The Howard Payne University athletic department announced today that head men’s soccer coach Kevin Wright (pictured left) and assistant Wilson Jones (pictured below) will be leaving the HPU coaching staff.

Kevin Wright this week was named the new women’s and men’s soccer coach at NCAA II Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR. Current HPU men’s assistant, Wilson Jones will be joining Wright on his staff at Ouachita Baptist.

“I am very thankful for my time at HPU. I have been given the opportunity to be around so many great young men over my years here,” said Kevin Wright. “These young men have had such a tremendous influence on my family’s lives. My kids have grown up watching, playing and often mimicking things they see our guys do. I am very proud of the men that have come through our program and where they are headed in their lives. I owe them more than I will ever be able to give back.”

 

Wright spent three seasons as the assistant coach of the Howard Payne men’s and women’s soccer teams before becoming the head men’s coach in 2009. He leaves with an overall record of 28-22-2 as head coach of the HPU men’s program. He guided the Yellow Jackets to ASC playoff appearances in 2009 and 2010. Wright has also coached four players to All-Region teams in his three seasons as head coach.

Wilson Jones joined the HPU men’s soccer staff in the spring of 2011 and has been an integral part of the program as an on the field coach and recruiter.

The Howard Payne athletic department plans to begin a search for Wright and Jones replacement immediately.