New UNCW women's soccer coach says team is intact

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - UNCW women's soccer coach Chris Neal was officially introduced Friday at a news conference in the media room in Trask Coliseum.

Since being hired on July 3, Neal has been busy reaching out to current players and incoming recruits.

"I had an opportunity to speak to the team before the announcement and those conversations have gone well," said Neal. "I have been able to reach out and touch base with them so I can get to know them and know me."

Neal said that all 18 incoming freshmen still plan to attend UNCW and that no returning players had plans of transferring out of the program.

"The staff did an incredible job over the spring, and the team is intact," said Neal.

"Our number one priority has been the welfare of the players on the women's soccer team," said UNCW Athletic Director Jimmy Bass. "We have done the best job we could communicating to those kids giving them updates when we made the decision that we needed to find a new head coach."

Neal comes to UNCW after spending one season as an assistant soccer coach at Arkansas and prior was the head coach at Elon from 2008-2017, making him very familiar with the program.

"I have firsthand coaching experience coaching against them," said Neal about playing against UNCW. "I can tell you that they are passionate, hardworking student-athletes and I couldn't be happier to be their coach."

For Neal it's also a homecoming, he's a New Hanover High School and UNCW graduate.

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