WILSON, N.C. – Barton College has announced the hiring of Josh Horne as its new Head Men's Soccer Coach, school officials announced recently. Horne takes over for five-year mentor Ian McMichael, who stepped down several weeks ago to pursue opportunities outside of college athletics.
Horne comes to Barton after a short stint as Associate Head Coach at Palm Beach Atlantic University, an NCAA Division II in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Horne also coached five years as an assistant at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (2017-21), leading the Chargers to three berths in the Gulf South Conference Tournament including the championship game in 2017.
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I am very pleased that Coach (Josh) Horne wanted to lead our men's soccer program," said
Todd Wilkinson, Barton Director of Athletics. "
His passion and enthusiasm were felt by all as we got to know each other. His successful experience as an Associate Head Coach at Palm Beach Atlantic University and Assistant Coach with the University of Alabama in Huntsville brings us a coach who knows Division II soccer."
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He knows what a nationally-ranked team looks like and will lead a Bulldog team that is hungry for this level of success. Barton College men's soccer has a long history of excellence, and the program has an exciting fall season to look forward to being led by Coach Horne," added Wilkinson.
Horne, a graduate of Hastings College (Neb.) with bachelor's degree in exercise science and kinesiology, was a member of a Broncos squad which captured the 2016 NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship. Horne also earned his master's degree from UAH in professional communications.
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I am extremely proud to be given this opportunity in leading Barton men's soccer into its next phase," said Horne. "
I want to thank Director of Athletics Todd (Wilkinson), Deputy AD Britney (Woodhull-Smith), Associate AD Dexter (Harris) and especially Assistant AD Andrea (Cuthrell) throughout the interview process. They were thorough and detailed, and with our shared vision of the program, the transition to Wilson, N.C., was a done deal."
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I am looking forward to leading the program after being an associate head coach at my previous institution," added Horne. "
I look forward to building on the culture, implementing our identity and molding our student-athletes into great young men who represent the college and community with pride."
Horne is a native of Stoke-On-Trent, ENGLAND, and has his USSF C License, USC GK National Level 3 Diploma and Level 3 Fitness & Performance Diploma.
The Bulldogs finished with an 8-7 record in 2021 and a 7-4 mark in Conference Carolinas play.
