Catawba Names Michael Swan As Head Women’s Soccer Coach

SALISBURY, N.C. -- Catawba College has named Michael Swan as head women's soccer coach, it was announced today by Dennis Davidson, Director of Athletics. Swan comes to Catawba from King College in Bristol, Tenn., replacing Chad Miller, who resigned to take the same position at Western Carolina University earlier this month.

"We are very pleased with the addition of Michael Swan to the Catawba family," said Davidson. "He has a proven track record of developing a program and taking it to championship status. Fortunately, here at Catawba, our women's program is already solid and ready for new leadership. We believe that Michael can lead us back to the top of the South Atlantic Conference and beyond."

Most recently, as head women's soccer coach at King, Swan's teams during the past three seasons had a record of 41-17-3. As head coach of King (2007-09) and prior to that, at Virginia Intermont College (2003-07), Swan compiled an overall record of 92-41-10. Swan's teams won Appalachian Conference regular season and tournament championships in 2007 and 2008 and were runner-up in 2003-06.

Swan's squads were regional champs as well in 2006 and 2007 and also qualified for the NAIA National Tournament three times (2006-08). Prior to leaving King, Swan was part of the transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II. He was voted NAIA Region XII Coach of the Year in 2007 and 2008.

A native of Newcastle, England, Swan began his education at Gateshead College (England), earning a BTEC National Diploma in Sports Science in 1996. He then came to the United States, enrolling at Bluefield College (Va.). At Bluefield, Swan earned a bachelor's degree in physical education and played soccer before graduating in 2000.

Swan became assistant soccer coach at Flagler College (Fla.) in 2001 and served there two years before heading to Virginia Intermont as head women's soccer coach in 2003. Three years later, Swan became Director of Soccer for both the men and women at Virginia Intermont. Once Swan arrived at King in 2007, he established the women's soccer program as a national contender. He had numerous student athletes who were recognized for both academic achievement and athletic success.

"In addition to success on the field, academic success and working within the community have always been a strong focus for our student athletes," said Swan. "I'm honored to say that our student athletes have achieved the same success in the classroom as they have on the field."

Swan holds a United States Soccer Federation D License and a United Kingdom FA Preliminary Certificate and FA Leader Award.

Swan will be relocating to the Salisbury area with his wife, Cresta.