Paul Babba Named Kentucky Women’s Soccer Assistant Coach, Recruiting Coordinator
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Former Elon University women’s soccer assistant coach Paul Babba has been named assistant coach and recruiting coordinator of the University of Kentucky women’s soccer program, it was announced by head coach Ian Carry on Thursday afternoon.
“I am honored to welcome Paul, his wife, Laura, and children, Noah, Micah and Hannah, to Lexington,” Carry said. “It was very important to bring a staff together that not only complements each other’s personalities but can each bring something unique to the table to assist in the success of the young women we are afforded to develop, guide and nurture through the four years they are under our care.
“Paul’s track record and road map to Kentucky has been highlighted with success on and off the field, and from the moment we and our administration met with him we knew he fit the Kentucky mold. His contacts both domestically and internationally from a recruiting perspective puts us in a position to continue bringing in elite classes, which will only enhance this very young team. Paul has an infectious personality and will instantly relate to our student-athletes. He will bring a new perspective to the staff that Jim (Chapman), Gavin (Colton) and myself are excited to have. I could not be more excited for our program.”
Babba has more than a decade of coaching experience at the collegiate level, devoting the past two seasons to the Elon women’s soccer program as an assistant coach.
Before that, Babba spent two seasons as the head coach of the women’s soccer program at Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee. During his time at Bryan College, Babba was named the 2017 Appalachian Athletic Conference Coach of the Year for guiding the program to its winningest season in recorded history. That season, the Lions finished with a 12-7 overall mark, which included a 9-2 record in AAC action, and the program also won its first-ever regular season conference title.
Under Babba’s watch, four players earned major awards from the AAC, and senior standout Ruth Rosales became the program’s first NSCAA All-America Honorable Mention, while earning AAC Offensive Player of the Year accolades. Six Bryan College players collected All-AAC recognition and six others were rewarded with All-Academic Team accolades.
In 2016, his season debut as head coach at Bryan College, Babba helped the Lions to a 10-10-2 overall mark, which at the time was the winningest season in recorded history. The team kept the momentum alive as the year ended, knocking off top-seeded teams in the AAC Tournament, which led to an appearance in the AAC Championship match.
The Numan, Nigeria, native, came to Bryan after spending five years as the head coach at Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi. While at Delta State, Babba played an integral part in leading the Lady Statesmen to their lowest goals against average in the history of the program. He also emphasized the pursuit of excellence off the field as the Lady Statesmen were a fixture in DSU’s community service competition, The Champs Cup, where they were recognized for their academic and service commitments.
Prior to his time at Delta State, Babba served for four seasons as the assistant coach to head coach Darryl Longabaugh at Mississippi College. He spent the majority of the time focusing on the forwards and midfielders. He helped guide the Lady Choctaws in many successful seasons, developing All-ASC performers. Babba also served as a club coach with the Mississippi Fire Juniors and had also previously held the post of director of coaching at the Brandon Soccer League.
Prior to his coaching career, Babba was a four-year starter at Belhaven College. He finished his career as the Blazers’ second all-time leading scorer with 37 total goals, and he also compiled 18 assists for 92 total points during his time at Belhaven College.
His outstanding collegiate career opened the door for Babba to compete at the next level, playing two seasons with Mississippi Brilla F.C., a team in the Professional Development League (PDL).
While at Belhaven College, he studied sports administration, receiving his bachelor’s degree in 2007. He continued his education, receiving his master’s in intercollegiate athletic administration from Mississippi College in 2010.
He holds a USSF A-Senior License and a National Youth License. Babba and his wife, Laura, have three children, Noah, Micah and Hannah.
For the latest on the Kentucky women’s soccer program, follow @UKWomensSoccer on Twitter and on Instagram, on Facebook and on the web at UKathletics.com.
