ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – UCF head coach Scott Calabrese announced on Monday the addition of Paul Souders as an assistant coach. The two-time NSCAA Far West Region Assistant Coach of the Year spent the past nine seasons at perennial-power New Mexico.
"I'm really excited to have Paul join us here at UCF," Calabrese said. "Paul brings the experience of working in championship programs and the standards that go hand in hand with those environments. He is one of the most committed, hardworking and ethical individuals that I know in college soccer. His dedication and ability to connect with the student-athletes that he works with will make a big impact on our players."
During a nine-year stint with the Lobos, Souders helped the program to three NCAA Sweet 16 appearances, including a run to the 2013 NCAA College Cup in Philadelphia, Pa. New Mexico's success includes qualifying for five NCAA Tournaments, four conference championships and an undefeated (18-0-4) campaign in 2011. The Lobos posted a 112-48-23 overall and 52-21-7 league mark during that span.
"I am very excited to be joining Coach Calabrese and Coach [Will] Clayton at UCF," Souders sadid. "I have known Coach Calabrese for a long time and we have often talked about working together. It so happens that the opportunity is now and I cannot wait to get to Orlando and start working with our student-athletes."
While serving as associate head coach over the past seven campaigns, Souders was responsible for recruiting, academics, scheduling and coaching the offensive attack at New Mexico.
Academics are a point of emphasis for Souders, who aided the Lobos to a program-record 3.43 grade point average in the fall of 2013. He mentored two-time COSIDA Academic All-America selection Levi Rossi and NSCAA Scholar Athlete Kyle Venter. Lobo student-athletes have also earned eight COSIDA Academic All-Region and 27 academic all-conference honors under his guidance.
"I am fortune to have worked for two great coaches in Jeremy Fishbein at New Mexico and Dennis Currier at Dayton," Souders added. "I am excited to bring the championship experience I gained as both a player and coach to UCF. I feel this is incredible time for soccer in the city of Orlando and the time was perfect to get on board with the Knights."
Prior to arriving at New Mexico, Souders spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Dayton, helping the Flyers to a 27-18-11 overall record. During his tenure, four former Flyers who have played professionally in North America and Europe.
Dayton finished the 2007 campaign 10-4-5 overall and advanced to the opening round of the 2007 Atlantic 10 Men's Soccer Championship. The Flyers completed the season on a six-game unbeaten streak, had two players selected to the All-Atlantic 10 and NSCAA Middle Atlantic Region teams and finished No. 8 in the regional rankings.
The Dallas, Texas, native earned a bachelor's degree in secondary education at Clemson. Calabrese coached Souders during his senior campaign, which led to Souders playing in his fourth NCAA Tournament. He was a part of two NCAA Sweet 16 berths with the Tigers.
"I had great respect for Paul as a player, in particular, his incredible commitment to his teammates and very professional approach to his preparation," Calabrese said. "He carries those qualities into his coaching."
Souders also played in the U-23 United States Olympic Pool. He also has coaching experience with the New Mexico State U-16 team and served as a graduate assistant in 2004.
The Knights are currently training a apart of their spring schedule. The slate of matches for the spring is set to be released next week.