June 20, 2006

EASTON, Pa. (www.lafayette.edu) - With more than eight seasons of coaching experience at the club, high school and collegiate levels, Brian Herr offers a breadth of knowledge and ability as he joins the Lafayette women's soccer staff as an assistant under first-year head coach Mick Statham.

"The great thing about Brian coming in here is that we get someone with a lot of previous experience and someone who knows how to win," Statham said. "To get an assistant coach of Brian's experience is tremendous. He is a coach that will make me a better coach as well. His credentials speak for themselves, and in my opinion, he is one of the best goalkeeper coaches in the nation."

Herr comes to Lafayette after spending two seasons as an assistant women's soccer coach at Villanova where he was responsible for training and developing the Wildcats' goalkeepers. In 2003, Herr helped mentor Villanova to a Big East Championship and run to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen. In his three seasons with the Wildcats, the team posted a 38-13-10 record. During that stretch, Herr nurtured three regional All-Americans, two All-Big East selections and the 2005 Big East Goalkeeper of the Year, Jillian Loyden.

Prior to his stint at Villanova, Herr was a head coach and goalkeeping director for the FC DELCO Soccer Club. He spent time coaching both the Tar Heels and Fire women's teams, while also organizing training for male and female goalkeepers ranging from 13 to 19 years of age. It was then that Herr and Statham established a working relationship as both worked in the FC DELCO circle.

Herr graduated Cum Laude from Drexel in 1998, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Math Education. He was also awarded a National Merit Scholarship and the Anthony J. Drexel Scholarship. Herr was a four-year starter in goal for the Dragons, setting the benchmark for career and regular season saves as a senior at Drexel. He currently ranks 12th all-time in NCAA Division I with 483 career saves. As a sophomore, he earned First Team North Atlantic Conference honors, while his senior season drew Second Team All-American East and Philadelphia Soccer 7 Goalkeeper of the Year accolades.

Professionally, Herr utilized his degree as a secondary math teacher in the West Chester Area School District for eight years. He also spent six years (1996-2001) as the Assistant Camp Director and staff coach for National Olympic Soccer Camps for athletes ages 5-20. Herr also has coaching experience on the high school level, as he spent five seasons as an assistant at Radnor (2001-2002) and Conestoga (1998-2000) high schools.

"His knowledge of youth soccer is really extensive, which will help immensely with our recruiting efforts," Statham said.

Herr is a 1994 graduate of Great Valley High School, where he led his team to the 1993 Pennsylvania State Championship and was named an NSCAA Regional All-American in goal. A two-time all-league selection, Herr holds the state record with 21 shutouts in 28 games for Great Valley.