Special to IFN

Statesville FC announced Wednesday that veteran college coach Nick Brown has been hired to coach the expansion club, which will begin play in the National Premier Soccer League in 2026.

Brown has worked as the head women’s soccer coach at Catawba College since 2015, leading the team to 114 wins during his tenure. A Catawba College graduate and former player for the college’s men’s team, he served as an assistant coach for the women’s team for five years before being promoted to head coach.

Statesville FC Club President Craig Hollis described Brown as an inspirational leader who has a track record of getting the most out of his players. Several Division I players have transferred to Catawba to play for Brown because of his reputation and the program’s on-the-field results, he added.

“His players will run through a brick wall for this guy,” Hollis said. “They love him. They absolutely love him.”

A resident of Statesville, Brown promises to bring an aggressive, fast-paced and entertaining style of play to Statesville FC, along with a vast player and coaching network, to help build a competitive and resilient team, club officials said.

During the search for the first Statesville FC coach, the ownership group focused on finding a leader who would “inspire a group of players to believe in something bigger than themselves” with an emphasis on recruiting talented players who exhibit leadership qualities, the club said.

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Visit https://statesvillefootball.club/

Related

♦ Statesville FC to begin play in National Premier Soccer League in 2026
♦ Season tickets for Statesville FC’s inaugural season go on sale August 22