Georgia Southwestern Hires Russ as Men's Soccer Coach

AMERICUS, Ga. -- Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) announced that Warren Russ, former assistant soccer coach at the University of Central Florida (UCF) and the University of Georgia (UGA), has been appointed as head men's soccer coach for the Hurricanes. The announcement comes after a search to replace Barry Kaplan who is now head women's soccer coach, only.

"I'm really excited to be a part of what's happening at Georgia Southwestern," said Russ. "I spent some time in the private sector, and I am ecstatic to have an opportunity to be coaching college soccer again. GSW is the place that I feel that I'll be happy doing it."

Russ will lead the 'Canes men's soccer program through its fourth season of existence and its second season as a part of the NCAA Division II Peach Belt Conference. Prior to his time as a college coach, Russ spent several years as a professional soccer player. Most recently, he was a member of the South Carolina Shamrocks Professional Soccer Club in the United Soccer League (1998-1999). From 1993-1994 he was also a member of the Wrexham Football Club in the English Football League in Wrexham, Wales.

"We're excited about the hire," said GSW Athletic Director Randolph Barksdale. "He's got pro experience as a player and college coaching experience, and his hire will give us a separate head coach for men and women's soccer, making us more competitive."

An assistant at the University of Georgia from 1995-2000, Russ was an integral part in building the women's soccer program from the ground up, eventually, helping lead them to the sweet sixteen in the NCAA Tournament in 1998.

Russ received a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing at UCF where he was a four year letter winner in soccer. He also spent four years as an assistant soccer coach at UCF (1990-1994).