March 20, 2008

The University of Dayton men's soccer program announced assistant coach Paul Souders has accepted a position to serve as an assistant coach at the University of New Mexico.

Souders came to UD along with head coach Dennis Currier in 2005. Along with Currier, Souders helped the Flyers to a 27-18-11 overall record. In addition to the success on the field, Souders has coached four former Flyers who have played professionally in North America and Europe.

"Paul has a great opportunity to be closer to his family and we really appreciate the contributions he's made to Dayton Soccer" Currier said. "It's a great opportunity for him, and it speaks volumes about the kind of coach he is and the work he has done here."

A native of Dallas and a graduate of Coppell High School, Souders earned a bachelor's degree in secondary education at Clemson University. Souders also played in the United States Olympic Pool for Under-23. He has coaching experience with the New Mexico State U-16 team. Souders served in the 2004 season as a graduate assistant under Currier at University of Incarnate Word.

"I am excited to have been offered this opportunity at the University of New Mexico," Souders said. "This move will bring my family closer to home and ended up being a move in the right direction in many ways.

"However, the decision to leave the University of Dayton has not been an easy one. Dayton has been a very special place to my family. I want to thank the administration and staff for making this experience a great one. I specifically want to thank Coach Currier, who has given me every chance to grow as both a coach and person under his leadership. The program is moving the right direction with his guidance."

UD finished the 2007 campaign 10-4-5 overall and advanced to the opening round of the 2007 Atlantic 10 Men's Soccer Championship. The Flyers completed the season on a six-game unbeaten streak, had two players selected to the All-Atlantic 10 and NSCAA/adidas® Middle Atlantic Region teams and finished No. 8 in the regional rankings.

Currier said the Flyers will conduct a national search immediately for a new assistant coach.