FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1-7-05

AASU Tabs Eric Faulconer To Start AASU Women's Soccer Program

SAVANNAH, Ga. - Armstrong Atlantic State University announced today the hiring of Eric Faulconer to coach the inaugural women’s soccer program, which will begin play in Fall of 2005. The former head coach at Thomas University, Faulconer started the Lady Night Hawks program in 1999 and compiled a 68-44-6 record in six seasons at the NAIA institution.

"We are thrilled to have Eric Faulconer come in and hit the ground running in building our women’s soccer program at Armstrong Atlantic," Athletic Director Dr. Eddie Aenchbacher said. "His track record in not only starting Thomas University’s program from scratch but doing it by utilizing a successful mix of in-state Georgia kids and out-of-state talent impressed us greatly, and we are confident he can bring similar success to AASU and the Peach Belt Conference right away."

Faulconer was the NSCAA/adidas 2003 South Region Coach of the Year as well as the NAIA Region 13 Coach of the Year for leading Thomas to a 15-6-2 mark and a berth in the NAIA National Championships in Santa Barbara, Calif., where the Lady Night Hawks advanced to the second round. In 2004, Thomas was ranked as high as No. 10 in the NAIA National rankings and finished with a 11-5-2 record and a third straight berth in the NAIA Region 13 tournament.

"I’m very excited to head up the first women’s soccer program at Armstrong Atlantic State," Faulconer said. "I’m also looking forward to continue the fine athletic traditions that Armstrong has developed recently in Savannah. While at Thomas, we competed against many teams from the Peach Belt and I feel that familiarity will help us be instantly competitive in the conference. There is a wealth of talent in the Coastal Empire area as well as the state of Georgia, which should provide us with a rich recruiting base."

In Faulconer’s second season at Thomas in 2000, he led the Lady Night Hawks to a 12-9 overall record and an undefeated 9-0 home campaign. In 2002, his fourth season, Thomas went 12-6-1 and earned the program’s first NAIA national ranking (18th) and advanced to the NAIA Region 13 Championship game. His 68-44-6 record ranks as the 16th-best career winning percentage in NAIA.

Prior to starting the Thomas University women’s soccer program, Faulconer was an assistant coach with the Thomas University men’s soccer program during the 1998-99 season. He also served as Deputy Commissioner of the professional Eastern Indoor Soccer League from 1996-98. In addition to his duties with Thomas University, Faulconer also served as the Director of Girls Player Development for the Tallahassee United Futbol Club and on the staff with Tallahassee-based Warner Soccer. Faulconer holds a USSF National B License and is a member of the Florida Youth Soccer Association Olympic Development coaching staff.

Born in New Jersey, Faulconer’s family moved to Naples, Florida in 1979. He graduated from the Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1992 and a master’s degree in public administration in 1996, with additional graduate course work in sport administration. Eric and his wife Ginger have one son, Zachary Collin Faulconer.

Faulconer and the Lady Pirates will begin play in the Fall of 2005.

- Pirates -