Charlie Inverso is one of the greatest coaches to ever set foot on the West Windsor campus. He has the statistics to prove it. As the head coach of the Mercer Vikings Men’s Soccer team for 24 years (1986-2009), Charlie led them to five national championships (1988, 1991, 1995, 1996, 2004) and amassed a 434-46-14 record. His winning percentage remains the highest of any Men’s Soccer coach in NJCAA history. In 1988 (23-0-1) and 1991 (24-0-0), Mercer’s Men’s Soccer teams went undefeated en route to National Championship trophies. During his 24-year tenure at Mercer, 18 of his teams participated in the NJCAA National Soccer Tournament.
“Being associated with one of the most influential coaches in the soccer community came with unspoken rewards,” stated longtime member of Inverso’s coaching staff at Mercer and Rider University, Larry Povia. “Charlie’s coaching produced not only winners on the field, but planted the seed in young men to succeed in life. He pushed his staff to reinforce those standards in both athletics and academics.”
“You don’t coach along side someone for 30+ years unless there is some kind of connection,” added Povia.
Coach Inverso brought international attention to Mercer County and student-athletes who would go on to make significant contributions not only in the soccer arena, but in life. Over 150 of his players graduated from Mercer or transferred to four-year schools and 40 went on to become college or high school coaches. Between his time at Mercer and the past decade as the head coach at Rider University, 16 former players have gone on to play at the professional level nationally and internationally.
Inverso still resides in Robbinsville with his wife Lynne (nee Ashmen), daughter Hailey and son CJ.
