MOUNT VERNON — After 21 seasons
at the helm of Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s men’s soccer program,
head coach Paul Furey is stepping down.
Furey is accepting the head coaching position at Lee (Tenn.) University.
“It’s a different challenge,” Furey told the News. “It’s
a challenge that I welcome at this time. It’s at the right place for my
family and I at this point in my life.”
Furey leaves with a 252-165-32 overall record in 21 seasons as the Cougars’ soccer
coach.
“I love Mount Vernon. And I love Mount Vernon Nazarene University,” Furey
said. “But it comes to a point in a coach’s career where you need
a new challenge. Lee is presenting me with a great opportunity to tackle some
things that I’d love to be able to achieve.”
“(Furey) has led the MVNU soccer program with distinction, and we are grateful
for that,” MVNU athletic director Paul Swanson said. “We are sorry
to see him go, but are very excited for him in this new opportunity at Lee University.”
When he made his decision, one of the first things Furey did was tell his players.
“That’s one of the tough things about the transition, to tell the
players, whom I care deeply about, that I would be moving on,” Furey said. “That
was one of the high priorities after I accepted the position.”
Furey is certain his new recruits will remain with MVNU. According to NAIA rules,
a signed recruit can opt out of any letter of intent signed with an NAIA or NCAA
Division III school without penalty.
Attempts to reach players or signed recruits were unsuccessful.
When Furey was hired in 1990, he was the fourth head coach in four years. His
first winning record was in 1992. He later coached MVNU to the National Christian
College Athletic Association National Tournament six times.
In 2008, Furey led the Cougars to their only appearance in the NAIA National
Tournament. Ironically, they beat Lee University, 2-0, in that tournament, before
upsetting No. 1-ranked Lindsey Wilson in the second round.
Furey was named NCCAA Coach of the Year in 2008. He was also named Mid-Ohio Conference
Coach of the Year in 1997 and the NCCAA East Region Coach of the Year four times.
For the full story, click here for the February 25, 2011 e-edition
