Hamel Named Men's Soccer Coach
May 31, 2012MARS HILL, N.C. – Gary Hamel has been named the new head men’s soccer at Mars Hill College, Athletic Director David Riggins announced today. Hamel will begin his duties immediately.
Hamel stated, “I want to thank Coach Riggins for giving me the opportunity to be a part of Mars Hill College. I am very excited to get started with the team and work to continue the success that has been established here”
Hamel spent the last four seasons as an assistant coach with the Oregon State men's soccer program.
Hamel worked primarily with the field players and worked closely with the greatest player in OSU school history, Danny Mwanga, who earned several All-America honors and was chosen the Pac-10 Player of the Year in 2009 before being selected No. 1 overall in the MLS SuperDraft by the Philadelphia Union.
Oregon State finished second in the Pac-10 Conference in 2009, its highest finish in seven years.
Athletic Director David Riggins stated, “We are very fortunate to add Gary to our staff. He is well prepared to take over a program which had great success in 2011 and to continue that trend. Gary’s approach to developing a well-rounded student-athlete fits perfectly into the Mars Hill mission.”
Prior to joining Oregon State in 2008, Hamel served as an assistant coach at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo., where he helped lead the team to a 15-4-1 record in 2007 and a berth in the NCAA Division II Regional Semifinals. While at Fort Lewis College, two players were named to the All-Region team and two players earned All-Tournament honors.
He was a long-time coach in the Bend United Soccer Club and Central Oregon Soccer Association and also coached at Bend High School, Summit High School and Sunriver Preparatory School.
Hamel graduated from Springfield (Mass.) College in 1990 with a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education.
Hamel and his wife, Kimberly, have two children, Parker and Bridget.
Mars Hill finished with a 13-6-1 overall record and a 6-2-1 SAC record that placed them in third place in the league. MHC advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament and ended the season ranked 17th nationally. The Lions had six All-SAC players and three All-Region players in 2011.
