The University of the Cumberlands (UC) Women's Soccer program is one that has continued its climb into the picture of the elite in the Mid-South Conference (MSC) as well as the NAIA.  With the 2012-2013 season upon us, the Patriots are looking ahead to make a big impact in the conference standings and hopefully an appearance in the NAIA National Tournament.  

This week, a change was made at the top of the program as Russell Stewart has stepped down as the coach of the Patriots.  UC Vice President of Athletics Randy Vernon commented, "I am appreciative of the contributions that Russell made to our women's soccer program during his stay with us.  I wish him the very best in his future endeavors."

In sight of this, the Patriots have turned to a familiar face when it comes to soccer at the University of the Cumberlands as former Patriot soccer star and most recent Graduate Assistant for the UC Women's program Joe Townsend has been named the new head coach for the Patriots.  Townsend is a native of Halifax, England and recently finished his 2^nd year as a Graduate Assistant for the UC Women's Soccer program.  He was graduated from University of the Cumberlands in 2008 with a degree in Exercise and Sports Science. 

Townsend came to Williamsburg where he had a stellar collegiate career.  He was a member of the three-time Mid-South Conference Runner-Up team, two-time Region Semi-Finalist team, and the Region Runner-Up team.  He also earned multiple individual awards over his four-year reign as a Patriot.  Joseph followed a 2005 Mid-South Conference Honorable Mention with two consecutive years of being on the Mid-South Conference First Team.  He was ranked 20^th nationally in 2006 and 2007, received an NAIA All-American Honorable Mention in 2007, and was also team captain for the 2007 season.  Statistically, Townsend started 76 of 77 games in his four-year stint, totaling 7 goals and 12 assists.

After graduating from Cumberlands, Joseph went to Williamsburg, Virginia where he was a member of the Virginia Legacy (PDL).  The season record was 9-5-1 and he totaled 1165 minutes of play in 15 games.  The Virginia Legacy finished third in the Eastern Conference, Mid-Atlantic Division.

Joseph comes to the Patriots Women's Soccer program with coaching experience as well. He worked with Soccer Elite, an English-based coaching company, from 2002-2004.  He has been a member of the FC Alliance Soccer Club since 2008 and currently holds an English Football Association Level 1 and Level 2 certification.  He also now holds his National C License from the United States Soccer Federation. 

Vernon added, "I am pleased to announce Joe Townsend as our new head coach for women's soccer.  Joe's playing and coaching experience makes him a valuable asset to our team.  The fact that he played his undergraduate soccer at University of the Cumberlands and later coached here for two years as an assistant coach makes an easy transition for our team.  I'm excited to have him with us and our team is also excited."

Coach Townsend added, "It is a tremendous opportunity and privilege to be able to not only work at my alma mater, but to also work with a program that has the amount of potential we have here. I strive to provide the best environment for student athletes to thrive both in the classroom and on the field. I believe we, as a program and institution, have everything possible to be successful and I am excited about the prospect of a successful season and continually developing my knowledge of the game."

For more information on the Patriots Women's Soccer program along with other Patriot athletics, please visit www.cumberlandspatriots.com.