(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."