Fitzpatrick, Radilla Joins Men’s Soccer Staff

[PonyPride]

From SMUMustangs.com:

Fitzpatrick, Radilla Joins Men’s Soccer Coaching Staff

DALLAS (SMU) – SMU Men's Soccer Head Coach Kevin Hudson announced the addition of Ross Fitzpatrick as an assistant coach and Alejandro Radilla as director of sports science and analytics to his coaching staff, today.

"Ross is an outstanding coach with experiences at many levels of the game. He will add great value on the pitch and in recruiting," said Hudson.

"(Radilla) brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in sports science. He will enhance the preparation and training of our student-athletes, playing pivotal role as we continue to look for ways to improve individual and team performance."

Ross Fitzpatrick – Assistant Coach
Fitzpatrick brings collegiate and professional coaching experience as he joins the Mustangs from Waterford, Ireland.

He was an assistant coach for Trinity College in 2023, contributing to the Tigers' 12-3-4 season and making the NCAA Division III Tournament. At Trinity College, helped guide Chen Adjei to becoming the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year and 12 SCAC postseason honorees.

Prior to Trinity College, Fitzpatrick was an assistant coach at Midwestern State University, which was ranked eighth in NCAA Division II in 2021. During his time at MSU, the team made the NCAA round of 32 in 2021 and 2022. He coached four All-Americans and 14 all-conference honorees in two seasons.

His Division I experience came from his tenure at UNC Asheville from 2020 to 2021. He helped the Bulldogs to their first Big South Tournament semifinals appearance since 2008 and coached three Big South Postseason Awards honorees.

In the United Soccer League 2 scene, Fitzpatrick helped the Des Moines Menace win the Deep North Conference Championship in 2022. He coached eight players who signed professional contracts with the MLS and USLC. Before Des Moines, he was an assistant coach and player-coach for Asheville City.

"I'm extremely grateful to Coach Hudson, the coaching staff and the SMU athletic department for giving me this opportunity to be able to coach at the highest level in collegiate soccer," said Fitzpatrick. "I can't wait to get started on the pitch with the boys and get rolling."

Alejandro Radilla – Director of Sports Science and Analytics
Radilla enters his first season on Hudson's staff as director of sports science and analytics in 2024.

The first-year director of sports science and analytics joins the Mustangs after spending two seasons as the sports performance coach at FC Dallas Academy. Radilla designed the team's sports performance programs to promote player development and conditioning.

He's applied his strength and conditioning expertise at the UMB Bank Performance Center since February of 2024, developing individual and group strength and conditioning programs for specific abilities and needs.

Radilla was also an assistant coach for Dallas College Richland from 2022 to 2023 while fulfilling his responsibilities at FC Dallas. He assisted the Thunderducks in winning their 11th and 12th National Junior College Athletic Association Division III Championships in 2022 and 2023.

As a player, Radilla made 73 appearances with 62 starts for Grand Canyon University. He recorded three goals and eight assists as a midfielder, contributing to the Lopes' Western Athletic Conference Tournament Championship in 2018.

"I'm extremely honored to be working at a top-level program," said Radilla. "I look forward to bringing value to the team through improvements in physical preparations and analysis of performance data. I can't wait to get started."

The Mustangs kick off their 2024 campaign by hosting Air Force at Washburne Stadium on Aug. 22 at 8:30 p.m. CT. The match is the first of 12 home matches this season.