Russell Payne is one of the real good guys in college soccer, and after six successful seasons as an assistant coach at Maryland, was recently named as the head coach at the United States Military Academy.
Payne was one of Sasho Cirovski's first big recruits at Maryland and became the captain of Cirovski's first ACC Championship team in 1996. After successful playing stints in Major League Soccer and oversees, Payne returned to Maryland as an assistant coach under his former mentor.
In six years as an assistant coach at his alma mater, he helped lead the Terps to six consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tournament, including two national championships in 2005 and 2008. Maryland totaled 99 victories with Payne on the coaching staff, which is the best six-year record in school history.
"I have such mixed emotions at the moment because I am very sad to see him go but I am truly delighted that he is embarking on a terrific new opportunity to be the head coach at Army," Cirovski said. "Russell Payne embodies Maryland soccer. He was one of my first recruits that took on the challenge of helping me build our program. In his senior year, as one of the captains, he hoisted our first ACC Championship trophy and played in three Sweet Sixteens. As a coach, he won two National Titles, so needless to say, he will be missed."
Russell has always carried himself as a consummate professional, both as a player and coach. We wish him the best of luck as he takes off on his new endeavor.
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