Another Centre men's soccer alumnus has taken a major step into college coaching. Aaron Arndt, a native of Madisonville, Ky. and 2010 graduate of Centre College, was named the new assistant/goalkeeper coach at Wright State University, on Feb. 15.

Wright State University, an NCAA Division I institution located in Dayton, Ohio, competes in the Horizon League, against such schools as Loyola (Chicago) and Valparaiso. Out of conference they also compete against perennial powerhouses Ohio State University, Xavier University, and University of Virginia. The Wright State Raiders are coming off a disappointing 4-13-1 season in 2012 and looking to improve in 2013. With their spring season underway, Arndt has already begun preparing the team's three goalkeepers for next fall.

Having recently completed a master's degree in sports administration at the University of Louisville, Arndt brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Raiders program. During his graduate studies at Louisville, Arndt worked as a volunteer with the University of Louisville men's soccer program as a goalkeeper trainer. While at Louisville, the Cardinals were ranked preseason No. 1 and made two appearances in the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament. During the 2011 season, he assisted in the training and development of All-Big East goalkeeper Andre Boudreaux. Arndt credits former Centre College assistant coach David Horne for this opportunity. Currently the Director of Soccer Operations for the Cardinals, Horne helped to set Arndt up with volunteer opportunity, which he regards as a major stepping-stone for his career.

"After leaving Centre I pursued my master's in sports administration at the University of Louisville and had the privilege of working with the exceptional coaching staff there," Arndt said. "Being able to be around, observe, and even participate in the day-to-day operations of a top tier Division I soccer program was invaluable for my future career." 

At Centre, Arndt was a standout goalkeeper himself, holding the role of starter for the Colonels for two seasons. Totaling 12 shutouts and 111 saves during his career, he was a 2008 Third Team All-Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference selection. Arndt credits his zeal for the game and desire to coach from his time as a Colonel.

"Coming from Centre and playing four years under head coach Jeb Burch was a great experience that I still have many fond memories of to this day," said Arndt. "Jeb's passion for the game and excitement he brought to training everyday planted the seed for my interest in becoming a coach in the future. To this day, Jeb is still a great resource and source of support for my coaching career."

Having faced the challenges of the game not only as a Colonel, but also a member of the Cincinnati Kings in the Professional Development League, and later the Louisville Lightning of the Professional Arena Soccer League, Arndt is prepared to face his first real challenge as a coach.

"It is a very exciting time at Wright State University for me because I am around another great group of coaches here," Arndt finished. "There is also a strong group of players within the team and I feel like the atmosphere and spirit within the team is great. We are getting set to kick off our spring season and I'm looking forward to seeing these guys succeed on the field."

Centre College Soccer Alumni who have careers in coaching today:

Andy Schulten, Class of '93, Head Boy's Coach, St. Xavier High School, Louisville, KY

Jeb Burch, Class of '94, Head Men's Coach, Centre College, Danville, KY

Jay Hoffman, Class of '96, Head Women's Coach, Centre College, Danville, KY

Brandon Bowman, Class of '96, Head Men's Coach, Transylvania University, KY

Nathan Pitcock, Class of '97, Head Men's Coach, PDL River City Rovers, Louisville, KY

Mark Hudson, Class of '98, Head Men's Coach, Austin College, Sherman, TX

Derek Willis, Class of '00, Head Men's Coach, Georgetown College, Georgetown, KY

David Horne, Class of '07, Director of Soccer Operations, University of Louisville, KY

Adam Boyer, Class of '09, Head Men's Coach, Spalding University, Louisville, KY

James Kusak, Class of '10, Assistant Men's Coach, Centre College, Danville, KY

Chris Jackson, Class of '11, Assistant Men's Coach, Centre College, Danville, KY