he brings a wealth of experience in player development, program building, and innovative coaching strategies. Recognized on the United Soccer Coaches "30 Under 30" list, Watson has quickly established himself as a dynamic leader in the collegiate and youth soccer landscape.
Before joining UMSV, Watson led SUNY Maritime’s men’s soccer program, where he transformed the team from a three-win season to a seven-win campaign in just two years. His ability to build winning cultures and recruit top talent was evident as he secured 15 new players across two freshman classes while also raising nearly $20,000 in program funding. Prior to that, he made his Division I coaching debut at Virginia Military Institute (VMI), where he achieved the highest team GPA in seven seasons, introduced cutting-edge data analytics and sports science, and led the program to its best win total in over a decade.
Watson’s coaching journey also includes a three-year tenure at the University of Mary Washington, where he earned a Master of Business Administration while serving on the coaching staff. Beyond the college level, he has extensive club and scouting experience, currently acting as the Assistant Director of Coaching and College Events Coordinator at Downtown United Soccer Club while also scouting for DC United’s Academy. He holds a USSF “B” License and an Advanced National Diploma, further solidifying his expertise in elite player development.
A former standout player himself, Watson won a Centennial Conference Championship with Franklin & Marshall College, shaping his deep understanding of the game from both a player and coaching perspective. Now, he continues to drive excellence at UMSV, bringing his strategic vision, player-first approach, and relentless pursuit of success to the program.