(June 2, 2014) GOSHEN, Ind. – The Goshen College Athletic Department has selected Arron Patrick from a deep and highly qualified candidate pool to serve as its next head men's soccer coach, Athletic Director Tim Demant announced on Monday. Patrick becomes the ninth head coach in the Maple Leafs' storied 56-year history, but just the fourth since John Ingold took over the program in 1966.
"We are excited that Arron has accepted our invitation to be the next head coach of Goshen College men's soccer," Demant said. "Arron stood out with his passion, knowledge of the game, training background, recruiting experience and plans, and desire to mentor our student-athletes."
Demant continued, "His energy and vision for the future of GC soccer impressed both the search committee and the current soccer players who had the opportunity to interact with him. His knowledge of the NAIA, Crossroads League, GC soccer, and the local talent pool will also allow him to hit the ground running."
Patrick comes to Goshen from league rival Bethel College where he has been an assistant coach since 2010. He is also the head coach for the Elkhart United U17 team as well as the owner and head trainer of Mission Athletics, a strength and conditioning company run out of the Elkhart Sports Center.
The newest member of the Maple Leaf coaching staff, Patrick holds a D license with the United States Soccer Federation. He also holds a special topics diploma in Mental and Physical Player Development from the National Soccer Coaches Association of American. Additional coaching experiences include stints with the Junior Irish Soccer Club, Elkhart Flames, Wilmington Hammerheads youth programs and camps with Grimsby Town Youth Academy in his native England.
"I am very excited to have this opportunity," Patrick explained. "There is so much passion and history with this program that makes it unique and having experienced it as a visiting player and coach is something I really appreciate. It is also exciting to have a solid group of players that I know well and who are eager to strive to be their best on and off the field."
An elite athlete in his own right, Patrick was a four-time First Team All-Mid-Central College Conference and All-Region pick for Bethel. He helped lead the Pilots to three regular season conference championships during his tenure, which included Offensive Player and Player of the Year honors as a midfielder and forward. He was a three-time All-American in soccer and a four-time All-American in track (sprints) during his time at Bethel, which also saw the Pilots reach the NAIA National Tournament three times.
Prior to coming to the United States, Patrick grew up in the Grimsby Town F.C. system (English 2nd Division) before playing semi-professionally with Spalding United F.C. He also played semi-pro in the United States with the Cascade Surge (Portland, Oregon) while attending Bethel.
Upon graduating with a degree in Sports Studies, Patrick went back overseas to continue his soccer career. He played throughout Europe, including against teams from the Russian Premier Division, Turkish First Division, and Romanian Premier Division, and had a trial with F.C. Nuremburg of the German Bundesliga. He also had a professional stint in the USL Pro (step below MLS) with the Wilmington Hammerheads as recently as last summer.
"When players leave the program, we want them to have grown as soccer players, but also academically and spiritually," Patrick added. "We want them to be ready to be men who are successful as husbands, fathers, businessmen, or whatever paths they choose to pursue."
Patrick will immediately start duties at Goshen College, including contacting current players and finalizing recruiting for next season, which will officially kick off with a road contest against Siena Heights University on August 27.
