Mississippi Brilla News Release -- www.brillasoccer.org

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

JACKSON, Miss. -- Mississippi Brilla FC has announced that Drew Courtney has been named the Head Coach for the PDL team’s seventh season.

“We are excited to welcome Drew Courtney as the new Head Coach of Mississippi Brilla FC. Drew is a fantastic young coach, and, most importantly, his character makes him a perfect fit to lead this area of our ministry,” said Executive Director, Rusty Bryant. “Drew has played in the PDL with our team, as well as the Southern California Seahorses, and he has also coached at the college and youth level in our area. His current college coaching position has him right in the thick of the game, and we are excited to see what he will bring to our team in 2013.”

Courtney fills the vacancy left by former Mississippi Brilla FC coach, Dave Dixon, who recently accepted a coaching and ministry position with the Charlotte Eagles in USL PRO. Dixon led Brilla FC to a 47-18-17 record and three conference championships over five seasons at the helm.

“I am very grateful to Rusty, Scott, and the board for the opportunity to be the next head coach for Mississippi Brilla,” said Courtney. “The chance to represent Brilla and what the organization stands for is a humbling experience that I am honored to have. Dave [Dixon], Todd [Eason], and Steve [DeCou] have done an excellent job of building a very successful program as coaches in the team’s short history. I am motivated by the success they have built. The challenge of bringing Brilla back to postseason play, where they are accustomed to being, is a responsibility that I am looking forward to. I’m excited to lead this team both on the field and in the community.”

Courtney currently serves as the Assistant Men’s Coach at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Ga. He has served there with Coach Nathan Pifer since 2011. A Chattanooga, Tenn. native, Courtney graduated from Chattanooga Christian School where he played five years of varsity soccer. Courtney continued his playing career at Division II Lander University in Greenwood, S.C., where he was a four-year starter in the midfield. During his time with the Bearcats, the Lander squad earned three consecutive trips to the NCAA National Tournament, including appearances in the Elite Eight and the Sweet Sixteen.

After finishing at Lander, Courtney moved west to join the Southern California Seahorses of the PDL. Courtney played the 2008 season with the Seahorses, and then joined the Mississippi Brilla FC squad in 2009. Drew has also competed with the Chattanooga Football Club.

While in Mississippi, Courtney served as the Graduate Assistant for Belhaven University in Jackson, Miss. The Blazers went 26-6-5 during Courtney’s two seasons there, and earned a trip to the NAIA national tournament in 2010.

Courtney has also coached numerous youth club teams, including two years with the Mississippi Brilla Jrs.

Drew and his wife, Cassie, reside on Lookout Mountain, TN.

Mississippi Brilla’s seventh season will kick-off in May 2013. Visit www.brillasoccer.org for more information.