ECU Soccer Names Sadin and Dowiak as Assistant Coaches

GREENVILLE, N.C. – Carter Sadin and Jake Dowiak have been tabbed assistant coaches for the East Carolina soccer program, Head Coach Emily Buccilla announced Monday.

Sadin, a Raleigh native and University of Lynchburg graduate, spent the past two seasons as a men's assistant coach and Director of Operations at UCF. With the Knights, he helped coach seven players to All-Conference honors as well as guiding Saku Heiskanen and Clarence Awoudor to 2023 Sun Belt Freshman and Newcomer of the Year recognition, respectively.

"We're thrilled to welcome Carter to our coaching staff," said Buccilla. "His energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to take on any challenge make him an invaluable addition to our team. He's eager to learn and grow, and that kind of mentality sets the tone for our program."

During that 2023 season, Sadin aided the Knights to the No. 1 ranking nationally, a first for any sport in UCF's history, before making the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Four players from that team earned All-Region recognitions for their efforts.

At UCF, Sadin helped seven players in their transition from the college to the professional ranks, including MLS Super Draft selection Anderson Rosa who was chosen 14th overall by the Colorado Rapids.

Prior to UCF, Sadin sent two seasons as an assistant coach at Oglethorpe University where he aided eight players to All-Conference recognitions, one to All-Region honors and guided Hayden Binfield to the SAA Defensive Player and Newcomer of the Year awards. The team finished the season 6-0-1 in conference play, winning the SAA Regular Season crown.

As a player, Sadin played as a forward on two ODAC Championship teams and one NCAA qualifying squad.

Dowiak comes to Greenville by way of St. Joe's where he spent three seasons as an assistant. While with the Hawks, he helped the team to the A-10 Semifinals in 2022 and 2024 while guiding two players to All-Rookie honors and one to First-Team All-Conference honors,

"Adding Jake to our staff is a huge win for our program." His tactical knowledge and experience will help take our team to the next level. He has a sharp mind for the game, and our players will benefit tremendously from his insights and leadership."

Dowiak came to Saint Joseph's after serving as an assistant coach with Rutgers-Camden's men's team in 2021. In his season with the Scarlet Raptors, Dowiak helped the program advance to the semifinals of the ECAC Championship, while four student-athletes garnered NJAC postseason honors.

Along with experience at the collegiate level, Dowiak has coached at the developmental level and high school ranks. Most recently serving as regional coach and camp coordinator for Steel United Soccer Club where he created sessions that focus on improving technical and tactical ability, and designed conditioning programs.

Previously, Dowiak has served as an assistant coach with the Ocean City Nor'easters and spent four years as the assistant director of coaching for the Cherry Hill Football Club. He also led the boys' soccer program as head coach of Bishop Eustace Preparatory for six years, leading the Crusaders to a pair of conference championships.

Dowiak earned a bachelor's degree in English at Rutgers-Camden.

"Together, Carter and Jake help us build a culture rooted in both hard work and high-level thinking, and I can't wait to see their impact on our team."

With their now-complete staff, the Pirates will enter the 2025 season looking to defend their 2024 American Athletic Conference Tournament Championship.

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