Jake Schindler: “As being a part of the Lancers family for 11 years I’m very lucky to build off the hard work of Doug Miller and all the previous coaches and staff.” (Photo courtesy of the Lancers)
Jake Schindler was named the head coach of Rochester Lancers indoor team, the club announced on Monday morning.
The former team captain will direct Lancers2 in Major Arena Soccer League 2, aka M2 as the second division of indoor soccer.
Schindler succeeds Doug Miller as Lancers head indoor coach. Miller is focusing on his youth soccer program inside and outside of the Rochester area.
An Irondequoit, N.Y. native, Schindler is a 10-year veteran of indoor pro soccer, having started his career with the 2011 Lancers.
He will direct the team in what the club called a “boutique arena” style season, that will have invite-only access at Rochester Regional Health Total Sports Experience facility in East Rochester, N.Y.
“Schindler’s experience on the field as team captain has already positioned himself as a great mentor and leader,” Lancers organization owner SoccerSam Fantauzzo said in a statement. “He will make an excellent coach and we are so excited for the upcoming season.”
Schindler also played for the Syracuse Silver Knights, Utica City FC and the Florida Tropics in the MASL. He returned to play for the Lancers MASL team in 2021 but was loaned to the Florida Tropics after Rochester opted out of the 2021 indoor season due to the COVID-19. He returned to Utica City for the 2021-22 season. He was named an MASL all-star with Utica City.
“I’m honored and excited to take over as the head coach of the Rochester Lancers,” Schindler said in a statement. “As being a part of the Lancers family for 11 years I’m very lucky to build off the hard work of Doug Miller and all the previous coaches and staff. Thanks to Sam, Kayla [Kent-Moreira] and Ashley [King] for trusting me in managing this team and my wife for continuing to let me pursue my dreams. I fully expect to be competing for a championship and am excited for the hard work ahead.”
Added Kayla Kent-Moreira, the president of soccer operations and team owner: “The Lancers have a loyal and loud fan base. We expect this announcement as Jake joining the coaching staff to be supported and celebrated by all of our amazing fans.”
The club wants to use this Lancers2 season to help develop local players and kick open doors of opportunity to help players fulfill their soccer dreams.
“We are all about local here at the Lancers,” said Ashley King, the president of business operations. “Jake is a local superstar that has dedicated his efforts to this sport and this community. He will do a fantastic job guiding and educating these young players to follow his footsteps and take their game to the next level.”
Schindler and his wife Laura have a daughter, Blakely, and are expecting another daughter due in January.
“The Lancers organization is a family, and we are honored that Jake and his family have joined us this season,” Fantauzzo said. “For years we’ve announced him onto the field as Jake The Snake or Earthquake Jake. I now have to come up with a head coach nickname!”
All Lancers2 home games will stream live on LancersTV. Home game attendance will be limited to exclusive invite-only season ticket holders, sponsors and community leaders. The team will play six away games starting in January and six home games in Rochester starting at the end of February. The M2 league schedule will be announced soon.
