Charleston, S.C. - The Citadel Athletics Department, along with Senior Woman Administrator Kelly Simpson, announced the hiring of Bob Winch as the women's head soccer coach. The former Auburn assistant is the third women's soccer coach The Citadel has appointed since the 2001 inaugural season. Winch replaces Chris Lenzo who announced his resignation last March.
"Bob came highly recommended by a number of soccer coaches and athletic administrators," said Simpson. "I am happy to have him join our staff."
Winch, a UNC Pembroke graduate, recently completed a one-year stint as an assistant with Auburn's women's soccer program. The Tigers finished second in the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference last season and made it to the championship game of the SEC Tournament to clinch second place behind nationally ranked Tennessee. Winch also helped coach four 2005 SEC-All Tournament selections, including the tournament most valuable player.
"I believe that he has the experience and ability to lead this soccer program to new heights," added Simpson. "I look forward to the future of The Citadel women's soccer under Bob's direction."
Before joining the staff at Auburn, Winch served as the men's head soccer coach at the University of Central Florida from 1993-2004. He led the team to three Atlantic Sun Tournament titles, while also making an appearance in the second round of the NCAA Tournament for three consecutive seasons. Winch was also named the 2004 Atlantic Sun Coach of the Year.
"I would like to thank Les Robinson and Kelly Simpson for this outstanding opportunity to coach at The Citadel," commented Winch. "I feel that this school has all the necessary resources available for student-athletes to become successful in all of their academic, athletic and social endeavors."
Winch graduated from UNC Pembroke in 1986 and was a member of the soccer team where he was named team captain from '83-84. He went on to pursue a post-graduate education, receiving a Master's degree in Education from Slippery Rock University in 1988.
Winch is married to Janet Winch and the couple has three children, Sara (11), Nicholas (10) and Hayden (8).
