SM-Tn Sports
PULASKI — Former Mid-South Conference women’s soccer coach of the year Brian Davies has been tabbed to lead the Martin Methodist men’s program, replacing Chris Leonardi at the helm of the RedHawks.
Leonardi departed earlier this spring after seven seasons to take a similar position at Spring Hill (Ala.), an NCAA Division II program.
“We are thrilled to have coach Brian Davies join our staff as our new men’s soccer head coach,” Martin Methodist athletics director Brandie Paul said in announcing the hiring of the former Cumberland University women’s coach. “Brian’s reputation and resume speak for themselves and his success in the Mid-South Conference is already evident.
“Coach Davies truly seemed like the perfect fit for our program as we prepare to take things to the next level. We look forward to welcoming him to campus and to our men’s soccer program in the coming days.”
Over three seasons with the Cumberland women prior to his July 2020 resignation, Davies posted a 43-16-3. In 2017, his first season at the helm after two years as a Phoenix assistant, he led the team to a 7-0 finish and was named MSC Coach of the Year.
Under his tutelage, 22 Cumberland players received all-conference recognition, including a pair of MSC Players of the Year, and five were named NAIA all-Americans. Additionally, 32 players earned all-academic honors with 18 recognized as NAIA Scholar-Athletes.
A 1996 graduate of Green Mountain (Vt.) College, Davies was a three-time all-Mayflower Conference selection and was a two-time NSCAA all-New England and all-America honoree. He is the program’s fifth all-time leading scorer and is a member of the school’s athletic hall of fame.
“I would like to thank Brandie Paul, (MMC president) Dr. Mark La Branche and the committee for giving me this great opportunity,” Davies said. “I am very excited to take over a very rich men’s soccer program and speak with the team as soon as possible.
“This is an exciting time to be a part of Martin Methodist as we transition to UT-Southern later this summer. I cannot wait to get started and get to work with the staff members and get out and meet with the people in the community.”