Souders Promoted to Associate Head CoachSouders Promoted to Associate Head Coach

Souders Promoted to Associate Head Coach

ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – The UCF men’s soccer head coach Scott Calabrese announced Wednesday the promotion of Paul Souders to associate head coach.

“I am excited to elevate Paul to the position of Associate Head Coach,” said Calabrese. “Paul is an exceptional coach and the care and quality of his work positively impacts the lives of our players and staff every day.”

Souders is in second season with the program after arriving to UCF in the spring of 2017 after Calabrese was announced as head coach. In his time with the Knights, Souders has helped lead UCF to 16 wins, with plenty of game left in the 2018 campaign.

“I am very grateful to be working here at UCF.  We have an incredible staff and an incredible group of players.  We have something really special going on with our program and being able to work for Scott and work alongside Jamie, Eddie, Mike Redd, Ryan, Joe Howard, and all of our support staff, is so enjoyable,” said Souders.

In his first season with the Knights, the squad went on a seven-game winning streak in the second half of the season and finished second in the conference tournament and the regular season.

“It’s nice to be trusted and thought of in a way where you are given that much responsibility,” added Souders. “It’s an exciting time at UCF and my family and I are so happy to be here in Central Florida.”

Souders has a considerable amount of coaching experience dating back to 2004 as a graduate assistant. Souders has spent time with the Dayton Flyers along with nine seasons at New Mexico prior to coming to UCF.

At New Mexico, 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 101-42-21 overall and 45-18-7 league mark during that span.

Calabrese coached Souders during his senior campaign at Clemson, which led to Souders playing in his fourth NCAA Tournament. He was a part of two NCAA Sweet 16 berths with the Tigers.