A four-time soccer All-New England pick (1972-1975), Massood Abolfazli '76 capped his impressive playing career earning All-American honors as a senior in 1975. He returned to Clark’s Athletic Department in 1978 for a 10-year stint as head coach of the men’s soccer program. He also was Clark’s first full-time sports information director from 1981-1987.
As men’s soccer coach, Abolfazli led Clark to its most successful season in school history. Under his direction, the team was selected to five consecutive post-season tournaments from 1983-1987. In 1983, the Cougars posted an undefeated 14-0-2 record as the only undefeated Division III team in the nation. Clark capped the season by winning the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) New England Championship. One year later, Abolfazli’s squad won the ECAC Overall Championship, becoming the first New England team to win that title. The Cougars twice advanced to the NCAA Northeast Regional Championship game in 1985 and 1987. Abolfazli was selected by his peers as the 1986 New England Division III Coach of the Year.
A member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society, Abolfazli graduated cum laude from Clark in 1976 with a bachelor of arts degree in political science. Two years later, he earned a master of arts degree at Tufts University's Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. Abolfazli also earned a master's degree in Clark’s international development and social change program.
Abolfazli remains active in coaching, serving as a volunteer assistant for the Clark women’s team as well as with the Fuller Hamlets Soccer Club in Sutton. He currently is the director of marketing for Allenbrook/AMS, Inc. in Lowell, Mass.
Massood and his wife Dawn McCabe have three children: Cameron, Laina, and Aidan.
PRESENTER: Tim Welch '83 (former soccer player)
