 |
Head Coach |
|
Brian Purcell, a 1987 graduate of Presbyterian College, begins his 18th year as head caoch of the Blue Hose women’s soccer program. Purcell, a seven-time South Atlantic Conference (SAC) Coach-of-the-Year selection, enters the season as the SAC’s all-time leader in career wins (78) and has led the Blue Hose to six SAC championships and 12 finishes in the top two since the first season of league play in 1990. Last season, he led the Lady Blue Hose to a 6-9-1 overall record, an eighth place finish in the SAC regular season (1-5-1), and a quarterfinal appearance in the Food Lion/SAC Tournament. Purcell was named the first head coach of the women’s team in 1989 after one season as an assistant coach on the men’s squad. Since then, Purcell has turned the PC women’s soccer program into one of the most successful programs in NCAA Division II and has led the Blue Hose to five NCAA National Tournament appearances (1994, ’95, ’97, ’99, & 2003). During his tenure, the Blue Hose have compiled a 199-98-12 record, won six SAC Championships (1992, ’94, ’96, ’97, ’98, and ’99) and two Food Lion/SAC Tournament titles (1995 and ’96). Purcell currently ranks fourth in NCAA Division II women’s soccer history for career wins (199) and No. 13 by winning percentage (.663). In 2003, he led PC to a 14-6 overall record, a tie for second place in the SAC regular season (5-2), and a runner-up finish in the Food Lion/SAC Tournament. In addition, the Blue Hose returned to the NCAA Division II Regional Tournament for the fifth time in program history. PC suffered a 3-0 defeat to the eventual National Champion, Kennesaw State University, in the first round. In 1999, he led the Blue Hose to the best season in program history, posting a 15-2-1 overall mark, winning the SAC championship for the sixth time in the 90’s and advanced to the NCAA Division II national tournament. In addition, PC spent one week as the No. 1 team in the nation. For his efforts, Purcell was named the 1999 NSCAA/adidas Southeast Region Coach of the Year and earned SAC Coach-of-the-Year honors. During his career, Purcell has been named SAC Coach-of-the-Year an impressive seven times (1990, ’92, ’94, ’96, ’98, ’99, & 2000), the most by any SAC women’s soccer coach in conference history. In 1994, Purcell was named NSCAA National Coach of the Year after leading PC to a 15-3 record. Purcell holds a USSF “B” coaching license and is a member of the USYSA Region III Olympic Development Staff. During the summer, Purcell is the co-director of the Presbyterian College Soccer Camp. A native of Decatur, Ga., Purcell earned degrees in education and social studies from PC and went on to receive a master’s degree in sport management from the U.S. Sports Academy in 1989. Purcell is married to the former Kim Mathis of N. Wilkesboro, N.C. The couple has two children; Jay (8) and Will (5). |
|