HAMPDEN-SYDNEY NAMES JOSH LAUX HEAD SOCCER COACH

“Coach Laux brings the enthusiasm and commitment as a coach and recruiter that will be needed to maintain the success that the Hampden-Sydney soccer program has enjoyed in the past,” said Bush.  “In addition, his experience and knowledge of the ODAC will be invaluable.”

Laux (pronounced “Lux”), a Randolph-Macon graduate, served as an assistant coach for the Yellow Jackets from 2001 through 2003.   While at R-MC he assisted coach Helmut Werner in all facets of the Yellow Jacket program and served as the Yellow Jackets interim head coach in 2004 while Werner was on sabbatical.  During his tenure as a Macon assistant, Laux also completed his masters degree in environmental studies at nearby Virginia Commonwealth University.

“I would like to thank Hampden-Sydney College for giving me this opportunity,” said Laux.  “I will always appreciate the fact that Hampden-Sydney gave me my first head coaching opportunity.  I’m very excited to be here and I look forward to coaching the talented players we have returning for the 2004 season.” 

A standout player on the R-MC soccer team from 1997 to 2000, Laux is tied for 12th on both Randolph-Macon's career goals and total points list, and is tied for fourth in career assists. During his career at Randolph-Macon, Laux was named All-Old Dominion Athletic Conference, All-State by the Virginia Sports Information Directors, and All-South Region, and he was the ODAC Rookie of the Year in 1997. As a senior, he received the George P. Compton Award, which is presented to the school's outstanding male athlete.

“As a student-athlete at Randolph-Macon and then as a coach, I always had great respect for Hampden-Sydney College’s academics and athletics,” said Laux. “That being said, I’ve always thought of the R-MC/H-SC rivalry as being one for the players, students and alumni.”

Laux holds a National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) national diploma, which he received with a distinguished pass, and a NSCAA high school special topics diploma. He has coached for the Richmond Strikers U-17 Premier team and the Richmond Strikers U-17 and U-18 Super Y teams.

“Josh is very qualified for this position and I think he will do a great job with this program,” said former Tiger coach Bert Molinary.  “He has played and coached in the ODAC and understands the high level of commitment it takes to be successful.  He was a tremendous player and he has proven himself as a coach and recruiter while at R-MC, so this is obviously the next step for him.”

Academically at R-MC, Laux majored in Spanish and international studies with minors in history and religion. He was also a member of Omicron Delta Kappa and Phi Beta Kappa.  Laux graduated from the Haverford School near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he played varsity soccer and led his team to an undefeated season as a senior in 1996. He was named all-county, all-area, and all-conference for several seasons, and was his team's Most Valuable Player while setting the school record for assists during his senior campaign.

On the club level, Laux played for FC Delco Soccer Club in southeastern Pennsylvania, and was a team captain from 1994 to 1997. He was also a member of the Eastern Pennsylvania state select team from 1994 to 1996.

-www.hsc.edu/athletics-