DOUG HESS NAMED NEW HEAD MEN'S SOCCER COACH AT DREXEL
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - Drexel Athletics Director Dr. Eric Zillmer has announced the hiring of Doug Hess as the University's next men's soccer head coach. Hess comes to Drexel after a successful eight-year tenure as head coach at Campbell University.
"We are pleased to welcome Doug Hess to the Drexel Athletics family as our new men's soccer head coach. With his passion for the game and history of success, I believe Doug will help the Drexel men's soccer program continue its tradition of excellence."
Hess becomes the fifth head coach in the 62-year history of Drexel Men's Soccer. He takes the helm of a Drexel team that is two years removed from a CAA regular-season championship in 2007 and won the Philadelphia Soccer Six title this season.
"I want to start by thanking Dr. Eric Zillmer, Nick Gannon, and the rest of the Drexel Administration for believing in my abilities as both a coach and more importantly, as a mentor," Hess said. "I was extremely impressed by their search, as well as their vision for Drexel Soccer. My family and I are absolutely thrilled to be given the opportunity to lead the men's soccer program at Drexel University, as well as be a part of the strong academic reputation of this university and rich soccer culture in Philadelphia."
While at Campbell, Hess led the Fighting Camels to a 74-70-9 record and was named Atlantic Sun Coach of the Year on three occasions, including receiving the award in each of the last two seasons. During his last five years there, Campbell posted a combined record of 58-35-7 (.615 win percentage) including three appearances in the conference tournament title game, three regular season conference championship titles, a conference record of 32-5-5 (.821) and the team's first ever berth in the NCAA Tournament in 2007.
"I am proud of what we were able to accomplish during my tenure in Buies Creek and overjoyed at all that lies ahead in working with the administration to build upon the over 60 years of Dragons Men's Soccer tradition," Hess said. "Additionally, I look forward to being a part of and competing in the Philadelphia Soccer Six and Colonial Athletic Association, two long-standing and accomplished organizations."
Under Hess' guidance the Fighting Camels won several matches against nationally ranked teams, including three straight over ACC power North Carolina, as well as garnered the program's first-ever year end national ranking and highest RPI in the program's Division I era. In 2008, Soccer America ranked the Camels as high as number-23 and number-25 in its final poll that year.
Hess has coached players to all-conference recognition 34 times, three Player of the Year selections, three Defensive Player of the Year selections, two Freshmen of the Year selections, 13 All-South Region picks, two NSCAA All-Americans and two of his players have participated in the MLS Combine and then selected in the MLS Superdraft. In addition, Hess' squad has been recognized as one of the top academic teams in the conference. More than 80 of his players have been named to Atlantic Sun All-Academic teams during this tenure.
Prior to his time at Campbell, Hess served stints as an assistant coach at Bucknell and East Stroudsburg University. He was also head coach of the North Carolina Olympic Development Program for the 1987, '89 and '91 age groups; claiming a USYSA ODP National Championship with his 1989 age group. Additionally, he has coached for the prestigious Capital Area Soccer League club for the last several years and most recently, as Head Coach of the CASL Chelsea FC USSF 18 Academy team.
Hess played collegiately at Elizabethtown College in nearby Elizabethtown, Pa. He graduated in 1996 after a successful playing career that saw him earn all-conference honors three times and twice earn all-regional recognition. As a senior he was named an NSCAA Div. III First Team All-American and was selected as one of the seniors from all divisions of NCAA soccer to participate in the Umbro Senior Select Tournament. He went on to play professionally in the United Soccer League for three seasons.
Hess holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Elizabethtown College and a master's degree in health and physical education from East Stroudsburg University. He is also a USSF "A" licensed coach and has earned an NSCAA Advanced Diploma.