LIVINGSTON, Ala. -- The University of West Alabama Department of Athletics has announced the hiring of Matthew Thorne as the first head men's soccer coach in program history. The inaugural season is set to begin the fall of 2012.

Thorne comes to UWA after previously serving as an assistant coach at Huntingdon College for the past two seasons. While at HC, he helped guide the Hawks to an appearance in the 2009 Great South Athletic Conference Tournament. 

“I'd like to thank Dr. Richard Holland, Stan Williamson, Janet Montgomery and Dee Outlaw for the fantastic opportunity of being the first men's soccer coach at UWA.” said Thorne. “I foresee a great working relationship with all the coaches and administration at UWA. My goal for Tiger soccer is to consistently be a top tier program in the challenging Gulf South Conference.”

“We are excited to be adding men's soccer to our varsity athletics' package here at UWA,” said Associate Athletic Director Janet Montgomery. "With the addition of Matthew Thorne to our staff, we look to be competitive in the always challenging Gulf South Conference.”

Prior to his arrival at HC, Thorne was an assistant coach for Auburn University in Montgomery for two years. While at AUM, he assisted in directing the Senators to a NAIA National Tournament Final Four his last season while capturing the regional title and completed his MBA in 2009.

Thorne is a 2007 graduate from Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, Tenn., where he played four seasons for the Redhawks. During Thorne's time at MMC, he helped the team achieve a Tran-South regular season and tournament championship in 2004. Thorne was a three-time all-Trans-South Team selection while garnering all-region and all-American accolades in 2006.

Following his collegiate career, Thorne with the Palm Beach Pumas in the Professional Development League in the summer of 2006 and played with the semi-professional Icelandic 2nd division team IH Hafnarfjordur in 2008.

Since 2009 Thorne has also been a part of the Alabama Olympic Development Program serving as a head coach for the FC Torjager Soccer Club's U19 Division II team and also for the Prattville River Region Rapids Soccer Club's U18 Division II Team.

Thorne also has a USSF National C coaching license to go along with a Level 1 and Level 2 Football Association of Ireland Coaching Badge.