Steve Nugent named UNCG women's soccer coach
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Steve Nugent has been named the head women's soccer coach at UNCG, Director of Athletics Kim Record announced Tuesday. Nugent, formerly an assistant coach at the University of Georgia, will be the third head coach in school history. He takes over for longtime UNCG coach Eddie Radwanski, who left in December to become Clemson's head coach.
Nugent brings with him more than 21 years of coaching experience at various levels. Noted for his eye for talent, he has helped three different teams to four NCAA tournament berths and was on staff for a pair of NAIA national title-winning teams. In addition, he's had a hand in developing several full national team members from various countries.
"Steve Nugent brings a passion and work ethic to the Spartan soccer program which will complement our already strong foundation," Record said. "He has learned from many great coaches and taught many players who have had significant college, professional and national team success."
The last three years have seen Nugent help Georgia to a combined 37-23-6 record and a pair of NCAA tournament appearances. An assistant coach working with the goalkeepers and defense, he also coordinated team travel and the budget. During Nugent's tenure in Athens, Ga., the Bulldogs finished in the top 25 twice and spent several weeks in the rankings this season. He mentored former Georgia keeper Michelle Betos, who finished her career first in school history in wins and second in single-season saves. Georgia had 10 all-region selections in his tenure.
Prior to working at Georgia, Nugent spent the previous six years as the director of coaching for Team Boca in Boca Raton, Fla., and was named the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/adidas Girls Youth Competitive Division South Region Coach of the Year in 2005. Taking into account his 11-year tenure with Team Boca from 1989-2000, Nugent helped Team Boca to a combined 15 state championships in his two stints with the club. It was there that Nugent helped develop nine girls who would go on to be national team members for their respective countries.
Between stints with Team Boca, Nugent helped build Rice University's first-ever program from 2001-02. An assistant for the Owls, Nugent helped Rice qualify for the Western Athletic Conference tournament in its first year of competition.
Prior to working at Rice, Nugent was a graduate assistant at Florida State in 2000 and 2001. There, he helped the Seminoles to their first-ever NCAA berth, a trip to the NCAA round of 16 and the school's first postseason national ranking.
From 1994-97, Nugent was a volunteer assistant coach at Lynn University in Boca Raton. The Fighting Knights were highly successful during Nugent's tenure, winning NAIA national titles in 1994 and 1995 and finishing as the NCAA Division II runner-up in 1996.
Nugent holds an NSCAA Advanced National Diploma with Distinction, a U.S. Soccer "B" License and a US Youth Soccer National Youth License. He earned a bachelor's degree from Florida Atlantic in 1996.
Nugent and his wife, Janna, have three young sons: Trevor (4), Brady (2) and Connor (3 months).
"I want to give tremendous thanks to Kim Record, athletics director, and Rod Wyatt, associate athletics director, for all their hard work through this process," Nugent said. "This is an amazing, wonderful opportunity for me and my family. It's an athletic department that is very near and dear to my heart. I've enjoyed supporting the program over the years. Eddie and I have had a very strong relationship. We've been friends for a very long time. UNCG is a very special place. I'm honored to be chosen as the leader of the program going forward."
Nugent inherits a UNCG squad that went 19-2-1 last season, earning its first national ranking since 1998 and peaking at No. 10 in the nation. The Spartans went 11-0-0 in the Southern Conference, winning their fifth straight regular-season crown, and won their seventh SoCon tournament title to earn their ninth NCAA berth.
The team set school records for most wins and fewest losses and completed the first undefeated home record (9-0-0) in school history. UNCG also turned in a school-record 16-match winning streak and the senior class will graduate as the winningest class in program history. Three all-region performers return for the Spartans next season.
Nugent will assume his duties immediately.
What they're saying about Steve Nugent:
"Steve was an intricate part of my development as a soccer player and had a way of always making me excel in every area of my game. It was during my years of playing for him that I gained a greater knowledge of the game that set me up to play at the highest level. Steve is not just a coach, he is a great person and cares about the well-being of his players. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to play for him."
- Nandi Pryce, former member of the U.S. National Team
"The hiring of Steve Nugent is an excellent move by the UNC Greensboro administration. Eddie [Radwanski] did a fantastic job there of building UNCG into one of the powers of the South. I think Steve was the right person to come in and be able to continue that program moving in the right direction."
- Robbie Church, Duke head coach
"Steve is quite simply a tremendous coach. He has a great ability to create a positive student-athlete experience where players are both pushed and supported in their goals, individually and collectively. Steve's players love playing for him, and with good reason."
- Jon Lipsitz, Kentucky head coach
"Steve has an extensive background as both a club and college coach. He brings a rare perspective to the game and should be a successful recruiter immediately. His passion for the game will be contagious to his players. Coach Nugent cares about his players and genuinely wants them to be successful both on and off the field."
- Mark Krikorian, Florida State head coach
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