From Playgrounds to Championships: Charles De Santis and the Champlain Cavaliers
Well, well, well! If it isn’t Charles De Santis, the man who’s traded in his football boots for a whistle and a clipboard! Once a player for the illustrious Arsenal de Chambly, now a coaching dynamo with the Champlain Cavaliers – it’s a classic case of “If I can’t play, I’ll make sure the others can!” You know the saying, “Those who can’t do, coach!” – but let’s not go putting him in the same bracket as the guy who shouts “Encourage!” from the sidelines.
De Santis has been busy – not busy being the overbearing parent yelling from the sidelines, mind you – but busy developing young talent in the beautiful game. “I’ve done intervention on all ages,” he says, sounding suspiciously like a dad trying to use fancy terms to impress at a barbecue. But really, summer camps and soccer day camps? That’s like a culinary chef mentioning they once boiled an egg. Well, kudos to you, Charles! Not everyone can handle the pressure of asking kids to run in endless circles!
“From now on, we hope to go to the end!” – Charles De Santis
And speaking of hope, let’s chat about the Chambly Arsenal – now provincial superstars, as recognized by the elite. If you’re wondering what that means, it’s not a secret club for soccer ball aficionados; it means they can strut their stuff in bigger competitions. All thanks to some shrewd moves from the former general manager, Patrick Morin, who seems to have sprinkled a little fairy dust on the club. Poof! Instant credibility!
Charles isn’t just sitting pretty; he’s played the game himself. Captain of the Champlain Cavaliers and a proud addition to the CCAA Academic All-Canadian team – that’s right, we’re talking about athlete AND scholar! This guy didn’t just take the scenic route; he took the highway of higher education, careening into Bryant University like a soccer ball into a net.
And now? Oh, boy! A transition from player to coach that’s seen him guiding teams through the tumultuous waters of regional associations and bouncing back to Quebec like a well-aimed volley. There’s a flair for the dramatic here, folks, as he coaches and manages – the definition of “multi-tasking” if you ask me. It’s like being a parent to twenty kids at once, every moment a potential red card situation! Who knew coaching could be as nerve-wracking as a family dinner with all your exes?
Stunning Scenarios
Fast-forward to today, and the Champlain Cavaliers are having a season that could easily be a Netflix drama – “The Ups and Downs of Soccer Fame.” Charles led them to a brilliant fifth place finish in the standings, which is a bit like finishing fifth in a race when you were supposed to play Twister! But, lo and behold, the playoff magic happened: they won their quarterfinal match against Bois-de-Boulogne with a heart-stopping 3-2 score, featuring a dramatic comeback that had everyone on the edge of their seats—two goals in the last seven minutes! If that doesn’t give you goosebumps, I don’t know what will!
Then, as if straight out of a sports movie, they strung together another nail-biter against the previously undefeated Vanier, finishing again in a 3-2 victory. And what’s that? Another glorious victory against Saint-Hyacinthe, wrapping up at 3-2 and qualifying them for the Canadian Championship! I mean, that’s like getting an invite to the coolest party in town! Now, with the hope of going to the very end of this journey, you can just feel the excitement. “We hope to go to the end!” De Santis says – and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t root for this passionate coach and his cavalier crew?
So, here’s to Charles De Santis – a man who turned his passion for soccer into a full-fledged career, navigating through coaching and leading young talents toward championship glory. If anything, he’s proven that with the right combination of experience, strength, and just a hint of cheeky charm, anything is possible. Cheers, Charles! May your whistle always blow triumphantly!
Charles De Santis, a seasoned coach, is at the helm of the Champlain Cavaliers, a prominent team competing in the National College Soccer Championship. His rich background includes both playing and coaching at the renowned Arsenal de Chambly, illustrating his deep connection to the sport and the local community.
Having spent a significant portion of his personal and professional journey at the Chambly Arsenal, De Santis brings a wealth of experience to the Cavaliers. His tenure encompasses nearly a decade of coaching, where he specialized in nurturing young talents, particularly those aged 9 to 12 years. During his university studies, he enhanced his coaching skills by running summer camps and soccer day camps, instilling a love for the game in the next generation of players.
“From now on, we hope to go to the end! ” –Charles De Santis
Under De Santis’s leadership, the Chambly Arsenal has achieved provincial recognition, marking a significant milestone in its development and allowing the club to compete at more prestigious levels. “The club has evolved very consistently,” remarks the dedicated coach. Reflecting on his time there, he recalls that even a decade ago, the club had established solid programs that boasted a high registration rate, a testament to the efforts of former general manager Patrick Morin, whose contributions were vital to the club’s growth and success.
