May 20, 2005

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Bert Molinary has been elevated to the top assistant spot for the South Carolina men’s soccer program, head coach Mark Berson announced Friday. Molinary, a native of Columbia and a graduate of Spring Valley High School, joined the Gamecock staff prior to the 2004 season.

“Bert has a proven track record as an established head coach for many years,” Berson said. “Since joining the Carolina staff last spring, he’s had a dramatic impact on all aspects of our program. We’re excited about our staff as we move forward into the 2005 season.”

In addition to on the field training, Molinary will be involved in all areas of the Carolina program, including recruiting, scheduling, budget and the entire athletic and academic development of soccer student-athletes.

“I am thankful to Coach Berson for the opportunity to be in this kind of position in a program that has enjoyed so much success over the years,” Molinary said. “There have been many outstanding players who have come through the program under Coach Berson, and I am committed to helping South Carolina continue to bring in the top talent and compete for championships.”

In his first season at USC, Molinary helped guide the Gamecocks to an at-large berth in the NCAA Tournament. He also trained All-American goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who was the No. 2 selection in the 2005 Major League Soccer SuperDraft.

Prior to joining the Carolina staff, Molinary served on the soccer staff at Division III Hampden-Sydney College for 14 years, including the last eight as head coach (1996-2003). He is the Hampden-Sydney’s all-time winningest coach and tutored five future professionals and a pair of All-Americans during his tenure at the school.

Molinary takes over the spot vacated by Bryan Cunningham, who recently left to take a similar position at the University of Central Florida.