May 17, 2004
FAIRFAX, Va. - George Mason women's soccer head coach Diane Drake has completed her staff with the hiring of Carl Wateridge as an assistant coach. Wateridge, who assumes his duties Monday, May 17, enters his first season with the Patriots, joining Drake and second-year assistant coach Laura Allen.
"I want to thank Diane and George Mason for giving me this wonderful opportunity," expressed Wateridge. "I'm getting the chance to do something that I've always wanted to do. Mason has a great women's soccer tradition and I look forward to helping to keep that tradition moving forward."
Wateridge will assist in all aspects of the program, including on-field coaching, film breakdown and scouting. He will also be the Patriots recruiting coordinator.
A native of London, Wateridge has held various soccer coaching and administrative positions since 1994. He is in his fourth season as an assistant coach with the Bethesda (Md.) Excel women's soccer team of the Bethesda Soccer Club. In 2003, the Excel won the state and regional championship crowns before falling in sudden-death penalty-kicks in the finals of the U-16 National Championship. As an assistant, Wateridge assists with individual player development, scouting reports and classroom teaching.
"I'm very excited to have Carl join our staff," said Drake. "His character, teaching ability, and knowledge of the game are all top-notch. The Mason players have taken to him and they feel comfortable learning from him and hearing what he has to say."
Wateridge came to the U.S. in 1998 as a regional manager for Britannia Soccer Camps, where he was responsible for creating and conducting summer soccer camps across New England, New York and Pennsylvania, ranging in size of up to 130 players. He established two new field offices within the Northeast region and oversaw more than 100 camps and clinics.
A 1998 graduate of the University of London-Royal Holloway with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and management studies, Wateridge earned his English Football Association Coaching License upon graduation. During his time as a student, he played semi-professionally for the Staines Town and Egham Town soccer clubs. In May 2004, he received his Master's in Business Administration from George Washington University, and he is a candidate for the United States Soccer Federation "C" Coaching License.
Wateridge, single, resides in Washington, D.C.
