(Story Courtesy of Centenary College)
SHREVEPORT, La. - The Centenary Department of Athletics and Director of Athletics Ronda Seagraves announces the hiring of David Orr as the head women's soccer coach, effective April 1, 2014. An immediate search will begin for the head men's soccer coach. Orr will head up both soccer programs until that date.
"After the job was posted and applicants were considered, it was apparent that Coach David Orr was the best candidate to succeed Coach Glenn Evans," said Seagraves. "His soccer experience and knowledge of Centenary College will bode well for the Ladies soccer program as we strive for continued success in women's soccer. The search for a successor for the Gents soccer team will begin immediately."
"I am excited, honored and humbled to be following the legacy as head coach for the Ladies established by Coach Glenn Evans," said. Orr. "I am equally excited about the opportunity to work with the exceptional character and talent the Centenary Ladies possess. They return an excellent squad in 2014 and we are working hard to finalize the incoming 2014 class of newcomers."
Orr, a Centenary graduate and four-year letterwinner for the Gents program, spent 10 seasons as a Gents coach and the last six as the head coach. In six seasons with the Gents, Orr has guided the squad to a 31-62-5 record, including a 13-win season in 2011 – the first season in Division III. During his time at Centenary, Orr has coached four all-conference performers and four conference players of the week.
"My move from Gents' coach to Ladies' coach was one conceived by a few people with the best interest both Men's and Women's Soccer at Centenary. I am honored to assist the Gents' squad in any and every way necessary to ensure their continued legacy as the search for the new coach begins. The Gents are positioned to be an excellent contender in the near future. I am very humbled to have been a Gents player for four seasons (1992-1996) and Gents coach for 10 seasons (1999-2002, 2008-2013)," stated Orr. "I had the privilege of witnessing the inaugural Ladies soccer season in 1992 as a member of the Gents' soccer squad. The Ladies soccer legacy established then is what I hope to carry into the future. Of course, I would not be taking on this endeavor without the blessing of the man behind this legacy, Glenn Evans. My respect and appreciation for Coach Evans are immense."
Evans, a Centenary alum and hall of fame member, is honored to leave the program to his former goalkeeper.
"Leaving is bittersweet, but there are things Momma Evans and I want to do while I'm able to do them," Evans stated. "I'm leaving the program in capable hands with David. He's asked me to keep a hand in it. Like any keeper, he reads the game well. He can make in-game adjustments well. The transition will be easy for him. He's old school like I am and an excellent recruiter."
Evans concluded his 40-plus years at Centenary this past season at the helm of the Ladies' program leading the Maroon and White to a berth in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship – the first since 2004.
"It's been a great ride. I was asked the other day what I would remember the most. After reflecting back, I can say it isn't the conference championships or the coach of the year awards, but it's the relationships formed with former players. Some of the guys have stayed close and the girls that have played are like daughters," said Evans. "I was very lucky to be asked to return to Centenary after graduating from here and I didn't hesitate to return to campus and start the men's soccer program. I've got no regrets and am fond of the memories. I'm proud of the kids that have come through here."
The Ladies program finished the 2013 season with a 5-14-2 record and 3-8 in the SCAC. Centenary fell 1-0 in overtime to Texas Lutheran in the first match of the SCAC Championship.
