SC Tennessee News

Milligan University Director of Athletics Christian Pope has announced Patrick Sweeney as the Buffs' head men's soccer coach following a national search.

"As we embark on a new chapter for Milligan soccer, we are pleased to welcome Patrick Sweeney to the program. His resume is vast and speaks for itself, but it's his heart for Milligan that brings him to the forefront. His love for this university and the sport of soccer is unmatched and I am eager for the Milligan community to experience his enthusiasm and passion. Our program is in more than capable hands with Coach Sweeney."

Sweeney holds a special place in Milligan men's soccer history as he scored the first-ever in-game goal at Anglin Field in 1999. He tallied 14 goals and eight assists to lead the Buffs in points that season and helped the Milligan men's soccer program to its first-ever conference championship in 1999. After his time at Milligan, Sweeney went on to earn his bachelor's degree in sports management from Columbia Southern University.

Sweeney enjoyed a professional career over the course of 12 years, appearing in over 500 senior-level games. He played in the Irish First Division, Irish Premier League, USL Pro League and USL Pro Select League. In his final professional stint with the Real Maryland Monarchs, Sweeney served as a player and assistant coach under manager Anthony Hudson, the current interim head coach of the United States men's national team.

Sweeney served on the staff of the Bahrain U23 national team when they won their first-ever gold medal in the U23 Gulf Cup of Nations. He also served as a trainer and scout for the New Zealand national football team.

His collegiate coaching experience includes four seasons as an assistant coach of the University of Tampa's women's team, who achieved a national No. 1 ranking in 2008 and made runs to the NCAA round of 16 and national quarterfinals.

Sweeney then spent three seasons as the technical director at Clearwater Christian College. The Cougars achieved a top-five national ranking in 2012 and won regional regular season and tournament titles on their way to a No. 5 final national ranking in 2013.

Over the last decade, Sweeney has been a fixture in club and professional soccer ranks in Florida, serving at Seminole FC and with the St. Pete Raiders and the St. Pete Aztecs. Under his leadership, the St. Pete Aztecs claimed the league title for the United Premier Soccer League in 2020.

"Bethany, my wife, and I are both former students at Milligan," said Sweeney. "We met there and got married shortly after. It is a special place for us. I would especially like to thank Dr. Greer and Mr. Pope for the opportunity to become the men's soccer head coach."

Originally from Ireland, Sweeney owns FIFA and USSF A Licenses. He and Bethany have one son named Keenan.

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