Bowling Green State University Athletics
Hall of Fame
Palmisano, Gary
Gary Palmisano
- Induction:
- 1998
- Class:
- 1974
Gary Palmisano earned two letters (1972-73) as a member of the Falcon soccer program posting a 15-3-2 record as a goalkeeper helping the Falcons to NCAA Tournament berths both seasons, the first two appearances in the history of the program.
He began his coaching career in 1975 as a graduate assistant coach under Mickey Cochrane at Bowling Green and after two additional seasons as a part-time assistant coach, Palmisano was tabbed to replace Cochrane as the head coach in 1978 after Cochrane's retirement.
In 10 of his 16 seasons at the helm, the Falcons won 10 or more matches as the Commack, N.Y. native posted a sparkling 172-97-25 (62.8%) record. His 1992 squad posted a 15-2-1 mark and earned the highest national ranking in the history of the program, a #3 ranking, and finished the season ranked ninth in the nation.
He was named the Mideast Coach of the Year twice (1992 and 1983) and was the Ohio Collegiate Soccer Association Coach of the Year three times (1992, 1987, 1983). He was also one of the driving forces behind soccer being recognized as a MAC sport in 1993. He coached five All-Americans and a like number of Academic All-Americans during his career.
He spent more than a year working at the Detroit venue for the 1994 World Cup as the director of operations and deputy venue executive director. He did not coach in 1993, but returned for the 1994 season before his sudden and unexpected death on Dec. 8, 1994.
Gary Palmisano was elected to the BGSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998.
He began his coaching career in 1975 as a graduate assistant coach under Mickey Cochrane at Bowling Green and after two additional seasons as a part-time assistant coach, Palmisano was tabbed to replace Cochrane as the head coach in 1978 after Cochrane's retirement.
In 10 of his 16 seasons at the helm, the Falcons won 10 or more matches as the Commack, N.Y. native posted a sparkling 172-97-25 (62.8%) record. His 1992 squad posted a 15-2-1 mark and earned the highest national ranking in the history of the program, a #3 ranking, and finished the season ranked ninth in the nation.
He was named the Mideast Coach of the Year twice (1992 and 1983) and was the Ohio Collegiate Soccer Association Coach of the Year three times (1992, 1987, 1983). He was also one of the driving forces behind soccer being recognized as a MAC sport in 1993. He coached five All-Americans and a like number of Academic All-Americans during his career.
He spent more than a year working at the Detroit venue for the 1994 World Cup as the director of operations and deputy venue executive director. He did not coach in 1993, but returned for the 1994 season before his sudden and unexpected death on Dec. 8, 1994.
Gary Palmisano was elected to the BGSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998.
Emme Butera Post-Match Interview (Sept. 14, 2025)
Monday, September 15
Chris Fox Post-Match Interview (Sept. 14, 2025)
Monday, September 15
Emma Stransky Post-Match Interview (Sept. 14, 2025)
Monday, September 15
BG Football Postgame 9.13 vs Liberty
Sunday, September 14
