AMERICUS, Ga. -- Georgia Southwestern State University Director of Athletics Mike Leeder has announced that effective February 1, Eric Crawford will be appointed senior associate director of athletics replacing Signe Coombs, who has accepted the role of director of athletics at Truman State University. Crawford is currently the associate director of athletics for business and operations at GSW while also serving as the Hurricanes head men's soccer coach.
"We are very happy that Eric will be transitioning into this important role, and look forward to watching his continued development as an outstanding administrator," Leeder said. "I have enjoyed working with Eric in his capacity as our head men's soccer coach, and appreciate all that he has accomplished in that arena."
Crawford was hired in February of 2019 as head men's soccer coach and quickly stabilized the Hurricanes on the pitch. During his tenure he coached 11 Peach Belt All-Conference players, one all-region selection, seven PBC Players of the Week and 21 all-academic performers. Crawford guided the Hurricanes to record win totals in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons, and in 2022 GSW advanced to the PBC Conference Tournament semifinals for the first time in program history. In 2021, Crawford assumed administrative roles in addition to his coaching responsibilities. He has since served as an assistant and associate director of athletics during his tenure.
"We have had several former administrators move on to larger roles after leaving GSW. Christie Ward (deputy director of athletics/senior woman administrator, Catawba College), Dr. Nicole Levering (director of athletics, Georgia Highlands College), and Signe Coombs (director of athletics, Truman State University) have all had tremendous success in their career, and I think Eric will be able to achieve great things as well in athletics administration," added Leeder.
Crawford holds a bachelor's degree in biology, a master's degree in exercise science and an MBA from Northeastern State University. He is currently in the process of completing his doctorate in higher education administration at the University of West Georgia.
"I am excited for the opportunity to continue my professional growth from its beginning as the head men's soccer coach and be able to transition into a leadership role within the athletic department," Crawford stated. "I am proud of our soccer program's accomplishments during my time here on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. I am grateful that I have been able to work with our department and institution to provide facility upgrades and the stability that will set our soccer program up for future success under new leadership. I am thankful to the players, both past and present, for allowing me to help develop them both as people and players."
A national search is currently underway to find GSW's next head men's soccer coach.