Aug. 13, 2009

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Former Kentucky men’s soccer standouts Bingy Lara and Jeremy Groves have been added to the 2009 UK coaching staff, head coach Ian Collins announced Thursday afternoon.

“We are really excited about having Bingy and Jeremy as part of the staff this year,” Collins said. “Both guys have meant an awful lot to our program for a long time and they will bring a lot of knowledge, energy and enthusiasm to the staff.”

Lara, a UK letterwinner from 2005-08, has been a fixture in the UK soccer program and in the midfield for Collins. A native of Las Cruces, N.M., Lara played in 47 career games for UK, totaling two goals and four assists. As a senior in 2008, Lara notched one goal and two assists. A 2008 Southeastern Conference Fall Academic Honor Roll selection, Lara will have a variety of duties as student coach in 2009, including assisting with the day-to-day management of the program and assisting with on-field coaching. The former midfielder will graduate in 2009 with a degree in psychology.

Groves returns for his fourth season with the soccer program, after serving as men’s team manager from 2007-08 and women’s team manager in 2006. A two-year letterwinner, Groves helped lead UK to the 2004 Mid-American Conference Championship, anchoring the stingy UK defense from his sweeper position. A native of Leeds, England, Groves graduated from UK with a degree in kinesiology and business. Groves will move into the role of volunteer assistant coach for the 2009 season.

Kentucky opens the season with two exhibition matches, beginning with Dayton on Monday, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. ET at the UK Soccer Complex. UK will open its regular season on Sept. 4 against IUPUI at 7:30 p.m. in Lexington.