De Santis’s journey has been multifaceted, leading him to significant opportunities, including a standout career at Bryant University in Rhode Island. “I played with the Champlain Cavaliers for three seasons, earning the role of captain and receiving honors such as being named to the RSEQ team and recognized as a CCAA Academic All-Canadian. My three seasons in NCAA Division 1 were pivotal for my development, allowing me to complete my bachelor’s degree in marketing while competing at a high level.” Upon returning to Quebec, he gradually transitioned into coaching roles, focusing more on empowering athletes rather than competing himself.
A successful transition into coaching has seen De Santis thrive with the Champlain Cavaliers, steering them toward the National Collegiate Championship. His coaching career further flourished as he served as a regional technical assistant for three years at the Eastern Quebec Regional Association, where he collaborated with Sport-études groups and teams participating in the Quebec Games. Additionally, he managed the Division 2 college teams in Rivière-du-Loup before returning to the region this year. Currently, he also serves as the marketing director for the CS Roussillon soccer club while contributing as an assistant coach for the Champlain Cavaliers.
Stunning scenarios
Today, the Champlain Cavaliers have enjoyed a remarkable season, filled with thrilling moments, and are determined to finish strong. “We secured fifth place in the standings, qualifying us for the quarterfinals of the series. Our season was marked by its share of challenges, including several red cards across five matches, complicating our quest for victory.” Notable achievements include a comeback in the quarter-final against Bois-de-Boulogne, where they clinched a hard-fought 3-2 victory with two late goals in the final minutes. In an even more impressive feat, they triumphed over the previously undefeated Vanier team with another 3-2 win. That momentum carried forward to a final nail-biter against Saint-Hyacinthe, where a dramatic 3-2 victory secured their place in the Canadian Championship. “From now on, we hope to go to the end!” expresses De Santis, brimming with optimism for the future.
**Interview with Charles De Santis, Head Coach of the Champlain Cavaliers**
**Interviewer**: Charles, it’s great to have you here! From a player at Arsenal de Chambly to a coach at Champlain Cavaliers, how has your journey through football shaped your coaching philosophy?
**Charles De Santis**: Thank you! It’s been quite a ride. My experiences as a player taught me the importance of understanding each athlete’s individual journey. In coaching, I focus on developing not just skills but character. I want my players to push their limits but also enjoy the game.
**Interviewer**: You’ve been coaching for nearly a decade and have worked with young talent extensively. What have you gleaned from working with athletes aged 9 to 12?
**Charles De Santis**: Working with young players is incredibly rewarding. At that age, their passion is so pure. I’ve learned that encouragement and creating a fun atmosphere are key. By fostering that love for the game early on, we cultivate not just better players but better teammates and leaders.
**Interviewer**: The Champlain Cavaliers have had an exciting season, culminating in a remarkable playoff run. What do you think has been the key to the team’s recent success?
**Charles De Santis**: Our success has really come from a collective effort. The players have shown immense resilience and a willingness to learn. Those dramatic comebacks—particularly the ones against Bois-de-Boulogne and Vanier—demonstrate their tenacity. We focus on mental strength as much as physical ability, and it’s paying off.
**Interviewer**: Speaking of comebacks, your team has exhibited some serious drama on the field this season. How do you keep your players composed during those high-pressure moments?
**Charles De Santis**: Communication is crucial. I always remind them to stick to our game plan and play as a unit, regardless of the score. We practice scenarios that mimic high-pressure situations, so when the moment comes, they’re prepared to take it in stride.
**Interviewer**: It sounds like you’re building more than just a soccer team; you’re creating a family. What are your hopes for the Cavaliers as you move forward in this championship run?
**Charles De Santis**: My hope is that we continue to grow together and aim for the highest level we can achieve. “From now on, we hope to go to the end!” It’s not just about winning; it’s about making memories that will last a lifetime and developing skills that will serve them in the future, on and off the pitch.
**Interviewer**: It’s inspiring to hear your passion for both soccer and your players. What legacy do you want to leave as a coach at Champlain?
**Charles De Santis**: I want to cultivate a culture of excellence and integrity. I hope that my players remember the invaluable lessons they learned—not just about soccer, but about teamwork, dedication, and perseverance. If they carry that into their futures, then I’ll consider my work a success.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Charles! Wishing you and the Champlain Cavaliers all the best in your championship quest. Keep up the great work!
**Charles De Santis**: Thank you for having me! Let’s hope for some more thrilling matches ahead!
