MOREHEAD, Ky. – Morehead State soccer announces the first addition to their coaching staff under Chris Fox by signing Mark Sappington as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.

"I am grateful and honored to be a part of Morehead State Athletic department. I want to thank Chris and (Director of Athletics) Dr. (Jaime) Gordon for the trust and opportunity to assist Morehead State soccer into its next chapter. I have known Chris for several years and I am thrilled to be working with him as his passion and professionalism is beyond impressive," Sappington said. 

Sappington joins the Eagle program after spending two seasons at Campbell University, where he helped lead the Camels to a number 22 national ranking according to Top Drawer Soccer and their first NCAA Tournament berth since 1993. Sappington used his expertise in goalkeeping to guide the Camels to six shutouts, allowing only 11 goals all of last season.

Prior to his time at Campbell, Sappington spent five seasons as an assistant coach at Slippery Rock University, where his keepers accumulated a 63-29-6 record and held opponents to under a goal per game. Notably, in 2019, Sappington helped Slippery Rock win the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and earned a berth to the Division II NCAA Tournament.

"I'm really excited to add Mark to my staff. He brings a wealth of experience at both the Division 1 and 2 levels from his time at Slippery Rock and most recently Campbell. Mark will take charge of our goalkeepers and holds his Advanced National GK Diploma with the United Soccer Coaches. He also boasts a masters in Sport Psychology from the University of Lock Haven and is passionate about culture and leadership development. I've known Mark for many years and I'm truly excited to work with him," Fox said. 

Sappington has also had stops at the University of Scranton, where he served as assistant coach, and Shippensburg University, where he was a volunteer assistant for both the men's and women's soccer programs. Sappington also has four years of collegiate experience on the pitch as a goalkeeper for Wheeling Jesuit University.

"I am ecstatic to be a part of the Eagle family and excited for such a bright future #SoarHigher," Sappington added.