ABINGTON, Pa – David Castellanos, the most successful head coach in Penn State Abington history, has stepped down to accept the assistant men's soccer coaching position at Division I Drexel University.

Castellanos coached for 14 seasons at Penn State Abington and notched a 142-98-21 record, including an 84-50-12 mark since the institution became an NCAA Division III member in 2012. He is the only coach in school history to lead the Nittany Lions to multiple Division III playoff appearances as they captured the North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) championship and the conference's automatic berth in both 2017 and 2018.

In total, Castellanos led Penn State Abington to seven NEAC tournament berths and three regular-season titles while 74 Nittany Lions received all-NEAC recognition. The Nittany Lions were also selected to compete in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) postseason on four occasions.

"When I first came to Abington 14 years ago, I never could have imagined how great and exciting this journey would have been," Castellanos said. "This transformation was not easy and it took great commitment and effort from all. Together, we were able to achieve our goals.

"Thank you to all my players, those current and past, who worked extremely hard every day to help Penn State Abington succeed. Each of you have had a part in shaping my personal and coaching career, and I will cherish all of the relationships we have made along the way. I wish nothing but the best for Penn State Abington, the athletic department and the men's soccer program. Thank you for the memories. We are… Penn State!"

The 2017 and 2018 campaigns were the pinnacle of Castellanos' success with the Nittany Lions as the team went 26 consecutive games (postseason included) without a loss in NEAC competition. In 2017, the squad went 15-7 overall and 10-0 in the NEAC for the regular-season crown. They then won all three tournament games by shutout at home for the first conference championship and NCAA appearance. Castellanos was named the NEAC Coach of the Year for a second straight season while Andrew Costa was the conference's Defensive Player of the Year.

The next season, Castellanos guided Penn State Abington to a 14-6-1 overall record while going 10-0-1 and taking home another regular-season title in the NEAC. Needing just two wins to repeat as conference champions, the Nittany Lions took a pair of one-goal triumphs at home to once again advance to the NCAA tournament. Jose Palomeque was selected as the NEAC Player of the Year.

Last year, Castellanos and Penn State Abington overcame a host of injuries to notch a 10-7 overall record while returning to the NEAC tournament as a No. 2 seed with an 8-4 league mark. Their reign as champions came to an end in the semifinals, but Hernando Villamil took home the NEAC Player of the Year award. Palomeque was recognized for his work in the classroom with a spot on the Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area Team.

"David Castellanos will be greatly missed not only by the young men he mentors, but by the entire Penn State Abington community," Penn State Abington Director of Athletics Deb Solfaro said.  "He's been a role model and confidant to fellow coaches, has set the bar for all to uphold and has been a great department member. David created a program culture committed to athletic, academic and personal success that will thrive for years to come.  To say that we will miss him is a serious understatement.

"David is receiving a tremendous opportunity to benefit from the wisdom and experience of Head Coach Michael Marchiano and, in turn, Coach gains a loyal, knowledgeable, motivated and team oriented assistant coach.  It's a great match and we wish David all the best.  Needless to say, Drexel University men's soccer has gained a legion of Abington soccer fans - good luck!"

Castellanos is a former Division I student-athlete and national champion as he was part of the University of Connecticut team that captured the 2000 NCAA men's soccer title. He had an assist in the title win over Creighton University.

Penn State Abington will immediately begin a search for Castellanos' successor.