EMORY, Va. – The Emory & Henry College Athletic Department and Director of Athletics Myra 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.
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