The University of the Cumberlands' search for a new head coach for their women's soccer team is now over. The Patriots have hired former Patriot soccer player Russell Stewart as their newest coach of the women's soccer team.

Stewart currently resides in Knoxville, TN where he has been the assistant women's coach for the NCAA Division II Carson Newman Eagles. During his tenure with the Eagles, the team finished 15-3-2 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA DII Finals. This is Stewart's first position as a head coach.

In addition to his work at Carson Newman, Stewart has been very active in Club Soccer. Currently, he is the Director of Youth Academy, F.C. Alliance Soccer Club in Knoxville, TN. He has also served as a soccer coach for the Smoky Mountain Soccer Club and the Kentucky Rush Soccer Club as well.

Coach Stewart tallied up quite a reputation as a player during his tenure at UC. During his career, he was a two time NAIA All-American, three time All-Region player, and a four time Mid-South Conference All-Conference recipient. His favorite memory of being a player was when his team made it to the semi-finals of the NAIA Regional Tournament at Lindsey Wilson. He was also a four year captain as a defender for the Patriots.

When asked about being the newest head coach, Stewart said, "I have always felt like I owed something to UC. This is my opportunity to pay back my debt to them. I'm ready to take the team to the next level. This is just such a great opportunity for someone my age (25)."

Stewart also commented, "Getting to work alongside Coach Neto will be a great learning experience for me. He taught me so much while I was here. I feel this will be a great benefit to the college to work with someone that coached me. I have so much respect for Coach Neto and can't wait to be working with him."


Coach Stewart also feels he has the opportunity to set some high goals for his girls this year. "Making nationals is always a goal for every team. I think it is very achievable over the next two years. Also I want the girls to realize this is a new program with some new ideas. Coach Bassoff did a great job with the teams here. He has set a great foundation for us. Now it's time for us to build upon that and make it even better," said Stewart.

Stewart also wanted to thank some of the people that have helped him along the way. "A thank you goes out to Coach Phil McNamara at Carson-Newman for giving me the opportunity to coach with him. I would also like to thank Coach Chris Little, Coach Aron Bassoff, and Coach Paulo Neto for their help while I was a player at Cumberlands. I can't forget my wife Kelli, my parents Anne and Alastair, and my brothers Jay and Martin. They have been there with me through everything. Thank you all so much."

Stewart and his new team will begin their season on September 5th in Williamsburg as they take on Rio Grande University. Start time for that game is set for 2:00 pm.