A new era begins for the Lady Chargers as Columbia State announced the hiring of Kean Barclay as the new head coach for their women’s soccer program. 

“I’m excited to join the Charger family,” Barclay said. “It’s inspiring to see the effort Columbia State has put into the athletic department. Starting a women’s program in 2018 is a tremendous achievement. The fact that they navigated through a new program has been amazing, and I’m glad to have the opportunity to work with them and join the athletic department and community.”

In addition to a familiarity with the local recruiting scene, Barclay brings a wealth of coaching experience. Having worked in the professional ranks with European programs West Ham United and Wolverhampton FC in the early 2000’s, Barclay entered the coaching world in 2006 as the co-head coach of a high school team in Indianapolis. The following year, Barclay moved to the collegiate level working with both men’s and women’s programs across the country and was awarded the Coach of the Year award for his success in 2014. Barclay currently holds the role of executive director at Clarksville Soccer Club.

“Coach Barclay brings several years of soccer coaching to our developed and nationally ranked women’s soccer program,” said Johnny Littrell, Columbia State athletic director. “Kean is very familiar with our area and has a foundation for recruiting throughout our region.” 

Barclay will take the reins of Columbia State’s relatively new but powerful program. Coming off two consecutive conference championships, the Lady Chargers look to build on their winning ways. In the 2020-2021 shortened season, Columbia State finished with a record of 7-1 where the Lady Chargers outscored their opponents 27-4. This success, combined with a talented roster, made the Columbia State position a desired one. 

“My vision of our Lady Charger soccer program is one that is able to embed itself within our community,” Barclay said. “We want to positively impact our college campus and our community.”

Barclay is no stranger to the level of success that Columbia State’s team has had. As a coach, Barclay’s teams made several deep runs in conference tournaments including a 16-4-1 record with East Central College in Union, Missouri. This team also reached the finals of the NJCAA Region 16 tournament two straight seasons and was where Barclay earned his Coach of the Year award. 

Barclay earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University, Indianapolis, a master’s degree from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, and is currently a doctoral candidate at Trevecca Nazarene University. In addition, Barclay holds a United States Soccer Federation (USSF) instructors license as well as a USSF A license.

To learn more about Columbia State athletics, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/athletics