JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman Women's Soccer coach Simon Duffy announced Monday the final piece to his 2020-21 coaching staff with the addition of Assistant Coach Bret Boylan.

When talking about being brought onto the Carson-Newman staff, Boylan said "I'm very excited and thankful to be joining Carson-Newman soccer and its amazing staff. The program is one I have kept up with for a while, and now being hired to help contribute is an amazing experience and I'm eager to get started."  

Boylan joins the Lady Eagles coaching staff after serving as an Assistant Coach for the Martin-Methodist Men's soccer program for the last six years. Prior to joining the RedHawks staff, Boylan worked with the Fayetteville High School boys' soccer program. Most notably, Boylan's prior coaching experience came with the University School of Jackson's high school and middle school boys' and girls' programs. While serving as the head coach for the middle school programs, he amassed an impressive 86-10 combined record.

Coach Simon Duffy was very high when talking about what Boylan will bring to the staff. Duffy said "I know the character and personality that he brings from the many years that I have known Bret since we both came from the same alma mater. What he brings with his enthusiasm of being a young aspiring coach, I believe that he has it all in front of him. Glad he decided this was a new challenge that he wanted to pursue, and I'm delighted to have him join our staff."  

Boylan had some collegiate soccer playing experience himself as he was a four-year soccer player at Lambuth University in Jackson, Tennessee. While playing at Lambuth, Boylan was a two-time All-Conference performer and was a crucial member of the team's only trip to the NAIA National Tournament.

Since both Duffy and Boylan came from the same alma mater of Lambuth University, it was almost a no-brainer when this opportunity came available. When asked what made him choose Bret for the role, Duffy said "We need people who are not just good coaches but those who have a vested interest in the program and its players once the sport of soccer goes out the window."

Subsequently, Boylan was happy to have this chance to learn under a prestigious coach like Duffy. Boylan puts this opportunity into words by saying "I have been fortunate to work with and under very knowledgeable coaches and Coach Duffy is at the top of the list on all accounts. Getting the chance to grow and learn under him makes me extremely lucky and thankful."

Carson-Newman has won at least seven conference games in each of the first three seasons under Coach Simon Duffy, including setting multiple school and conference records and reaching the NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Championships in Duffy's first year at the helm in 2017. The Lady Eagles are coming off a strong year in SAC conference play, including being tied for the third-most goals (18) in conference play while amassing the fourth-most shots (198) during all of SAC play.

- CN –