From STAFF REPORTS

MONTEVALLO– The University of Montevallo athletic department has announced the hiring of Robert Lane as the head women’s soccer coach. He is the fourth head coach in the program’s history.

Lane comes to Montevallo after serving as the assistant women’s coach at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He was in that role with the 49ers for four seasons.

“I just want to thank Dr. Stewart and Mr. Richard for the opportunity to join the Athletic Department here at Montevallo,” said Lane. “From the moment I stepped on campus I realized how special the University of Montevallo is as well as the potential this Athletic Department can achieve. The staff here understands the importance of developing a culture of success both on and off the field, and I’m eager and excited to get started as we look to move the program forward.”

“We’re excited about the addition of Robert Lane to our coaching staff,” said Athletic Director Mark Richard. “He has a proven record of success, both in terms of wins and losses and academic achievement, which will make him a perfect fit at Montevallo.”

At UNC Charlotte, Lane was very successful, reaching postseason conference play four straight years. The 49ers also won the Conference USA Championship in the regular season in 2013.

Lane’s teams also thrived in the classroom, winning the NSCAA Academic Team Award four years in a row.

Lane’s roles with the 49ers included coaching at training sessions, scouting opponents, on and off campus recruiting, game day administration, academic monitoring of student-athletes, fundraising, and organizing travel.

Prior to UNC Charlotte, Lane was the head coach at fellow Division II University, Belmont Abbey.  Lane had tremendous success in his two years with the Crusaders, amassing a record of 31-7-3 and winning Conference Carolinas Coach of the Year in 2010.

Lane is a graduate of East Carolina University, holding a Bachelor of Science Degree in political science. He played collegiately both at ECU and Barton College.