Former West Virginia University men’s soccer All-America standout Andy Wright will return to his alma mater as an assistant coach, WVU head coach Marlon LeBlanc announced on Thursday.
Wright, a Mountaineer from 2004-07 and one of the best players in program history, returns to Morgantown after concluding a successful playing career, where he played for five clubs from 2007-15.
“I’m so pleased to bring back one of our own,” said LeBlanc. “Andy is one of the greatest I’ve ever had the privilege to coach at WVU, and he’s one of the greatest to ever wear the Gold and Blue for this program. Andy is an exceptional gentleman and our student-athletes will appreciate the mentoring that he will provide to them both on and off the field.”
A three-time All-America honoree in 2007, Wright ranks in the top-10 in team history in numerous statistical categories. During his time donning the Old Gold and Blue, he helped lead the Mountaineers to three NCAA Tournaments and was named the Big East Midfielder of the Year in 2007 and a Big East All-Conference selection from 2005-07.
“Although it was difficult hanging up the boots for good, I am really excited for the next chapter here at WVU,” said Wright. “To return to my alma mater in a coaching capacity was something I had always dreamed of. I am looking forward to getting started, and I hope I can have a positive impact on the program and on the players themselves.”
A Formby, England, native, Wright played in 83 matches in his WVU career, tied for third-most all-time, with 80 starts, second-most. He netted 11 game-winning goals in his Mountaineer career, one shy of tying the program record. Wright assisted on eight game-winning goals, second-most in team history, and his four game-winning assists in 2007 is tied for fourth all-time. Wright’s 12 game-winning points in 2007 is second and his nine in 2006 is tied for ninth. He is second with 30 game-winning assists in his career.
Wright played a total of 6,755 minutes at WVU, which ranks No. 2 in program history, while his 17 assists was tied for second-most at the conclusion of his Mountaineer tenure.
His 60 career shots on goal was third-most in program history, and his 20 shots on goal in 2006 was tied for fourth. Wright recorded 151 shots, which was sixth on WVU’s all-time list and
Wright led the team in shots in 2006, with 50, and tied for the team lead as a senior in 2007 with six goals.
The Mountaineers advanced to three NCAA Tournaments with Wright on the team, from 2005-07. They reached the NCAA Second Round in 2006 and the Sweet 16 in 2007.
Upon the conclusion of his WVU playing career, Wright returned to England to play professionally from 2008-15. He began his professional career with Scunthorpe United from 2008-12, where he helped the team win promotion from League 1 to the English Championship. He was loaned to Grimsby Town in 2010 and 2012. From 2012-2015, he played for Morecambe before he concluded his playing career with Southport.
Wright also played for the Cape Cod Crusaders, a PDL team, before his senior season with the Mountaineers.