RIVERSIDE, Calif. --- California Baptist University head women's soccer coach Kristen St. Clair recently announced Nick Thompson as her new assistant coach. Thompson has served as the men's soccer assistant coach at Gordon for the past two seasons.

"We are very excited to welcome Nick Thompson to the CBU family," said St. Clair. "Nick brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the women's soccer program. From being a decorated student athlete at perennial National Championship power Messiah College, to his time playing in the professional ranks to his experiences on the sideline as an NCAA college coach, Nick is a tremendous fit for our program."

While at Gordon, the Fighting Scots finished 19-3 in the fall of 2013 and ranked as high as No. 11 in the NSCAA National Rankings. It was the most successful season in program history as Gordon received its second NCAA tournament bid and won its first game to make it to the second round before being eliminated.

"We are of course disappointed to see Nick leave the Gordon Soccer family, but know this is a great opportunity for him and the place that God has clearly directed him to go. Though he will be deeply missed by the staff and players alike, we are thrilled to see how he will be used at CBU to influence the team there both on and off the field. Personally, I want to thank Nick for the essential role that he played in making my transition here, both personally and professionally, so smooth. I was able to hit the ground running with the soccer program and his relationship bridged the gap between me and the players immediately. Additionally, his commitment to helping ease the burden of the move for my family was more vital than we will probably know. The California Baptist University Women's Soccer team will be getting a great young coach that will commit to and invest in the program on every level."
 
Thompson and St. Clair will look to build on a successful 2013 CBU season where the Lancers finished 12-5-1 overall. It also marked the first year CBU was eligible for postseason action as the Lancers snagged the PacWest's automatic berth to the NCAA Division II National Tournament, but were eliminated on penalty kicks in the first round.

"I have really enjoyed my time being part of the Gordon Men's Soccer program and the Gordon College community. This decision was not easy for me, and a lot of that has to do with how much I love where I work, the great group of guys on the team, and the people I am surrounded by every day at the office. I want to thank Coach Potteiger for giving me his blessing on taking this job in California. I have learned a lot from him and am very grateful for his friendship."

Portions of release courtesy of California Baptist sports information.