Watson To Take Over Men’s Soccer Program

NEW PALTZ, NY — SUNY New Paltz Director of Athletics, Stuart Robinson, has announced the hiring of Mr. Eric Watson as its new head men’s soccer coach. Watson will begin his duties on February 5, 2007.

Watson joins the New Paltz staff after spending five years as the head men’s soccer coach at Linfield College in McMinnville, OR and compiled an overall record of 62-24-10. He led his team to the NCAA playoffs in 2002 and 2003. In 2003, Linfield claimed the Northwest Conference (NWC) championship and in 2005 Watson was named the NWC Coach of the Year. Watson also served as the women’s soccer coach in 2002 and 2003.

Prior to Lindfield, Watson spent two seasons as the men’s assistant soccer coach at the University of Richmond. He was heavily involved with goalkeeper training, recruiting future players and scouting opponents. From 1998-2000, Watson served as the assistant men’s soccer coach at Williams College. The program compiled a 31-3-2 record and reached the NCAA Division III semifinals in 1998 and the quarterfinals in 1999. He has worked extensively as a club coach for F.C. Portland, the Oregon Olympic Development Program, the Regional Olympic Development staff and the Richmond Capitals Club. He holds a Class “A” coaching license from the United States Soccer Federation and a goalkeeper diploma from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

“It’s exciting for New Paltz to be able to bring someone of Eric’s experience and qualifications into the department”, stated Robinson. “I look forward to working with Eric and watch him take the program to the next level.”

Watson enjoyed a distinguished playing career at Williams College from 1993-1996. He was a senior captain in 1996 and helped lead his team to the NCAA Division III quarterfinals. In1995 his team went undefeated with a record of 17-0-2 and claimed the NCAA Division III National Championship. Williams appeared in the NCAA Division title game in 1993 and posted a 16-1-1 record.

Watson received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Williams in 1997 and completed his master’s degree in Sport Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2002.