ELON, N.C. – Neil Payne has been named the new Elon University head women's soccer coach, Director of Athletics Dave Blank announced on Thursday, Feb. 22. The associate head coach of the Texas Tech women's soccer program for the last three years, Payne brings more than two decades of coaching experience to the Phoenix program.
 
"Neil Payne brings a tremendous amount of coaching experience and success in both the collegiate and club ranks and we are thrilled to welcome him to the Elon family," Blank said. "Neil possesses an unwavering commitment to the full experience of the student-athlete and has shown that he knows what it takes to achieve success at the highest level. We are excited about his enthusiasm and look forward to his leadership of our women's soccer program."
 
"I would like to thank Dave Blank, President Lambert and the entire search committee for this great opportunity," Payne said. "I am excited to lead the new cycle of women's soccer at Elon and I am determined to represent the university, Department of Athletics and the women's soccer program to the best of my ability.  My family and I are thrilled to be joining the Elon community and we look forward to many happy years ahead."
 
Payne wrapped his third season at Texas Tech in 2017, playing an integral part in back-to-back NCAA bids, highlighted by a banner season that saw the Red Raiders win their first Big 12 Championship. Texas Tech earned top-25 rankings twice over the last three seasons and 10 players earned All-Big 12 distinction. Over three years, Texas Tech had 42 players earn Academic All-Big 12 honors, as well.

Prior to his tenure at Texas Tech, Payne spent 13 years as the Technical Director for Real Colorado, one of the premier girls youth soccer clubs in the country. During his tenure in Colorado, Payne helped produce hundreds of collegiate players. Under Payne's leadership, Real's impressive player development record also involved 38 players gaining U.S. Youth National Team experience including standout Mallory Pugh (U.S. Women's National Team).
 
In Payne's final nine years with Real Colorado, he won the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) National Title and eight of his teams qualified for the national finals in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) and U.S. Soccer Academy League. The Real Colorado girls program earned three top 10 national rankings, including No. 5 in the ECNL in 2014. The club sent over 450 players to the college level during his tenure while winning 44 state cups and seven regional championships.
 
Prior to his time at Real Colorado, Payne also spent four seasons as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Coastal Carolina. The Chanticleers claimed back-to-back Big South regular season titles in his final two years thanks to a 23-9-2 record during that span.
 
Payne remains one of the top players in Coastal Carolina history (1992-95) as his 123 career points ranks third all-time in the school record book, while his 46 goals and 31 assists both stand at fourth. He made two NCAA appearances, was an All-American candidate and a two-time First Team South Region honoree. Payne was captain of the Chanticleers for three years of his tenure, earning Big South MVP in 1995 on their way to the conference title. He graduated from Coastal Carolina in 1996 with a degree in business management.
 
From 1996-98, Payne was a professional soccer player in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and captained the team to a league championship in 1997.
 
Payne holds a USSF A-Senior License.
 
Payne Coaching Experience

2018	Head Coach, Elon University
2015-17	Associate Head Coach, Texas Tech University
2002-15	Technical Director, Real Colorado
2000-02	Assistant Coach, Raleigh Express (USL-A League)
1998-2000	Assistant Coach, Coastal Carolina University