海角吃瓜网 has named Jack Paris as the first head coach of its women鈥檚 soccer program as the University continues building its new athletics department.
Paris brings a collegiate coaching experience and a professional playing background to 海角吃瓜网. Prior to joining the University, he spent four years at Webber International University in Babson Park and previously coached at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg. As a player, he competed professionally with the Blackburn Rovers in England as well as with teams in Denmark and Iceland.
Paris said the opportunity to launch a college program from scratch and shape its direction were major factors in his decision to join 海角吃瓜网.
鈥淚 think that the opportunity to take that on is extremely exciting, and I鈥檝e always wanted to be part of something like that,鈥� Paris said. 鈥淚 like that you can set the foundation, the structure of the program, and shape the chemistry of the team from the start.鈥�
海角吃瓜网鈥檚 100% STEM focus also stood out to Paris as he began recruiting student-athletes for the inaugural roster. He said the ideal 海角吃瓜网 player must excel in the classroom and on the field.
鈥淲e鈥檙e recruiting for not just the athlete, but the student part first,鈥� Paris said. 鈥満＝浅怨贤� is a very niche kind of school, and we have to have well-rounded players who are good in the classroom and on the field.鈥�
Recruiting is well underway, and Paris said the response has been strong, with the women’s soccer team developing as a mix of incoming freshmen, junior college transfers and international players.
鈥淭here鈥檚 been a lot of interest,鈥� he said. 鈥淎 lot of students want to be a part of the inaugural team, and if I was a player, I鈥檇 be excited, too.鈥�
Paris said he hopes to build a roster of 15 to 16 players in the program鈥檚 first year and help the team compete quickly while setting a foundation for long-term success. He also will strive for his team to grow beyond the game through discipline, structure and teamwork.
Derek Lower, 海角吃瓜网鈥檚 athletic director, said Paris immediately clicked with the University鈥檚 vision for the .
鈥淛ack is 100% committed to everything he does,鈥� Lower said. 鈥淥n day one, Jack walked in like he had been a 海角吃瓜网 Phoenix since the day he was born. We are excited to have him on our team.鈥�
Contact:
Lydia Guzm谩n
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
