POTSDAM, N.Y.—SUNY Potsdam men's soccer coach Adam Parker has announced that Bears standout and May graduate Tom Benedetto '16 will serve as his assistant for the upcoming 2016 season. He replaces two-year assistant Andrew Knight.

"I'm excited to have an alum of the program as my assistant for the first time since I became coach," said Parker. "Tom played for a lot of good club coaches growing up. He always had a great mind for the game as a player and I'm happy to have him remaining in the program."

Benedetto served as team captain in 2015, helping guide Potsdam to a school record 10 wins and the program's third straight playoff appearance. In his four years with the Bears, Benedetto played in 71 games with 64 starts. He set the program record with 24 assists. The Queensbury, N.Y. native also tallied nine goals, placing him fifth on Potsdam's career scoring list with 42 points. Benedetto's Class of 2016 won 32 games in four seasons, more than any other in the program's 59 years.

Prior to coming to Potsdam, Benedetto was a two-year member of the Foothills Council All-Star first team as well as a two-time Post Star All-Area team, with first and second team selections.

Benedetto earned his bachelor's in business administration and management as well as an associate's degree in music business this spring.

The Bears kick off the 2016 campaign at the Plattsburgh Cardinal Classic with a first round matchup against Medaille College at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 2.