The World Cup may be over and the rest of the world may have gotten over “soccer fever,” but soccer is still the rage here.

On Nov. 10, newly appointed men’s soccer head coach Shane Hurley and the rest of the athletic department will host a second meet and greet session.

The session is a chance for both current and future students interested in the men’s soccer program to show off their skills, meet the new head coach, and learn about the program.  A session was held last week and according to Vice President of Student Life and Athletic Director, Jack Hank, it was a huge success.

Hurley is the latest addition to the athletics program. Within the few weeks he has been on campus, Hurley has already begun to make plans for the future of the program.

“I’ve heard that there are some quality players here already, and I want to give them a full opportunity to get to know me through some training sessions prior to having the pressure of try-outs,” Hurley said. 
“This is about being the caliber of a player to compete at the collegiate level; I want to get to know as many students as possible that have a passion for the game.”

Before arriving here, Hurley was a member of the state staff of the South Texas Olympic Development Program.  He was responsible for helping conduct try-outs at various age groups to identify potential candidates for the program.

Hurley is also involved in a local soccer club, XLR8, as the director of coaching. His club teams have won several state championships and one of his teams won a regional championship while representing South Texas in Alabama over the summer.

According to Hurley, what attracted him to the Lake was “the potential of the program, as well as what the school has academically to offer all students.”

Hurley is already enjoying his time here.

“So far, I love it at the Lake,” Hurley said.  “There is a real sense of community here.  Those that I’ve become fortunate enough to come in contact with have been accommodating and seem to be real patriots for our school and community.”

In other NAIA news, according to Hank a potential candidate for the women’s volleyball head coach was interviewed last month.  The school is also still petitioning for admittance into the Red River Conference.  Hank is very pleased with the direction the program is heading. 

“This has opened a new avenue for students to get an education while affording them the opportunity to play the sport they love,” Hank said.