Jon Evan named Head Men's Soccer Coach

Brescia Athletic Director Brian Skortz is pleased to announce the hiring of Jon Evan as head men's soccer coach. Evan, a New England native takes over a team that went to the KIAC semi-finals a year a go. "New beginnings always provide a sense of excitement, said Skortz, "that's why today I'm excited for Coach Jon Evan and his family as they provide a new beginning for our men's soccer program."

"I would like to thank the administration at Brescia University, from Father Larry, right down to all the members of the search committee for putting their faith in me to lead the men's soccer program", said Evan, "In particular, I would like to thank Josh Clary and Brian Skortz for their class and professionalism in the hiring process. From the start, their approach was professional, but what really stood out was their welcoming demeanor, which has made my family feel like we are already a part of the Brescia community. Of course I am very excited to be joining the Brescia University community and my family and I look forward to contributing in every way we can, and naturally, I would like to thank my family, my wife Vanessa and our children, who are always there to support me."

Evan joins the Bearcats coaching staff after completing time with the Clarksville Fusion Soccer Club (Clarksville, TN) serving as the coach for the three academy teams. Prior to his time in Clarksville, Evan was the head men's coach at the University of Maine at Farmington in 2011 & 2012. His teams set UMF records for most wins and earned the NAC Conference award for Fair Play accumulating the least amount of cards issued. "Jon's passion has been evident in the way he coaches and in his love for the game of soccer. That passion carried over into our process and his desire to be here at Brescia University. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience and is an excellent recruiter of student athletes .. he will be a great asset and leader for our men's soccer program", said Skortz.

Before UMF, Evan was an assistant at Rollins College where he was part of a NCAA D-II National Runner-up team in 2010. Evan was a Midwestern State in Wichita Falls, TX in 2008 & 2009. Evan said, "I want to say thanks also to Doug Elder and the proud Midwestern State athletic family, as well as the great legacy of Southern Connecticut coaches and players who are a constant source of support, and who have provided me with a solid foundation in the game."

In 2006 he worked as the assistant coach at both Boston University and Babson College. Evan was at Jacksonville University from 2002-2005 serving as the goalkeeper coach. Before he joined the Dolphins after serving as the head men's soccer coach at First Coast High School in Jacksonville from 2002-03. Prior to that, he was the head coach of the men's program at Shelton High School in Shelton, Conn., for three seasons (1996-98).

As a player, Evan was a goalkeeper for two NCAA Final Four teams at Division II powerhouse Southern Connecticut State (1994-95), where he played for Ray Reid. Since 1987, SCSU has won six national championships. Evan then played professionally for the Jacksonville Cyclones (1998), Real Mona of the Jamaican NPL (2000) and the Cocoa Expos of the USL (2001), where he shut out the MLS Miami Fusion in an exhibition match. The 1991 graduate of Amity High School, Evan was an all-state selection and ODP participant as a goalkeeper.

Evan played men's soccer on two NCAA Division II Final Four teams at Southern Connecticut State University and professionally in the United Soccer League for the Jacksonville Cyclones and Cocoa Expos.

"I am excited to get to work with the outstanding young men in the program," said Evan, "I know we have some talented, and motivated young men, going into next year and that is a great recipe for success. It will be our aim to rebuild the Bearcat program and we will do this by doing everything related to the student athlete experience in a first class manner. It will be a process, but we will build the foundation by setting a standard of excellence for ourselves personally, academically, and athletically. Our team will look to engage in the community, earn honors in the classroom, and compete for championships on the field. I know of the past success of the Brescia men's soccer program and the best way we can honor that tradition is to set high standards for ourselves."

A nationally certified personal trainer/nutrition counselor, Evan earned a bachelor's degree in exercise science from Jacksonville (Fla.) University and is completing a master's in Kinesiology from Midwestern State.

Evan plans to reside in Owensboro with his wife, Vanessa, and two children.

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