CLEVELAND – Delta State University Statesmen Soccer is in good hands, as director of athletics Jeremy McClain tapped former University of West Florida assistant coach Matt Watts to lead the program on Friday. Watts, a native of London, England, takes over for Jim Allen, who retired as head coach in June.
“We're very pleased to name Matt Watts as head coach of the Statesmen soccer program,” McClain stated. “Coach Watts came highly recommended to us and, after bringing him to campus, it was clear that he was the person we needed to push our program forward.”
The opportunity to lead a program at one of the GSC's top institutions was a chance Watts couldn't pass up. “Delta State has a rich and storied tradition on and off the field. I'm excited to be a part of that and it's time to get to work,” Watts stated.
Watts spent the last year-and-a-half as an assistant coach to Billy Elliott at the University of West Florida. During his time in Pensacola, Fla., the Argonauts compiled a 14-5-2 record on the pitch; claiming the 2010 Gulf South Conference title with a 2-0 victory over Christian Brothers.
Four Argonauts received postseason honors during his tenure at UWF, including Frank Cope, Sean Reynolds and Marquel Waldron. All three were named to the all-GSC first team, while Nick Salafrio was named the GSC's Freshman of the Year.
As a player, Watts was a two-time All-American at the University of Mobile after leading the Rams to a 27-12-3 record and two trips to the NAIA National Tournament. A 2009 UM graduate with a bachelor's degree in Broadcasting Communications, Watts was a two-time Gulf Coast Athletic Conference All-Conference, All-Region and NAIA All-American selection for legendary coach Peter Fuller, who is now an assistant coach for the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer.
In 2008, Watts was named the GCAC Player of the Year after directing the Rams to the GCAC title with a 13-7-2 record and a No. 14 NAIA final ranking. The speedy defender closed the campaign with five goals and five assists. In 22 matches, Watts recorded 23 shots, 13 on goal, with 15 points.
With Watts leading the way, the Rams finished the 2007 season ranked No. 6 in the NAIA rankings and closed the year with a 14-5-1 record on the pitch. In 20 matches, Watts scored six goals, including a season high two versus Tusculum, with four assists. He finished the season with 18 shots, 14 on goal, with 16 points.
After his playing career at Mobile, he served as an assistant under coach Fuller at UM for one year. Despite a 9-11 overall record in 2009, the Rams claimed the GCAC title and defeated Asbury College for the NAIA Unaffiliated Championship.
Prior to coming to the United States, Watts played at the highest levels of English soccer. The London native played three seasons for the Norwich City Futbol Club. In 2003-04, Watts and NCFC were promoted to the Premier League.
While climbing through the English youth ranks, Watts played at the highest amateur level of soccer in the United Kingdom – the FA Youth Premier League.
Watts is also an advocate for spreading the game across the southeast. Outside of his duties at UWF, the former All-American served as the FC Developmental Liaison for the Bayside Soccer Club, an Under-13 youth team dedicated to expanding the game in the Florida panhandle. He organized training and led fundraising efforts for over 300 children associated with the club from 2009-2011.
He also coordinated community service workshops at Pensacola, Fla., and Mobile, Ala., area schools, while providing individual coaching to members of the club.
WHAT OTHER COACHES SAY ABOUT WATTS:
Bill Elliott, University of West Florida Head Coach – “Coach Watts is one of the most charismatic and personable people I have had the pleasure to work with. Players gravitate to him and those qualities certainly make him an excellent recruiter. His depth of knowledge of the game is excellent and we're disappointed to lose him. He was a big part of our success here the last year-and-half and I'm looking forward to competing against him in the future.”
Remi Roy, New England Revolution Assistant Coach – “Matt's background in the game speaks for itself, as he grew up in a very successful youth program that prepared him for great playing career. That experience also prepared him to become a quality young coach. He's proven he can make a difference in the game at West Florida and Mobile. His work ethic is great and his ability to recruit is outstanding.”
