CHARLOTTE ATHLETICS

John Cullen, the winningest coach in Charlotte 49ers women's soccer history, is leaving to join the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club.

John Cullen, the winningest coach in Charlotte 49ers women's soccer history, is joining the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club.

Cullen, a Charlotte alumnus who amassed a record of 131-95-21 over 13 seasons, resigned Tuesday to become director of Girls Elite Clubs National League Pro Academy for the Independence. He has strong ties to youth soccer through the North Carolina Olympic Development Program and was the 2015 recipient of the N.C. Youth Soccer Association’s Brantley-Murphy Award for his work on the state level. He also earned the 2015 Charlotte Youth Girls Coach of the Year award.

“It's with mixed emotions that I say ‘Goodbye’ to my Charlotte 49er family,” Cullen said in a statement. “For those that know me well – there is nowhere else I love more than being on a soccer field working with players, coaching teams, and encouraging players to fulfill their potential. I leave with the greatest of gratitude to my 49er family.”

Cullen, who took over the women's squad in 2009, led Charlotte to the Conference USA title game in three of the last six years and the 2016 championship along with the program's fifth NCAA tournament bid. The 49ers were conference runner-up in 2017, highlighted by a win against No. 21 Rice, and again in spring 2021. Charlotte reached conference semifinals seven times during his tenure and earned an Atlantic 10 regular season co-championship in 2010 and C-USA East Division title in 2013.    

       
Cullen coached an All-American, Freshman All-American, three conference offensive players of the year, 20 all-region picks and more than 40 all-conference selections at Charlotte. His teams earned 13 academic awards along with several Scholar All-America honors and conference Spirit of Service awards.

“John is a Niner to his core and has poured his heart and soul into this program,” Charlotte athletics director Mike Hill said. “We’re sad to see him go but excited for his wonderful opportunity. I have no doubt we’ll see him at matches this fall cheering on the Niners.”

Cullen played on the 1991 Charlotte men’s team that earned the school’s first NCAA tournament berth and a captain on the 1992 squad that returned to the postseason and advanced to No. 2 in the national rankings.

“The Charlotte 49ers have been so impactful in my life and have given me the greatest honor. To the many great Charlotte coaches, colleagues throughout the athletic department, soccer community and 49er supporters: thanks for being there and pushing me to be at my best. Lastly, to my players, thank you for believing in me and believing in our program. To work alongside you was my greatest reward. You made it a joy to come to work every day.”

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