Roberto Pellegrini joins the Georgia Southern women’s soccer team for the 2016 season as a graduate assistant coach.
A native of Rome, Italy and a dual citizen of both Italy and the Czech Republic, Pellegrini comes to Statesboro after playing professionally in Prague for AC Sparta Praha (Prague) fotball, a.s., one of the most successful soccer organizations in the Czech Republic. He was a goalkeeper on both the first team and reserve squad for his two seasons with AC Sparta Prague. The organization is a member of the Czech First League, the country’s top level of soccer and part of the UEFA confederation.
Prior to his stint in the professional ranks, Pellegrini was a four-year starter between the pipes for Hofstra University. During his time with the Pride, he appeared in 41 game and made 39 starts, compiling a record of 18-18-5, including 10 shutouts, with a goals-against average (GAA) of 1.47. He ended his career with 176 saves. Twice he finished the season with a GAA below 1.20, including a 1.19 GAA as a freshman during the 2010 season where he started eight games and made 36 saves compared to 10 goals surrendered. He played in a career-best 18 matches, including 17 starts, in 2011, recording 92 saves compared to 32 goals against.
Before his collegiate career, Pellegrini was a member of the Czech Republic Under-19 national team during the 2009-10 season. He won the 2008-09 Czech Republic U-19 National Title with AC Sparta Praha. From 2002-05, he played for AS Roma, the top Italian youth soccer club.
Pellegrini holds a UEFA C Coaching License.
