CHARLESTON, S.C. - Charleston Southern University Director of Athletics Jeff Barber announced the hiring of Jose Gomez as the third head women's soccer coach in program history on Friday afternoon.
 
Gomez comes to Charleston Southern after a storied career at both Liberty University and Palm Beach Atlantic, highlighted by leading the Sailfish to their first national championship in program history.
 
"I'm very excited to have Jose and Carrie join our athletics program," Barber said. "I've known him for several years and have complete faith and trust in him to lead our team both spiritually and competitively. He is a special person and coach and will be a great addition to our Buccaneer family."
 
For his part, Gomez is thankful for the opportunity as the next head women's soccer coach at Charleston Southern.
 
"We want to thank Jeff Barber and the entire athletic department for welcoming us into the Buccaneer family," Gomez said. "It is an honor to be a part of the CSU women's soccer program. I look forward to the challenge and opportunity to serve in this leadership role. With the Lord's blessing, I intend to utilize my experience to train these young women to compete with a purpose."
 
Gomez takes over the reins of the CSU women's soccer coaching staff after a six-year stint as the associate head coach of the Liberty men's soccer program. Among his responsibilities included directing recruitment and recruiting supervision of all student-athletes projected to play men's soccer.
 
Highlights from his tenure on the Liberty sidelines include leading two players to professional contracts over the 2019 season, while also leading the team to sit among the national leaders in total offense. The Flames finished in the top-10 nationally in the NCAA Division I in total offense in 2018, while sitting in the top-20 in both 2016 & 2017. He also recruited and coached two players who ranked in the top-10 nationally in goals per game in 2018.
 
Prior to his tenure at Liberty, Gomez spent nine seasons at the helm of the men's soccer program at Palm Beach Atlantic. He led the Sailfish to a 109-65-15 overall record during his tenure and guided PBA to the program's first-ever NCCAA National Championship in 2010.
 
The Valrico, Fla., native was named NSCAA/NCCAA National Coach of the Year in 2010. He also selected the NCCAA South Region Coach of the Year in 2012. Off the field, Gomez's 2013 team earned a NSCAA Team Academic Award for the 2012-13 year.
 
In 2013, Gomez earned his 100th career coaching victory, leading Palm Beach Atlantic to 10-3-1 record.  The Sailfish ranked as high as No. 23 in the NSCAA Top 25 and finished the year third in the nation in total offense.
 
Gomez's 2012 team posted the most successful year since entering the NCAA Division II ranks in 2006, finishing the year with a 14-4-2 record. During the year, Palm Beach Atlantic ranked as high as No. 10 in the NSCAA rankings. The Sailfish went on to claim their seventh consecutive NCCAA South Region Championship in school history, while Gomez earned numerous Region Coach of the Year accolades.
 
Gomez was named to the 1990-99 Big South All-Decade team for his play during his four seasons as a Liberty Flame from 1997-2000. He was the 2000 Big South Player of the Year and a four-time Big South All-Conference team member.  The forward was selected to the all-conference first team in both 1999 and 2000, while being named to the all-conference second team in 1997 and 1998.  He also was named to All-South Atlantic Region in 1999 and 2000.
 
Gomez is currently tied for fifth on Liberty's career goals list with 32 and ranks sixth all-time on the program's career points list with 77.  In 2000 as a senior, the forward led the Flames in scoring with nine goals and three assists for 21 points.
 
Gomez was drafted by the Charlotte Eagles in 2000 and played with the team for three seasons, earning All A-League second-team honors in 2002. During this time, he trained with the Chicago Fire and with D.C. United. In 2004, Gomez moved to Virginia where he continued his professional career playing with the Virginia Beach Mariners for two seasons.
 
Jose and his wife Carrie have three children - Selah, Royce, and Emery. He also holds a USSF A License and a NSCAA Premier Diploma.