Coaching Staff
Eric Watson
Head Coach
Mr. Eric Watson begins his first season as the head men’s soccer coach in 2007. Watson joins the New Paltz staff after spending five years as the head men’s soccer coach at Linfield College in McMinnville, OR and compiled an overall record of 62-24-10. He led his team to the NCAA playoffs in 2002 and 2003. In 2003, Linfield claimed the Northwest Conference (NWC) championship and in 2005 Watson was named the NWC Coach of the Year. Watson also served as the women’s soccer coach in 2002 and 2003. Prior to Lindfield, Watson spent two seasons as the men’s assistant soccer coach at the University of Richmond. He was heavily involved with goalkeeper training, recruiting future players and scouting opponents. From 1998-2000, Watson served as the assistant men's soccer coach at Williams College. The program compiled a 31-3-2 record and reached the NCAA Division III semifinals in 1998 and the quarterfinals in 1999. He has worked extensively as a club coach for F.C. Portland, the Oregon Olympic Development Program, the Regional Olympic Development staff and the Richmond Capitals Club. He holds a Class “A” coaching license from the United States Soccer Federation and a goalkeeper diploma from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. Watson enjoyed a distinguished playing career at Williams College from 1993-1996. He was a senior captain in 1996 and helped lead his team to the NCAA Division III quarterfinals. In1995 his team went undefeated with a record of 17-0-2 and claimed the NCAA Division III National Championship. Williams appeared in the NCAA Division title game in 1993 and posted a 16-1-1 record. Watson received a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Williams in 1997 and completed his master's degree in Sport Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2002.
Contact Eric Watson at ext. 2342 or watsone@newpaltz.edu.
Kyle Clancy
Assistant Coach
Kyle Clancy enters his second season as the Assistant Coach for the New Paltz men's soccer team. He assists Coach Watson in all aspects of the program, including recruiting, opponent scouting, game preparation and player training. Outside of New Paltz he has coached the East Hudson Academy Under 13 Team and is a part of the Olympic Development Program Staff. Clancy has worked several camps, most recently the New Paltz soccer camp and the Nice Touch Camp. He holds a national diploma from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.
Prior to New Paltz, Clancy was a member of the Dominican College men's soccer program from 2002-2006. He holds the Dominican school record of 171 career points (75 goals, 21 assists) and was named the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Player of the Year in 2005 and 2006. He was a first team All-Conference player all four years, a three time first team All-Region selection and in 2006 he capped of his accomplishments by being named the CACC male Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Clancy is a 2006 graduate of Dominican College, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training.
Contact Kyle Clancy at ext. 2690 or clancyk@newpaltz.edu.
Bryan Smith
Assistant Coach
Former SUNY New Paltz soccer player Bryan Smith begins his first season as an Assistant Coach for the men's soccer team.
A native of Washingtonville, New York, Smith enjoyed four years for the Hawks, two of which he served as a team captain. He finished his career with 25 points on six goals and 15 assists as a midfielder. In addition, Smith was the co-recipient of the Heinz Ahlmeyer Award in 2005.
In the summer of 2007, Smith served as the Assistant Coach of the Hudson Valley Empire State team which earned the silver medal. He played on the silver medal team in 2003.
Smith is a 2005 graduate of SUNY New Paltz, with a Bachelor's in sociology and criminology. He is currently working on Alumni relations and fund raising for the Athletic department while pursuing a masters degree in Education.
Contact Bryan Smith at ext. 3930 or smithb@newpaltz.edu.