KEARNEY, NE — The Nebraska-Kearney women’s soccer team is welcoming its third head coach in the past six months.

UNK announced Rob Breton as the program’s latest head coach on Monday. Breton comes to Kearney after spending the past three seasons as an assistant women’s coach at Division II Alderson Broaddus University in West Virginia. 

The Maryland native replaces Neil Piper, who accepted the position in February but recently left due to unforeseen family circumstances in Texas. Piper replaced Chloe Roberts, who was fired in November.

"I am sure this is not the first time there has been a sudden change in a coaching position; however, it was one we were not anticipating,” Athletic Director Marc Bauer said. “I want to thank the search committee for their quick response and work throughout the process. I am excited to welcome Coach Breton to the Loper Family.“

Alderson Broaddus has won just three games over the past three seasons and posted a 1-15-1 record in 2021. The Battlers are led by head coach Jaron Hulme, a former Creighton assistant. 

“When I applied for this position and looked at the University, I saw tons of potential for growth in the program to be something special,” Breton said. “The University has many opportunities for students to grow and learn at an exceptional level and a community that fully supports them.”

At AB, Breton also helped with the men’s soccer team and served as girls head coach of the Clarksburg Excel Futbol Club youth team. Breton played at Division II West Virginia Wesleyan, helping the Bobcats reach the 2010 Elite Eight and earn a No. 2 national ranking. The team co-captain also helped Wesleyan reach the conference finals three straight seasons. Breton holds a B.S. degree from Wesleyan in Exercise Science.

"During the search, Coach Breton impressed the committee with his energy, drive, knowledge of the game, recruiting plans, and overall approach to teaching the game. In addition, his poise and communication skills stood out as he gained a high level of interest and trust throughout the process," Bauer said.

UNK soccer is currently in its spring ball season with two scrimmages remaining; April 24 at home vs. Concordia and April 30 at Iowa Western C.C. The 2022 season kicks off on August 26 (Friday) vs. Winona (Minn.) State.