Charlotte 49ers Director of Athletics Judy Rose announced Jan. 3 the hiring of associate head coach Kevin Langan as the 49ers’ new head men’s soccer coach. As a member of the coaching staff, Langan played an integral role in helping the 49ers reach the College Cup Finals this past season. During Langan’s three years as a member of the 49ers coaching staff, Charlotte won 40 games, reached the College Cup Finals, captured an Atlantic 10 regular-season title and made two NCAA Tournament appearances. Langan will be the seventh head coach in the 36-year history of the 49ers’ men’s soccer program.
“Kevin has been an integral part of the success of our soccer program,” Rose said. “We are thrilled that he has decided to take over the reigns as head coach. I am confident that the continuity of his leadership along with his strong knowledge of soccer will provide a smooth transition for our returning players and will be extremely attractive to prospective players.”
Langan just completed his third season with the Charlotte 49ers and his first season as associate head coach. He was promoted from his role as assistant coach last July.
“I am extremely excited and honored to become the head coach of the Charlotte 49ers soccer team,” Langan said. “I would like to thank Athletic Director Judy Rose, Senior Associate Athletic Director Kim Whitestone and the University for giving me the opportunity to lead the program onwards. I would also like to thank the current players, alumni and the Charlotte Soccer Community for the fantastic support I have received over the past few weeks; it has all been quite humbling to be honest.”
Since Langan has come to Charlotte, the 49ers’ wins totals have increased each season from 11 wins in 2009 to 13 wins in 2010 to 16 wins this past season. In 2009, the 49ers made their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 1997. Charlotte ended #3 Wake Forest’s nation’s-best 46-game unbeaten streak against non-conference opponents. In 2010, Charlotte captured the program’s first-ever Atlantic 10 regular-season title. In 2011, Charlotte reached the College Cup for the second time in school history and advanced to the College Cup finals for the first time. The 49ers won 16 games which ties for the second most wins in the program’s history.
Before moving to Charlotte, Langan spent four years as the head boys' coach of the Classics Elite Soccer Academy in San Antonio, Texas. He also coached the Classics Elite Soccer Academy's U-18 United States Soccer Federation Academy team in 2008.
As a collegiate player, Langan was a standout player for the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas for the 2004-05 seasons. He captained them to a #1 national ranking and the NCAA Division II Elite Eight in 2004. In his two seasons at Incarnate Word, he was named Regional Defensive Player of the Year, Student Athlete of the Year and the International Graduate Student of the Year.
The Jersey, United Kingdom native also represented Great Britain at two World University Games; in 2001 in Beijing, China and then captaining the team in Daegu, South Korea in 2003. He was also selected to play for the England National Futsal Team on a Tour of Portugal in 2003. In England, Langan played professionally with Bristol City FC for six seasons, making his league and cup debut as an 18 year old. He was a member of the team that won promotion to the Championship in 1998.
Langan graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Coaching Education and Sports Development from the University of Bath (England) in 2004 and with a Master's Degree in Sports Management from the University of the Incarnate Word in 2006. He also holds his USSF Coaching "A" License.
Langan replaces Jeremy Gunn, who resigned a couple of weeks ago after five years at the helm of the 49ers men’s soccer program.
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For more information, contact Brent Stastny, 704-687-6313, bmstastn@uncc.edu.
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