Berea College Athletics is thrilled to announce the appointment of Xavier Tomlin as the new Head Coach for the Men's Soccer program. Tomlin, a distinguished alum of the class of 2019 and former Centre College forward, brings a wealth of experience and a dynamic vision to the role following an impressive tenure with the Centre men's soccer team.
During his time as a Volunteer Assistant Coach starting in the Summer of 2019, Tomlin played a pivotal role in guiding the Colonels to the most successful season in the program's history. Under his mentorship, the team achieved a remarkable 20-4-1 record, culminating in a spot in the NCAA Final Four. Their extraordinary season was marked not only by winning the Southern Athletic Association (SAA) Tournament but also by notable victories against several ranked opponents, securing a final ranking of No. 4 in the United Soccer Coaches Poll. Tomlin's efforts contributed to several players receiving prestigious honors, including Alexander Garuba being named an All-American and Michael Vogt earning All-Region accolades, along with seven selections to the All-SAA team.
A product of Centennial High School in Peoria, Arizona, Tomlin's soccer journey began long before his collegiate successes. His high school career was highlighted by being named to the All-District 1st Team as a forward. Additionally, he honed his skills in the Developmental Academy league with Andromeda FC and FC Golden State, the latter of which was recognized as the top club team in the nation during his time.
Tomlin holds a degree in Economics and Finance from Centre College and is currently pursuing a Master's degree at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas. His on-field achievements include participating in two NCAA Tournament appearances and securing two SAA Tournament championships, laying a strong foundation for his coaching philosophy rooted in both competitive spirit and academic excellence.
As he steps into the head coach role at Berea College, Tomlin aims to instill a culture of resilience, teamwork, and a commitment to improvement among the student-athletes. "I am excited to get to work with a talented and driven group of young men. I want to thank Mr. Hess, and all those involved in the search for the Head Coach position for being such welcoming guests in my short time with the school." stated Tomlin. "I'm committed to giving my best everyday to all those involved with Berea College and look forward to the growth of the program. Go Mountaineers!"
"We are excited to welcome Xavier Tomlin as the new Head Men's Soccer Coach at Berea College." states Director of Athletics, Ryan Hess. "With an impressive background in both playing and coaching, Coach Tomlin's passion for the game is sure to elevate our men's soccer program. He has consistently demonstrated a commitment to player development, prioritizing both the physical and mental well-being of student-athletes. Through his ability to build strong personal relationships and foster a culture of teamwork and discipline, we are confident that Coach Tomlin will be a tremendous asset to our team and the broader campus community."
