Sam Maira

Sam Maira is an assistant coach and goalkeeper coach for Princeton University men’s soccer, entering his fifth season with the Tigers after joining the program in 2021. During his tenure, Princeton has enjoyed sustained success, including an Ivy League Championship in 2021, an Ivy League Tournament title in 2024, and NCAA Tournament appearances in both seasons. Known for his experience-driven approach and emphasis on personal development, Maira has been a key figure in mentoring Princeton’s goalkeepers while contributing to the broader culture and competitiveness of the program under head coach Jim Barlow. Prior to Princeton, Maira built an extensive and highly decorated coaching career at the high school and collegiate levels. He spent 19 seasons as head coach at Seneca High School in New Jersey, guiding the Golden Eagles to multiple conference titles and the 2018 South Jersey championship. His resume also includes head coaching roles at Shawnee High School and Riverside High School, where his teams captured league and sectional championships. Maira’s excellence has been widely recognized, earning induction into both the South Jersey Soccer Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the Mercer County Soccer Hall of Fame, along with multiple Coach of the Year honors from regional and statewide organizations. Maira also brings collegiate and professional experience, having served as goalkeeper coach at Rider University and William & Mary, as well as with the South Jersey Barons of the USL Pro League. A 1980 graduate of Rutgers University, he was a four-year letterwinner and team captain for the Scarlet Knights and later named to Rutgers’ All-Time All-Star Team. His lifelong connection to the goalkeeper position and decades of coaching leadership continue to shape Princeton men’s soccer at the Ivy League and national level.