WILSON, N.C. – The Barton College Division of Athletics has announced the hiring of Erin Stephens as its new Head Women's Soccer Coach.
Stephens comes to Wilson, N.C., after serving as an Assistant Coach for the University of Tampa in Tampa, Fla., over the past two seasons (2021-22). Prior to Tampa, Stephens was an assistant at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, N.C., for three years (2018-20) after getting her start as a Graduate Assistant and Goalkeepers Coach at the University of North Alabama in 2017.
In her lone season with the Lions, Stephens helped lead North Alabama to a 13-4-2 record and a berth in the NCAA Division II Playoffs.
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Erin (Stephens) is the absolute perfect fit to lead our women's soccer program," said Barton Interim Director of Athletics Britney Woodhull-Smith. "
She brings a combination of knowledge of what it takes to compete for Conference Carolinas Championships with experience from a highly-competitive program. She has delivered passion and poise through all aspects of the interview process, and I am excited about where our program can go under her leadership."
Stephens is a former North Carolina ODP State (Region III) and Florida Olympic Development Program Staff Coach and coached at Watauga High School in Boone, N.C. In addition, Stephens was Technical Director at the High Country Soccer Association.
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I am honored, appreciative and excited to be the next head coach for the Bulldogs," said Stephens. "
I would like to thank (Interim AD) Britney Woodhull-Smith and (Assistant AD) Andrea Cuthrell for entrusting me with the future of the program. The community atmosphere of Barton athletics was evident as soon as I stepped on campus, and I am excited for the vision they have for this program. We are going to build a culture of excellence and look forward to empowering our players to achieve success both on and off the field."
Stephens, a 2016 graduate of Lees-McRae College, was a three-year captain on the Bobcats' squad while earning Dean's List honors seven semesters and earning Academic All-Conference accolades three semesters.
Stephens replaces Peter Mais, who served as Bulldogs' mentor the past two seasons.
