Francis, a former Spartan midfielder (2008-11), returns to Upstate, joining the program for the 2022 season.
He joins the program from Carolina FC where he currently serves as Select Director and Director of Youth Player Development. In two seasons with the organization, he’s helped oversee the developmental program structure and helped multiple Carolina FC teams to SC State Cup Championships.
Before transitioning to Carolina FC, Francis had four-year stints with both Richmond Hill Soccer Club and Whitby Iroquois Soccer Club in Ontario. While with Richmond Hill, he served as head coach for the organization’s Ontario Player Development League—the highest league in Ontario—teams and as the club’s High Performance Coordinator, helping all three men’s teams to the Charity Shield Final of Ontario in this role.
With Whitby Iroquois, he held several roles during his stint, including serving as head coach for a number of teams across several age groups. Other roles for Francis with Whitby Iroquois included serving as a Coach Evaluator, Individual Academy Director, Leadership Program Instructor, Big Brothers, Big Sisters Canada Instructor, and Finishing School Director.
Competing as a Spartan from 2008-11, Francis appeared in 55 games during his career, collecting three assists during his time. He was also recognized as a member of the ASUN All-Academic Team in each of his four seasons in a Spartan uniform.
