The Howard Payne athletic department announced Wednesday (August 6) that current HPU assistant Ben Bishop will take over as the Interim Head Coach of the Lady Jacket soccer program for the 2014 season.

Bishop, who begins his new duties immediately, has spent the past two seasons working as an assistant for the HPU women’s soccer program. He was key in bringing in the last two Lady Jacket recruiting classes and has been a strong asset with practice and game instruction.

“I am excited to announce the hiring of Ben Bishop as our Interim Head Women’s Soccer Coach,” said Howard Payne director of athletics Mike Jones. “He has been a loyal staff member for the past two years as our assistant and has certainly earned this opportunity. He is one of our own and I think will do an outstanding job in leading our program.”

After graduating from Howard Payne in 2010, Ben spent one year working with the Texas Rush soccer club as head coach of four different teams. He also spent time working with the Texas Rush youth academy.

“I am very grateful for this opportunity and want to thank Howard Payne for all its support,” said Ben Bishop. “I believe the program is heading in the right direction. With the freshman we have coming in the team will be a young but solid team. I am looking forward to an exciting and challenging season.”

As a player for the HPU men’s team, Bishop was named to the 2007 ASC All-Conference Honorable Mention team as a defender. He played in 62 matches in four seasons for the Yellow Jackets scoring five goals and recording four assists.

Bishop graduated from Howard Payne in 2010 with a degree in Exercise and Sport Science and is a 2006 graduate from Mesquite-Poteet High School.