CLARION, Pa. --- Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Wendy Snodgrass announced today that Jason Edwards has been hired as the head coach of the Golden Eagles soccer program, in advance of the 2023 season. Edwards comes to Clarion with years of experience coaching at the college, club and high school levels.
 
"We are excited to announce that Jason Edwards will be the next leader of our soccer program," Snodgrass said. "What stands out most when speaking with him is his passion for developing relationships with student-athletes, and molding them into standouts on the field and in the classroom. His energy and enthusiasm is evident in every conversation with him, and I am sure he will quickly fit into the culture of our department."
 
"I am excited to get to work and become a part of the Clarion family," Edwards said.
 
Edwards has been the head girls soccer coach at Chartiers Valley High School since 2021, and in the last year has also been a head coach with Century United soccer club in Pittsburgh. His club coaching experience includes a two-year stint as the coaching director at FC Pittsburgh from 2017-19, and a one-year stint as the head coach of the club from 2016-17. Edwards also spent time with the varsity girls soccer program at Central Valley High School, both as an assistant as well as the head coach.
 
His prior college coaching experience included two years as the assistant coach for the men's soccer team at Point Park, where he worked primarily with the goalkeepers. He also spent time
working with the club program at the University of Pittsburgh from 2014-16, helping them to a regional championship and a national ranking as well as two appearances in the NIRSA national tournament.
 
A native Welshman, Edwards' coaching career began at home. He started when he was 15 as an assistant with Gaerwen FC before taking a position with Urdd Gobaith Cymru. Edwards later spent time as the head coach at University of Wales, Bangor, and also worked for three years with the Bangor City Football Club' Welsh Premier Academy. He traveled to the United States in 2013 and worked as the Director of Coaching and Player Development with North Hills Soccer Club.
 
Edwards studied Sport Science &; Physical Education at the University of Wales, Bangor as well as Sports, Arts and Entertainment from Point Park. He currently holds a UEFA C Certificate from the FA of Wales as well as a C Licence & Coach Educator License from USSF.