Coach Preziosa is a Slam Dunk for QCC Sports

The new Men’s Basketball Coach, John Preziosa, is no stranger to success. He has a long list of accolades as a coach that include winning the NJCAA Region 21 championship with Bunker Hill Community College, turning a 1-23 record to a 17-11 record at Wheelock College, and winning the MASCAC championship with Salem State University. Even with the glory of all those wins, he stays humble and acknowledges how fortunate he has been to work with great coaches along the way.

“I have learned a ton from every single coach I’ve worked with…I’m a firm believer that every person you meet has something to teach you,” he said.

John started his higher education journey at Bunker Hill Community College, earning the Most Improved Player Award on the basketball team in addition to an associate degree. Later he returned to Bunker Hill, this time as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach, where he led the school to their first regional championship. He was also named the 2005 Region 21 Coach of the Year. These experiences gave John a real insight and appreciation for community colleges, so he knew QCC would be a perfect fit.

As QCC’s coach, John believes college sports should focus on academics first, with the reward being “an opportunity to be part of something only a small fraction of athletes are privileged enough to do after high school.”

Being a college athlete teaches students discipline and time management, which are both critical for success while navigating higher education and in the workforce. He also noted that QCC has a wide range of resources that many of the players have utilized, such as the College’s Math Center and Writing Center.

John’s favorite part of coaching is building relationships with players and fellow coaches.

“I try my best to be a ‘present’ leader for my players long after they stop playing,” he said.

Watching players grow and learn has been a joy both at work and at home. John’s two sons, Marino and Gino, play basketball and he has been their coach at various times throughout their education.

“To say sports have played a huge role in our family is an understatement. The experiences and the lessons learned that come with being a part of a team are invaluable,” he continued. And the team would not be complete without the MVP of the family: John’s wife, Gina.

“She keeps us all in line,” he added.

If he was not coaching basketball, John says he would own a food truck that specializes in peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. While we would love to see what spin he could put on that classic, we are happy to have him here leading the Wyverns.

His message to anyone considering joining the team: “Come on down and try out!  Playing a sport in college is a great compliment to the overall experience.”

Make sure to check out the QCC's Sports TV to see the Men's Basketball team in action.