CCU

Kyle Russell Named Men's Soccer Assistant Coach

Russell and Coastal open the season Sept. 4 against Old Dominion

       

Kyle Russell was an All-Big South defender at Coastal.

Kyle Russell was an All-Big South defender at Coastal.

Aug. 30, 2010

CONWAY, S.C. - Former Coastal Carolina standout Kyle Russell has been selected as the newest assistant coach of the men's soccer team head coach Shaun Docking announced Monday.

A four-year defender for the Chants from 2005-08, Russell drew 74 starts in the 78 games in which he appeared and currently ranks ninth all-time at Coastal in games played and eighth in games started. 

Russell proved to be a mainstay on the back line and anchored one of the top defensive units in the Big South in each of his four seasons on the pitch.  In fact, Russell and the Coastal defense recorded a total of 21 shutouts over a four-year span and never ranked worse than third in the Big South in that category. 

That same defense finished fourth or better in goals against average in three of his four seasons and limited opponents to just a total of 27 goals during the 2006 season. 

A native of South Elgin, Ill., Russell played an instrumental role in helping Coastal win one Big South regular season championship, one Big South Tournament championships and make one NCAA Tournament appearance. 

The Chanticleers posted a 42-26-1 overall record and a 20-6-1 conference record with Russell on the back line.

"I am very excited to have Kyle Russell join our program as an assistant coach because he exemplifies the qualities set forth for all of our student-athletes," Docking said.  "His work ethic is tremendous, and his knowledge of the standards and expectations in our program is unmatched."

Individually, Russell was named All-Big South on three different occasions and was tabbed to the Big South All-Tournament team three times.  He went on to participate in the Major League Soccer Combine during the summer of 2009 and the United Soccer League combine in 2010. 

"I am very excited and grateful to be back working at Coastal Carolina again this year," Russell said.  "Coach Docking has been a great coach and advisor to me throughout the years and it's an honor to be working with him again.  The team is very strong and I am anxious to get the season underway.  I hope to make my family, the alumni and the university proud."

Russell began his coaching career last season while serving as student volunteer assistant coach on Docking's staff.  He helped the Chants win the Big South regular season title and post and undefeated mark in conference play for just the fourth time in school history. 

He also recently coached a U-15 boy's team in Myrtle Beach and has held several other coaching assignment duties over the past few months. 

Russell gradated from Coastal Carolina in 2009 with a degree in business management.