SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The UCSB men's soccer program has welcomed a new member: Paul Hart joins the coaching staff as the goalkeeper coach.
Hart, who hails from London, England, will fill the position that was vacated by Stuart Dobson, who left UCSB to join the Akron men's soccer coaching staff.
"He is the most experienced coach in town when it comes to working specifically with goalies," said head coach Tim Vom Steeg of Hart.
Hart most recently served as the assistant coach for Santa Barbara City College's men's and women's soccer programs. He was named the NSCAA West Region Assistant of the Year after helping lead the Vaquero men to the State Final Four in 2011.
"We're a little bit fortunate to have a good goalkeeper coach right here in town when we need one," Vom Steeg said. "I've seen Paul work with local teams over the past five years, so we're really familiar with him."
Hart competed collegiately at West Texas A&M University where he earned his B.A. in kinesiology. He also played professionally for Queens Park Rangers Football Club.
It was with Queens Park Rangers Academy that he got his start in coaching. He has also coached for Cal South ODP and Santa Barbara Soccer Club.
Hart, who has an M.S. in sports performance and injury prevention, holds a USSF National Goalkeeping License, UEFA B Coaching License, USSF B Coaching License, NSCAA Goalkeeping Diploma, and Certified Coaching Instructor for US National "D" and "E" License.
"It brings me great pleasure to join the UC Santa Barbara men's soccer program as the goalkeeper coach," Hart said. "I would like to thank Tim Vom Steeg for giving me the opportunity to work within this great program. I am looking forward to continuing the tradition of success that Coach Vom Steeg and his coaching staff have built at UCSB over the years."
UCSB will officially open the 2012 season on Sunday, Aug. 26 at Loyola Marymount. The Gauchos will return home on Sept. 7 to host Valparaiso at 7:30 p.m. at Meredith Field at Harder Stadium.
To ensure that you don't miss a minute of the 2012 campaign, purchase your season tickets now. The popular Family Plan includes five tickets for just $178. This year, the plan will also serve as a Flex Plan with either two season passes and three GKids memberships or five tickets – it's your call! GKids remains the best value in town for kids with access to every regular season game in every sport while wearing your GKids t-shirt. Call (805) 893-UCSB or click here to purchase your season ticket