Cristian Neagu begins his second season Stetson men’s soccer coach in 2019. The former North Carolina assistant coach and recruiting coordinator was named as the 16th men’s soccer head coach in Stetson history, Deputy Athletics Director Alicia Queally announced on Jan. 4, 2018.
Neagu spent the previous two years with the Tar Heels, helping lead North Carolina to a pair of appearances in the NCAA College Cup. UNC was a combined 31-7-5 over during Neagu’s tenure.
"I would like to thank Director of Athletics Jeff Altier, Deputy AD Alicia Queally and the search committee for providing me with this amazing opportunity,” Neagu said. “I am excited and honored to lead this program for years to come. I look forward to contribute to a culture of champions athletically, academically and within the community."
Neagu made a strong impact on the Hatters during his first Stetson season, guiding Stetson the ASUN Championship game. The Hatters defeated North Florida in the opening round of tournament play, and advanced to the finals after downing semifinal host FGCU in penalty kicks.
Five players earn All-ASUN Conference honors in Neagu’s first season, including Erwan Colas who landed a spot on the first team.
Neagu’s passion for soccer and his experience at the highest levels were some of the qualities which made him a standout candidate. On the field, his efforts had a major impact on North Carolina’s success. His 2017 recruiting class was ranked No. 2 nationally by both Top Drawer Soccer and College Soccer News.
“The search committee had a group of outstanding candidates to interview,” Queally said. “We were looking for an individual that could continue to capitalize on the recent team success, yet was also committed to and excited about the team and Stetson. Cristian was near the top of our list throughout the hiring process. I believe he is the most prepared and passionate candidate to have both immediate and long-term success.
“Once we brought him on campus, it became clear that he exemplifies our department’s core values and mission. Stetson is a special place where Cristian will fit right in and be welcomed with open arms. I look forward to working with him, as he develops our players and provides them a great Hatter experience.”
This won’t be Neagu’s first collegiate head coaching opportunity, nor his first foray into the Sunshine State. Prior to his arrival in Chapel Hill, Neagu spent two seasons as head coach at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg (2014-15), where he led the Tritons to consecutive appearances in the Sunshine State Conference tournament and the program’s first NSCAA national ranking.
Before his time at Eckerd, Neagu was head coach at Louisburg College, an NJCAA program in Louisburg, N.C. He earned NSCAA South Region Coach of the Year honors in 2012 as the Hurricanes posted a 21-1-0 overall record and a 12-0 region mark.
A native of Romania, Neagu is a 2006 graduate of Virginia Commonwealth. He was a first-team All-America selection at Bryant & Stratton College in Syracuse, N.Y., before helping VCU to consecutive Colonial Athletic Association titles.
Neagu began his coaching career as an assistant at Bryant & Stratton. He coached at various levels of club and developmental soccer before landing at Louisburg College.
Neagu has experience as a professional player, spending time in both the Major Indoor Soccer League and the United States Soccer League.
