Feb. 26, 2008

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Villanova University Director of Athletics Vince Nicastro today announced the hiring of John Byford as head women's soccer coach. Byford replaces Ann Clifton who resigned in December after 11 seasons on the Main Line. Byford is no stranger to Villanova, having served as the assistant women's soccer coach for the Wildcats from 1995-96.

"We are thrilled to welcome John back to the Villanova family," said Nicastro. "John is a respected and experienced coach who has demonstrated his ability to lead teams to the NCAA Tournament. Most importantly, he has a strong belief in the values that are so important to Villanova and our programs."

Byford comes to Villanova from Loyola College (Md.) where he has been the head coach since 2005. During his time at Loyola, Byford led the Greyhounds to the 2007 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference tournament championship and regular season titles in 2005 and 2006. For his efforts in 2006, he was named the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Coach of the Year.

"I would like to thank Athletic Director Vince Nicastro for this fantastic opportunity," said Byford. "Villanova has a great sporting history and the women's soccer program has been a part of that history. My ambition is to take this traditionally successful program and make it even more successful over the coming years."

Byford has also had head coaching stops at St. Joseph's University (1999-2001), Downingtown High School (1998-99) and Delaware Valley College (1994). During his stint at Downingtown High, Byford led the team to the first District championship in the program's history and in 1998 he earned Southeast Pennsylvania Girls High School Coach of the Year accolades.

Byford has also had extensive experience at the club level. He has been a part of the Olympic Development Program (ODP) as a head coach on both the state and regional level since 1995 and is currently a head coach for the region under 19 team. During his time with ODP, Byford won a national championship in 2002 and he earned regional titles in 1999, 2001 and 2004. He also served as the Director of Coaching and Player Development for the Mandeville Soccer Club in Mandeville, Louisiana from 2001-03.