Men's Soccer

James Franklin
	Soccer (M) - Head Coach Champlain first season jfranklin3@smcvt.edu 802.654.2693

COLCHESTER, Vt. ? James Franklin, a former head coach at Vassar College and Norwich University, and assistant coach at the University of Vermont, has been named head coach of men's soccer at Saint Michael's College, it was announced on April 28. Franklin replaces Wade Jean, who led the Purple Knights to a combined 21-10-8 record in his two seasons at the helm of the program.

In announcing the appointment today, Director of Athletics Geri Knortz said, "We are extremely fortunate to have someone of James' experience and accomplishments join the Saint Michael's athletics department and lead our men's soccer program. He is a talented coach and a great fit for Saint Michael's College."

"I would like to thank Geri Knortz and the search committee for giving me the opportunity to lead the men's soccer program at Saint Michael's College," said Franklin. "It is a privilege to take over the program from Coach Jean, who has transformed the program into a regionally competitive team. I will work hard to continue to build on the team's recent success, and I cannot wait to get started."

Franklin, a native of Staffordshire, England, has 11 years of collegiate coaching experience. Most recently, Franklin served as an assistant coach for the UVM women's soccer program in the 2006 and 2007 seasons, helping the NCAA Division I Catamounts qualify for the America East Conference playoffs in 2006.

Prior to joining UVM, Franklin was men's soccer head coach at Norwich University from 2003-06. He rebuilt the NCAA Division III program in just three seasons, taking the Cadets from a 6-13-0 record in his first season to a 13-6-1 record in his final season at Norwich. Franklin also served as the men's tennis head coach at Norwich, and directed the university's NCAA Life Skills program.

Before arriving at Norwich, Franklin served as head coach of men's soccer and assistant athletic director for facilities at Division III Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Franklin spent two years as an assistant coach at Vassar prior to being promoted to head coach, and in 2002 was named the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (now the Liberty League) Coach of the Year after guiding the Brewers to an 11-7-0 overall record.

Franklin played collegiate soccer at nearby Champlain College, where he earned his bachelor's degree. Following his collegiate career, he stayed at Champlain to serve as an assistant coach with both the men's and women's soccer programs. Franklin has also played professionally with Crewe Alexandra in his native England, as well as with the Vermont Voltage.

Franklin will begin his duties with Saint Michael's in May. The Purple Knights are coming off a 10-5-4 season in 2007 and second straight appearance in the Northeast-10 Conference playoffs.

Jesse Brady-Searby
	Soccer (M) - Assistant Coach Vermont '06 second season 802.654.2693

Jesse Brady-Searby, who captained the University of Vermont men's soccer team to an 11-win season in 2005, is in his second season as the top assistant coach of the Saint Michael's College men's soccer program in 2007. In his first season, Brady-Searby help lead the Purple Knights to an 11-5-4 record, the program's first winning season since 1988, and a berth in the Northeast-10 Conference Semifinals.

Brady-Searby, a native of Petersburgh, N.Y., graduated from UVM in May of 2006 following a productive four-year college career, the last three of which were spent with the Catamounts (he played at Siena College in 2002). As a senior captain in 2005, he garnered America East All-Conference First Team, NSCAA All-New England Second Team, and America East All-Academic Team honors as a center back. As one of just two Catamounts to start all 19 games in 2005, he helped lead a Vermont defense that recorded seven shutouts, and also contributed five goals, including three game-winners. He was rewarded for an outstanding senior season by earning the team's most valuable player award in April.

Brady-Searby helped lead UVM to two winning seasons, two conference playoff appearances, and a 24-19-13 record during his three-year career while starting all 56 games. He never missed a contest during his four-year collegiate career.