Craig Stewart was named the ninth head coach in the history of the men's soccer program in February 2009. He will officially take over the program reigns on March 2.
"I am very pleased to name Craig Stewart as the new head men's soccer coach at Franklin Pierce," said Kirsh. "Craig's credentials speak for themselves. Being a former Franklin Pierce soccer student-athlete, Craig understands the tradition and what it means to wear a Franklin Pierce uniform. I believe he will provide the program a seamless transition from the Marco Koolman era."
"I feel honored and privileged to be returning to Franklin Pierce University as the head men's soccer coach," said Stewart. "I look forward to building upon the tradition of success and commitment to excellence that has been established by those who have led before me. As a Franklin Pierce alum, I have a strong connection and investment towards the University. I am truly grateful to Bruce Kirsh for giving me the opportunity to return to Rindge and make a positive contribution to the athletic department and University community. I am proud, once again, to be part of the men's soccer program and am excited for a bright and promising future."
Stewart, regarded as one of the up and coming young coaches in the region, returns to Franklin Pierce after spending the last three years as the top assistant coach under Chaka Daley at Providence College. Over the last three seasons, the Friars have posted a record of 31-22-5, making two NCAA Tournament appearances and reaching the semifinal round of the Big East Tournament in 2006. At Providence, Stewart was responsible for recruiting; preparing and conducting physical, technical and tactical training sessions; scouting, game day management and match analysis. He was also responsible for tracking academic progress of the student-athletes to comply with a 95-percent graduation rate.
"Obviously this is an outstanding opportunity for Coach Stewart and we wish him the best of luck in his new position," said Daley. "I am extremely proud that our program, staff, and myself had the opportunity to work with one of the best young coaches around. Franklin Pierce is very fortunate to be getting a good teacher, great leader, and an outstanding human being."
Prior to joining Providence, Stewart spent one year at Northeastern University during the Huskies transition to the Colonial Athletic Association. He was also Director of Coaching at Juventus USA from 2005-2008, helping the club claim State Championships four-straight years, and he is currently Co-Head Coach of the U-17/U-18 Academy Team for the FC Greater Boston Bolts. During his time at Providence, Stewart was camp coordinator for the Elite Soccer 150 Camp in Milton, Mass.
Stewart is a 2004 Master's of Business Administration graduate of Franklin Pierce. He was a two-year letterwinner under coach Koolman, serving as co-captain his final season in 2004, when he also earned Northeast-10 Player of the Year and NSCAA/adidas All-America honors. Regarded as one of the top playmakers in the region, he posted eight goals and eight assists for 24 points over his two years with the Ravens, helping the program to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances, one trip to the NE-10 Championship match and the 2004 NCAA II Northeast Regional title.
"I think the transition with Craig will be a seamless one," said Koolman. "I believe his enthusiasm and knowledge of the game will provide a bright future for the men's soccer program at Franklin Pierce. Having been a former player, Craig knows what the University has to offer. We have maintained a close relationship since his playing days at Franklin Pierce. While he will add his own personal touches to the program, I don't see too many drastic changes in philosophy and playing style."
Stewart was a product of the Newcastle United Football Club youth system and a 2002 graduate of Loughborough University, earning a degree in Sports Science and Social Science. The native of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England, earned his Football Association (FA) coaching certificate in 1999 and served as Academy Coach at the Newcastle United Football Academy for three years where he was responsible for training players ages 8-18 within the methods and systems used within the professional first team.
Following his playing days at Franklin Pierce, Stewart went on to play three seasons for the New Hampshire Phantoms of the United Soccer League before joining the Western Mass Pioneers in 2008.
"I am confident to be
part of a University where the men's soccer program is a
valued part of the institution," said Stewart. "The combination of
the superb facilities and resources, distinguished academics and
nationally competitive athletics create an ideal coaching
environment in which the possibilities are endless."
