Hall of Fame
Nickola “Nick” Zlatar served as the head men’s soccer coach of Kingsborough Community College from 1971-1976, and after the 1976 season served as the assistant director of the program until 1980. During Nick’s 10 years working for Kingsborough athletics, he left a lasting impression on the entire program, not just the soccer team. As the soccer coach, Nick’s goal was not only to succeed in the win column, but ultimately to help the young men of his team get scholarships to senior colleges and continue their education after leaving KCC. Nick achieved his goal as each year at least 3 of his team members earned a scholarship to continue studying and playing soccer on the senior college level. Nick also made it a priority to teach his young men good character in the tumultuous state of New York City in the mid to late 1970’s. One of Nick’s biggest contributions to NYC junior college soccer was his establishing of an all-star game between CUNY junior colleges and other junior colleges in the area.
Nick’s passion for soccer eventually earned him national acclaim in the world of soccer. He has served on the National Soccer Coaches Association of America as the chairman of the coach of the year committee and was a clinician at the annual coaches’ convention as well. For 30 years, Nick was a coach for the United States National Soccer team and coached the East Region Olympic Team during five events. After coaching, Nick also has done color commentary on television.
We thank Nick for his years of service to KCC athletics, commend him on his efforts to take interest in the well-being of his team members as young men, and applaud him on his national success and recognition in the world of soccer. It is our honor to induct Nick Zlatar into the KCC Athletics Hall of Fame as a member of its inaugural class.
