Jonathan Potter Named Men’s Soccer Head Coach

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Jonathan Potter spent the last seven seasons as head coach at Presbyterian

Samantha Dutch

Jonathan Potter was announced as the Men’s Soccer head coach on Tuesday by RMU Vice President and Director of Athletics Chris King.

 

A native of Winston-Salem, N.C., Potter comes to join the Colonials after spending the last seven seasons as head coach of Presbyterian in Clinton, S.C. The position was to be filled after the previous head coach, Jason O’Keefe, stepped down after three seasons with the program.

Potter has led multiple soccer programs to win conference championships and compete in the NCAA Tournament. Taking the reins for Presbyterian who finished last in RPI in NCAA Division I the season prior in just his second season, Potter guided the team to the 2017 Big South Conference Tournament title and a bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Before his time at Presbyterian, he spent six seasons as an assistant coach at Elon from 2011-16. The Phoenix appeared in the NCAA Tournament four times, and they were ranked as high as No. 8 in the country during the 2015 season.

“I’m honored to be named the next men’s soccer head coach at RMU,” Potter said. “It’s a privilege to serve the student-athletes at Robert Morris. I’m excited to build on the great legacy built by many former student-athletes and coaches, and my family and I are delighted to join the RMU family.”

Before becoming a coach, he was a four-year starter at Chowan University, trained with a professional team in Argentina, and played in the United Soccer League with a Northern Virginia Royals’ super-20 team that reached the 2008 North American finals.

“Jonathan’s clear vision to elevate the RMU soccer program was evident from the beginning of our process, as he was quite passionate and enthusiastic in our discussions in his desire to become the next head coach,” King said. “His combination of experience, professionalism, passion and preparation stood out as we look to move our men’s soccer program to new heights. We are excited for Coach Potter to write the next chapter of success of our men’s soccer program and compete for Horizon League championships and NCAA Tournament bids.”

Potter and the Colonials look to begin their season on a high note as the program has reached the Horizon League Tournament the past two seasons