New Men’s Head Soccer Coach Named at CIU

New Men’s Head Soccer Coach Named at CIU

Coach Bill Brindley, CIU men's soccer

Bill Brindley, CIU Men's Head Soccer Coach

Columbia International University welcomes Bill Brindley as the new men’s head soccer coach.

Brindley comes to the CIU Rams from the Trinity Baptist College Eagles in Jacksonville, Florida where he built TBC’s soccer program from scratch in 2012 to consecutive regional tournament championships, and the 2015 NCCAA D2 National Championship.

Before becoming a coach, Brindley played professionally with USL teams Real Maryland and the Pittsburgh River Hounds. He was a collegiate standout at Tennessee Temple and Palm Beach Atlantic University, and holds the NSCAA National Diploma and the NSCAA Professional Development Certificate.

Brindley replaces James Whitaker who made history as CIU’s first men’s soccer coach in 2012. Whitaker was promoted to athletics director in December, replacing Kim Abbott who resigned to devote more time to her family. Whitaker led the Rams to a program record of 37-30-6 over four seasons.

Whitaker says his successor on the soccer field “is going to put his heart and soul” into the program “from the moment he steps foot on campus.”

“Bill Brindley has experience as a former pro and early success in his coaching career,” Whitaker said. “He has a great work ethic, personality, and an enthusiasm that make him a great fit for the CIU culture.”

As for Brindley, he was attracted to CIU because, “It was evident that CIU is filled with passionate people who believe in providing a Christ-centered environment for the student athlete."

"I am proud to join the Ram nation and look forward to helping our student athletes achieve success on the field, in the classroom and in the community," Brindley added.