May 16, 2007
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.UCFAthletics.com) - UCF head men's soccer coach Bryan Cunningham announced on Wednesday the promotion of assistant coach Paul Nagy to recruiting coordinator and the hiring of former Duquesne standout Stephen Mellor as assistant coach effective immediately.
Nagy joined the Knights' staff in 2005 as a goalkeeper coach before being promoted to full-time assistant coach in the fall of 2006. Last season, his main responsibility continued to be the training of the UCF goalkeepers, but he also assisted all aspects of practices and program administration.
Prior to arriving in Orlando, Nagy served as a volunteer coach at his alma mater Saint Louis University in addition to TCU and LeMoyne. As a player, he helped the Billikens win four Conference USA Championships and advance to the semifinals of the 1997 NCAA College Cup. He received all-conference honors as a senior and finished his career with 12 shutouts and a 1.07 goals-against-average.
After graduation, Nagy signed a contract with the A-League's Hershey Wildcats then trained with Major League Soccer's Dallas Burn before playing for the Syracuse Salty Dogs. He was named the team's Defensive MVP in 2003 and Fan Favorite in 2004.
During his first year with the Knights, Nagy mentored Ryan McIntosh, who finished the 2005 season ranked first in saves and second in save percentage in C-USA. McIntosh then entered into a developmental contract with the MLS' D.C. United in the spring of 2006.
During 2006, Nagy guided goalkeepers Brian Pope and Marcus Rein as the duo ended the season with a combined five shutouts and a 1.42 goals-against-average against Conference USA rivals.
"Paul has played an essential role in the development of our goalkeepers and the UCF team as whole during his previous two seasons," said Cunningham, who was promoted to Knights' head coach position in late February. "I feel confident that he can continue to contribute to the team's growth on the conference, regional and national level."
Mellor becomes a part of the UCF staff after serving as a youth soccer coach in the Philadelphia, Pa. area. He recently guided the Under-9 boys' team at the TE Soccer Club and also helped create the Youth Soccer Center in conjunction with Barcelona FC and Nike. He was also assistant coach of the Under-17 boys' for the PSC (Philadelphia Soccer Club) Coppa.
In addition, Mellor also played professionally for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds of the United Soccer League.
A forward, Mellor played collegiate soccer for one season at Appalachian State, during the time that Cunningham served as assistant coach. As a Mountaineer, he was named a CollegeSoccerNews.com Freshman All-America selection and also earned Second-team All-Southern Conference honors.
Prior to his sophomore season, Mellor transferred to Duquesne, where he received First-Team All-Atlantic 10 honors and Third-Team All-Mid-Atlantic Region recognition from National Soccer Coaches Association of America as a senior. He currently owns the Dukes record for game-winning goals in season, while he is ranked second all-time in assists (17) and third all-time in both goals (20) and points (57).
"I am excited to have Stephen join our staff," said Cunningham. "He is one of my former players and brings a strong playing background and excellent recruiting ties to the Northeast that will make him a tremendous asset to our program. He has a true passion for this profession is committed to the overall growth of UCF soccer."
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