Tom Gott Named Head Women's Soccer Coach

MARS HILL, N.C. – Tom Gott has been named the Head Women's Soccer Coach at Mars Hill University, Athletic Director David Riggins announced today.

Riggins stated, "We are pleased to have Coach Gott join the MHU Athletic Family. His experience combined with his knowledge of the South Atlantic Conference and the fact that he has an established recruiting base in our geographic footprint will pay dividends for our program."

Gott came to Mars Hill after an 11-year stint at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

After completing the 2015 campaign as the Bear's Head Men's Soccer Coach, Gott had an overall mark of 56-52-19.

In 2015 the Bears had an 8-8-2 overall record and a 5-5-1 record in the SAC. In 2014, Lenoir-Rhyne finished fourth in the conference and hosted a SAC Tournament Quarterfinal match after a 9-8 campaign in 2013.

Five years ago, Lenoir-Rhyne ended the year with a 9-9-3 ledger but advanced all the way to the 2011 Food Lion South Atlantic Conference Tournament Championship match.

In 2010, the Bears finished with their sixth straight winning season as the squad compiled a 9-8 mark and a 5-4 ledger in South Atlantic Conference play.

In his inaugural season in 2009, Gott led the Bears to an 8-6-4 mark and a fourth-place finish in league play. Gott also coached three players to All-SAC First-Team honors while two garnered all-region accolades.

Prior to becoming the head coach, Gott served as an assistant coach for Lenoir-Rhyne's men's and women's programs for three seasons.

In Gott's tutelage, the Bears allowed just 13 goals in 21 games (0.62 goals per game) as the squad put together its best year in school history in 2006. The Bears finished with a 19-1-1 mark and a No. 5 national ranking in NCAA Division II. Lenoir-Rhyne also won the Food Lion SAC Tournament and advanced all the way to the regional finals.

Gott also co-captained for a squad that won a then-school-record 13 games.

Prior to working at Lenoir-Rhyne, Gott played for three years for the Wycombe Wanderers Football Club in the English Football League.

Gott is certified by the English FA and the NSCAA.

"I would like to thank David Riggins for the opportunity to lead the MHU Women's Soccer Program", said Gott. He added, "I look forward to getting to work with the current squad and re-establishing ourselves as a competitive program within the SAC and the Southeast Region".

Gott is married to the former Jennifer Payne. They have a daughter, Lucy and are expecting their second child in the summer of 2016.