NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Eric Barnes has been named the new head men’s soccer coach at Niagara University, Director of Athletics Thomas Crowley announced today.

Barnes came to NU as an assistant coach this past season and takes over the head coaching position after Chase Brooks accepted the same position at Duquesne University.

“Eric Barnes has been an important contributor to Niagara men’s soccer in what could have been the program’s greatest year,”  Crowley said.  “He has an uncommon focus and passion for Niagara and strong working relationship with the team.  He will lead us as we build on the program’s current success.”

In his first year at Niagara as an assistant coach, Barnes helped the Purple Eagles earn their first Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference title and a trip to the NCAA tournament in the program’s 43-year history. 

“I am excited and honored to accept the position of head coach at Niagara University,” Barnes said.  “I would like to thank Mr. Crowley and the rest of the athletic department staff for the opportunity to lead the men’s soccer program following our historic season in 2012.  I’m looking forward to building on the foundation left by Coach Brooks and continuing to lead to program in the right direction.”

Barnes, who possesses an NSCAA Premier Diploma and an NSCAA Advanced National Goalkeeping Diploma, came to NU from the University of Pittsburgh where he served as the men’s soccer assistant coach from 2009-11.  While with the Panthers, Barnes mentored the goalkeepers on appropriate techniques and strategies while also assisting in recruiting. 

The grade 6 USSF Referee and member of the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association formerly served as the Director of Goalkeeping for FC Pittsburgh and is a member of the NSCAA National Goalkeeper Staff where he travels to various locations throughout the United States to mentor coaches on the proper training of goalkeepers. 

Barnes is a graduate George Mason University, where he played collegiately for two years while obtaining his bachelor’s degree in health, fitness and recreation resources with a concentration in sport management.  He then played two years at Pittsburgh while earning his Juris Doctorate.  His efforts on and off the field earned him the Martin Dunphy Goalkeeper of the Year Award, as well as the Colonial Athletic Association Commissioner’s Academic Award, National Dean’s List and Athletics Director’s Honor Roll honors.

Barnes also played professionally for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-2) during the 2009 season and for the Carolina Dynamo (PDL-USL Premier Development league) in 2007.