Former Centre All-American Named Director of Men's Soccer Operations at Louisville

Former Centre All-American Named Director of Men's Soccer Operations at Louisville

(Story taken from the Centre College website)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - David Horne, former Academic All-American and Assistant Coach at Centre College, has been hired by the University of Louisville as the new Director of Operations for Men’s Soccer. Horne joins the staff following the program’s first trip to the NCAA College Cup National Championship.

Horne, a native of Louisville, KY, was named as Centre’s first NSCAA Academic All-American in 2006. A two-time captain, Horne was also named the 2006 Centre College Male Athlete of the Year, as well as being a 2-time NSCAA All-Region selection and 3-time SCAC All-Conference selection during the course of his career.

David went on to play professionally outdoors for the Cincinnati Kings of the United Soccer Leagues 2nd Division, while subsequently being hired as the Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach for Centre. He continued his professional career indoors, playing for the Cincinnati 1790 Express of the Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL-Pro).

After serving for two years as the Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach at Centre, Horne was hired as the General Manager for the Louisville Lightning, an expansion team in the PASL-Pro. The former Centre All-American, who also played two seasons for the Lightning, orchestrated the signing of three former Major League Soccer stars with the Lightning, and under his guidance, the Lightning made it to the Professional Arena Soccer League’s US Open Cup title game in the team’s first season. 

Horne becomes the University of Louisville Men’s Soccer program’s first Director of Operations, joining Head Coach Ken Lolla’s staff just months after their undefeated run to the National Championship game. Lolla, the NSCAA National Coach of the Year, went on to praise Horne for his impact on the soccer community in Louisville and forthcoming duties with the program. “We are very excited about David Horne joining our staff and efforts in developing young men. David has done a tremendous job growing the Louisville Lightning and making it a prominent part of our soccer community. We are looking forward to benefiting from his experience and wisdom in continuing to grow our program,” Lolla stated. 

Horne’s arrival signals an increasing emphasis on the Men’s Soccer program at the University of Louisville. 

Louisville Athletic Director Tom Jurich says Horne will be a key component of one of the nation’s top programs. "David comes to us highly recommended. Ken (Lolla) has been very impressed with him, as is (Louisville Lightning co-owner) Wayne Estopinal. I'm confident he will do a great job with us, bringing the same enthusiasm and passion he has for the sport to our highly successful Men's Soccer program,” said Jurich.

Louisville Lightning co-owner Wayne Estopinal praised Horne’s work ethic. "Working with Ken Lolla on a daily basis will be a great experience for David. Ken is a fantastic organizer, motivator and has a passion for soccer that was unseen in our city before his arrival,” Estopinal said. 

“David is a good example of following your heart," said former coach and Centre College Head Men’s Soccer Coach Jeb Burch. "He did not set out to become General Manager of the Lighting or Director of Operations for UofL soccer. David followed his instincts each day combining what he loves with a tremendous work ethic. He is a committed fellow, who will be a tremendous asset and bring a wealth of enthusiasm to the Cardinal soccer community. I can’t think of a better person for the job. We are all very proud of him."