Former professional soccer player to lead Pellissippi State men’s team

Tizaf comes to Pellissippi State after spending a season as an assistant coach at Young Harris College in Georgia and five seasons as head coach at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Indiana. He was instrumental in establishing the school's men's soccer program and was named Coach of the Year by the United States Collegiate Athletic Association in 2019.

"It's a privilege to contribute to a tradition of excellence and to work with a group of talented athletes," Tizaf said. "My commitment is to not only pursue success on the field, but also to foster a culture of integrity, teamwork, and academic achievement. Together we will strive to reach new heights and make a lasting impact on these student-athletes."

Tizaf is a former professional soccer player with KACM in Marrakech, Morocco, and also served as an international admissions counselor at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. He also will be serving Pellissippi State as a student success coordinator in the college's Stay Strong Success Center, which helps students navigate the many transitions and challenges they may encounter during their college experience.

Tizaf has advanced degrees in leadership development, and physical education - coaching soccer and recreation and sport management. He is also a member of the Faith-Based Coaches Strategy Team, which emphasizes the integration of soccer with one's spiritual life.  

"It's a great day to be a Pellissippi State Panther," said Pellissippi State Athletics Director Brock Evans. "Coach Tizaf stood out from the very beginning of this search as a top-notch candidate to lead our men's soccer team on and off the field. After many conversations with Abe, I am confident in his ability to lead this program into the new era of Pellissippi State Athletics."

The Pellissippi State Panthers men's soccer team finished its inaugural season with a record of 11-3-2. The team's fall 2024 schedule will be announced at a later date on www.PSCCPanthers.com and on the team's social media channels @PSCCMSOC and @PSCCPanthers