EMORY, Va. – The Emory & Henry
College Athletic Department and Director of AthleticsMyra
Sims are pleased to announce that Robert
Richardson has been selected as the College's new
Head Men's Soccer Coach.
"I am so pleased that we have been able to hire a mature and
experienced coach like Robert. He brings a wealth of
experience from coaching in a variety of different settings and he
has earned respect at every coaching stop along his
path," said Sims.
Richardson comes to E&H after serving as an Assistant Coach at
Brevard College for the past year. While with the Tornadoes,
Richardson was involved in all facets of the operation of the men's
soccer program with an emphasis on recruiting, training and
administration. He also worked closely with BC's women's soccer
team, training goalkeepers and assisting with the team's tryout
process.
"I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to become the head
men's soccer coach at Emory & Henry College," said
Richardson. "From the moment I set foot on the beautiful
campus, I immediately felt at home, welcomed by everyone I met and
part of the community. I wish to express my gratitude to Director
of Athletics Myra Sims and all those involved in the search process
for allowing me this opportunity."
Prior to Brevard, Richardson was an assistant at Earlham College
in Indiana for the 2011 season where he helped lead the Quakers to
a NCAC title game appearance. He was an assistant coach with
Tusculum College in 2010 and saw the Pioneers' goalkeeper rank
ninth in Division II in saves.
Richardson got his start in college coaching with a three-year
stint at Earlham in 2007-10. The team posted its best three-year
period since the late 1990's as he was responsible for recruiting,
training and scouting of opponents.
"Other coaches and staff members, along with several of our
current players, met him when he interviewed and all expressed
great confidence in him. Everyone spoke of his mature and calm
demeanor, and his well-developed plan for moving our program
forward," Sims continued. "Several of our
current players or incoming freshmen had been recruited by him
previously and spoke highly of the work he did with them in that
effort."
Prior to his start in the collegiate ranks, Richardson coached at
the club level both in the United States and England. He held the
position of Area Director from 2000-04 with United Soccer Academy
in New Jersey, coaching multiple intramural and travel teams.
"The opportunity to join such a well-respected academic
institution, known for its community service and compete in the
ODAC is one that I could not be more thrilled
about,"Richardson went on to say. "My goal is for the
program is to develop young men that will strive for excellence in
the classroom, on the soccer field, and in all aspects of
life."
Richardson holds coaching licenses from the English and Scottish
FA's, the United States Soccer Federation and the National Soccer
Coaches Association of America.
"I feel confident that Robert will work tirelessly in recruiting,
will provide stability to the program, will effectively mentor the
young men in the program both on and off the field, and will
ultimately help us achieve a high level of competitive success,"
Sims added.
A native of Seaham, County Durham, England, Richardson earned a
bachelor of sport science degree in sport management from the
United States Sports Academy.
--- This release is
courtesy of the Emory & Henry College sports information
department. ---
www.gowasps.com