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HOUSTON – Ryan Pratt has been named the next head coach for the HBU men's soccer program after serving as an assistant coach for the last three seasons, director of athletics Steve Moniaci announced on Tuesday.

"I am extremely pleased to announce Ryan as the next head coach of our men's soccer program," said Moniaci. "He has shown over the last three years that he is the right person to lead our men's soccer program. Ryan exemplifies all the qualities you want in a leader for one our athletic programs here at HBU. "

As the top assistant for the Huskies, Pratt has played an integral role in all facets of the program. During his tenure, the Huskies have had two players receive All-WAC honors, one CoSIDA Academic All-America honoree, five CoSIDA Academic All-District selection and numerous Academic All-WAC selections. Additionally, the Huskies have received the National Soccer Coaches Association Team Academic Award in each of the last three seasons.

"I would like to thank Dr. Sloan, Mr. Moniaci, and the search committee for entrusting me to lead the men's soccer program," Pratt said. "I am truly honored and thankful for the opportunity to work with our current and future student-athletes. We will all work tirelessly to provide a culture for growth athletically, academically, spiritually, and socially. I am extremely excited and look forward to uniting the alumni, community, and student-body behind the men's soccer program."

Pratt has 17 years of collegiate coaching experience, including 11 years as a head coach. Prior to joining the Huskies in 2014, he was the head coach at Jacksonville University for two seasons. Additionally, Pratt spent nine seasons as the head coach at the University of Montevallo from 2001 through 2009. In 11 seasons as a head coach, Pratt has compiled a record of 107-85-16.

He has also spent time as an assistant coach at both Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Alabama-Huntsville. He played collegiately at UAB, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1998. Pratt also spent time playing soccer semi-professionally for both the Alabama Saints and the Nashville Metros of the United Systems for Independent Soccer League.

Pratt succeeds former head coach Steve Jones who resigned from his position as head coach effective May 31, 2017. Jones had coached the Huskies since restarting the men's program in 2006 and guiding the Huskies through the school's transition from NAIA to NCAA Division I.

The Huskies will open the 2017 season with an exhibition match at Sorrels Field on August 16, 2017 against Oklahoma Wesleyan at 7:00 p.m. The regular season opener is also at home as HBU hosts the HBU Invitational, starting with Gonzaga on August 25, 2017 at Sorrels Field with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m.