Will Traynor hired as assistant men's soccer coach

NEWBERRY - Newberry College head men's soccer coach Barry Slagle has announced the hiring of Will Traynor as the Wolves' new assistant coach.

Traynor comes to Newberry after a year in the professional ranks, appearing in 11 games as a defender and playing 593 minutes for the Rochester (N.Y.) Rhinos of USL PRO in the 2011 season. The Rhinos finished in first place in the National Division and advanced to the USL Pro semifinals.

Prior to his time in the pros, Traynor was a four-year letterman at the University of South Carolina from 2007-10, earning first team all-Conference USA honors as a senior. In 2010, he scored six goals with two game-winners and an assist. He was also an ESPN the Magazine/CoSIDA Third Team Academic All-America in his senior season.

He concluded his Gamecocks career with 10 goals and two assists while playing defender and was a four-time Conference USA Academic All-Star.

“Will brings in a wealth of experience from the top level of soccer but more importantly I am excited about his character, his work ethic and the enthusiasm that he will bring the Newberry family," Slagle said. "He will make an immeadiate impact helping the Newberry soccer program achieve a culture of excellence and success.”

The St. Charles, Mo., native attended Francis Howell North High School and was first team all-state as a junior and senior. He also played on the US Soccer Olympic Development Program Region II team.