Carry Completes Coaching Staff with Chapman, Groves
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky women’s soccer head coach Ian Carry announced on Wednesday that he has completed his 2018 coaching staff with the addition of Jim Chapman as a full-time assistant coach and Jeremy Groves as a volunteer assistant coach.
“When making this hire, I felt it was important to take my time and evaluate all the options available,” Carry said. “This had to be a marquee hire not only for the continued ascension of the program, but also to enhance the culture and development of the young women we facilitate on and off the field. Knowing Jim almost 20 years, working alongside him which included the success at Kilmarnock FC in Scotland and having him as a mentor as I went through my coaching education pathway – I knew he was the missing piece of our staff. Having the opportunity to bring him in and watching his interaction with the team in preseason camp – it is evident that he is the perfect fit for Kentucky women’s soccer.”
Chapman, a native of Airdrie, Scotland, joins the Wildcats after successful coaching tenures in the Scottish Premier League. Chapman has managed Kilmarnock, Albion Rovers, Dumbarton and Annan, winning over 125 games in charge of those clubs at the Premier League level.
He helped lead Kilmarnock to the Premier League twice, a Scottish Women’s Cup in 2002, and a First Division Cup title in 2002 as well. While with Dumbarton, Chapman guided the team to a Scottish third division title in 2008-09 and the Stirlingshire Cup in 2010.
The Scotsman also has an extensive playing career, having played in over 130 matches in his time with Albion Rovers and Dumbarton as a player. He scored 35 goals in 134 appearances, including 31 in his time with Albion.
Also joining the Wildcats is Jeremy Groves, a standout for the Kentucky men’s soccer program in the early 2000’s helping lead UK to the 2003 and 2004 Mid-American Conference championships. He will serve as the volunteer assistant for the Wildcats this season.
“Being afforded the opportunity to bring Jeremy to his alma mater as a volunteer coach with his vast knowledge, experience and proven track record is unheard of in the soccer community.” Carry said. “Getting to know him through brief phone conversations and meetings prior to his hiring, it was evident he and I were on the same page both morally, ethically and had the same inner drive to provide the young women we work with each day with an opportunity to achieve their soccer and life goals here at Kentucky. Knowing I have a staff that eats, sleeps and breathes soccer, knowing what it takes to win championships and recruit at the highest level – I believe the longevity of the program here at the University of Kentucky is in safe hands.”
A native of Leeds, England, Groves comes to Kentucky after a successful four-year stint as head coach at Murray State, where he led the Racers to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances in 2015 and 2017. Since the Murray State women’s soccer program began in 2000, no coach had more success than Groves. Under his leadership, the Racers recorded an overall mark of 50-21-6 and dominated Ohio Valley Conference play with a record of 32-3-5.
Before his time at Murray State, Groves served as an assistant coach at Morehead State from 2010-13. While with the Eagles, he helped lead the team to three OVC tournament title game appearances, including the 2010 OVC regular season championship and the 2010 and 2013 OVC tournament titles.
At Morehead State, he served the team in several areas, but his recruiting helped make the Eagles a great program. He helped bring talented players to MSU including the 2013 OVC Offensive Player and Freshman of the Year, Jade Flory and Angela Black.
Groves began his playing career in the academy of his hometown club, Leeds United A.F.C, after which he also played for Rotherham United and York City F.C. before moving to the United States.
Groves and his wife, Melissa, have two sons, Aidan and Jaxson.
For the latest on UK Women’s Soccer, follow the Wildcats on Twitter and Instagram at @UKWomensSoccer.
