Latifi tabbed women's soccer head coach
Andrew Woodley, Sports Information Director
BETHANY, W.Va. (May 4) – With coaching experience at both the collegiate and scholastic levels, Afrim Latifi was announced as head coach for the Bethany College women's soccer program Friday morning.
Latifi spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach at Gannon University, a NCAA Division II program. Prior to his tenure at Gannon, Latifi spent three seasons as the head girls' soccer coach at Villa Maria Academy in Erie, Pennsylvania where he coached the team to the 2015 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Class AA State Championship.
"We are excited to welcome Afrim to Bethany," said Director of Athletics Brian Rose. "What stood out during the interview process was his passion for the game and desire to bring the best out in our student-athletes on the field and in the classroom. That passion shined through to everyone he met when he was on campus, especially our players, and it will truly show to future recruits. That desire and the success he's helped achieve at Gannon and Villa Maria will help him continue to build upon our foundation and help the Bethany women's soccer program move towards the top of the PAC."
Latifi helped Gannon achieve a record of 23-10-5 during his two years as an assistant coach with the Golden Knights. Gannon received a bid into the 2017 NCAA Division II Tournament and reached the semifinals of the 2016 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Tournament.
At Villa Maria Academy, Latifi compiled a record of 53-9-5 and led the Victors to consecutive appearances in the PIAA Class AA State Championship Game in 2014 and 2015. After a 1-0 loss to District One power Villa Joseph Marie in the 2014 state finals, Latifi and the Victors got revenge with a 1-0 victory over Villa Joseph Marie during the 2015 state championship rematch.
"I am excited to become a part of Bethany College and look forward to taking the soccer program to the next level," said Latifi. "I want to thank Brian Rose and the search committee for believing in my vision for the women's soccer program."
Latifi, who also served two seasons as an assistant coach for the Gannon men's soccer program in 2011-12, spent four years playing with the Erie Admirals of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) and served as a coach with the U12/U13 Erie Admirals Girls Soccer Club.
Latifi had a prolific career from 2007-10 while playing at Gannon. He graduated ranked sixth all-time in career goals (44), ninth in career points (102) and fifth in career starts (64). He also finished his career as the Golden Knights all-time leader in game-winning goals.
As a senior in 2010, Latifi finished as the PSAC statistical champion in goals (15) and points (35). His efforts earned him PSAC Player of the Year, Daktronics Atlantic Region Player of the Year, and All-America and all-region accolades from both the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and Daktronics.
Latifi received both a Bachelor of Science in Sport & Exercise Science (Pre-Physical Therapy) and a Master of Science in Sport & Exercise Science from Gannon.
