BUIES CREEK, N.C. -- Doug Hess has resigned as head men's soccer coach at Campbell University to accept the same position at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pa.

"I am so thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of the Campbell family the last ten years of my life and more importantly, blessed to have had the chance to lead the men's soccer program here in Buies Creek," said Hess. "This was easily the single hardest decision of my professional coaching career, as my family and I are clearly emotionally invested here. That being said, it was also obvious that we were ready to move on. In the words of an acquaintance, I am trading barbecue for cheese steaks, but the reality is quite frankly so much more than that."

Over the past eight years, Hess led the Fighting Camels to a 74-70-9 record, and was named Atlantic Sun Conference Coach of the Year three times. During the last five years, Hess' Fighting Camel teams compiled an overall record of 58-35-7 (.615), while assembling a 32-5-5 (.821) mark within league regular season play.

"I will forever be indebted to our A.D. Stan Williamson and the administration at Campbell who took a chance eight years ago on a twenty-something year old guy that probably thought he knew a bit more than he really did," said Hess. "I am grateful for the chance he gave my family and me to lead the men's soccer program in Buies Creek. I have gained countless friends for life here and learned so much during my tenure through the process of failing, then succeeding and then failing again. Campbell has very much shaped me as a coach and grown me as a person. It will forever hold a special place in the hearts of my family and me. "

Under Hess' guidance, the Camels won the 2005, 2008 and 2009 Atlantic Sun regular season titles, while claiming the 2007 A-Sun tournament championship and earning the program's first NCAA tournament berth. His 2008 club was ranked 25th in the final Soccer America poll.

"We are extremely appreciative to Doug Hess for his years of service to Campbell University and specifically to the men's soccer program," said Director of Athletics Stan Williamson. "Doug and his family will be missed in Buies Creek."

Campbell registered four victories over nationally-ranked opponents during Hess' eight-year tenure and defeated North Carolina three times in the last four years. UNC was ranked third in 2006 and seventh in 2008 when the Camels notched shutout victories over the Tar Heels.

A search to fill the coaching vacancy has already begun. "We hope to name Doug Hess' successor in the next several weeks," said Williamson.

Hess will be the fifth head coach in the 62-year history of Drexel Men's Soccer. He takes the helm of a Drexel team that is two years removed from a Colonial Athletic Association regular season championship in 2007 and won the Philadelphia Soccer Six title in 2009.

Hess coached players to all-conference recognition 34 times, three Player of the Year selections, three Defensive Player of the Year selections, two Freshmen of the Year selections, 13 All-South Region picks, two NSCAA All-Americans and two of his players participated in the MLS Combine and then were selected in the MLS Superdraft. In addition, more than 80 of his players have been named to Atlantic Sun All-Academic teams.

He was also head coach of the North Carolina Olympic Development Program for the 1987, '89 and '91 age groups; claiming a USYSA ODP National Championship with his 1989 age group. Additionally, he has coached for the prestigious Capital Area Soccer League club for the last several years and most recently, as Head Coach of the CASL Chelsea FC USSF 18 Academy team.

Hess played collegiately at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. He graduated in 1996 after earning Division III first team All-America honors. He went on to play professionally in the United Soccer League for three seasons. A native of Long Island, Hess holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Elizabethtown and a master's degree in health and physical education from East Stroudsburg. He is also a USSF "A" licensed coach and has earned an NSCAA Advanced Diploma.

He and his wife, Kristina, are proud parents of two daughters, Abigail (7) and Delaney (2).

Doug Hess' Head Coaching Record