Lubbock Coaching Staff to Lead Matadors in Inaugural Season
Lubbock Christian University and Texas Tech University Soccer Coaches join forces to lead the Lubbock Matadors in 2022
For Immediate Release December 20, 2021
Lubbock Coaching Staff to Lead Matadors in Inaugural Season Lubbock Christian University and Texas Tech University Soccer Coaches join forces to lead the Lubbock Matadors in 2022 Lubbock, Texas - Lubbock Matadors Soccer Club promised to be Lubbock Built when the club launched last week. Staying true to their word, Managing Partner Michael Hitchcock announced the Lubbock Matadors Coaching Staff made up of two Lubbock Christian University coaches and one Texas Tech coach. The Matadors will be led by LCU Head Coach Paul Gilbert. Gilbert will bring his impressive coaching experience at the college and Minor League Soccer levels to lead the Matadors as Head Coach during the 2022 Inaugural Season when Lubbock battles some of the best players and teams in the country during NPSL Lone Star Conference play. Joining Gilberts Staff are Assistant Coaches Yuriy Sadula (LCU Assistant Coach) and Gibbs Keeton (Texas Tech Associate Head Coach).
Fresh off the best season in Lubbock Christian Men’s Soccer history, Paul Gilbert shared his thoughts about leading the Lubbock Matadors, “I would like to thank our owner Michael Hitchcock for giving me the opportunity to lead the Lubbock Matadors in their inaugural season. For the last six years my family and I have called Lubbock our home, so to play a role in bringing Minor League Soccer to Lubbock is very special. I believe in the Lubbock community and I am confident the energy and support for this club will be amazing!”
When asked about his plans for the Matadors, Gilbert continued, “Our goals for the Lubbock Matadors are twofold. We want to first and foremost put a successful, fun and exciting product on the field that the Lubbock community can take pride in and call their own. We hope to create an incredible game day atmosphere that has families and people of all ages falling in love with the beautiful game. Second, we want to connect and engage with the Lubbock community. We want our players and staff to be active members in the local community positively affecting people through the game of soccer.”
Joining Gilbert is his right-hand man at Lubbock Christian University, LCU Assistant Coach Yuriy Sadula. Before joining the LCU Coaching Staff, Sadula played at LCU where he holds the record for most games started and most minutes played.
Sadula has also played in the NPSL with the Midland-Odessa Sockers and San Antonio Corinthians Sadula shared what it means to join the Matadors Coaching Staff, “Having played and coached in the Lubbock soccer community over the last 7 years, I am truly excited to join the Lubbock Matadors as Assistant Coach. It is going to be a fun and exciting summer and I cannot wait to get started!”
Rounding out the Matadors impressive Coaching Staff is Texas Tech University Associate Head Coach Gibbs Keeton. Keeton, a 2006 Texas Tech Alumnus, has held a variety of coaching positions at Texas Tech since 2009. Keeton was a volunteer assistant coach from 2009-12 before his promotion to a full-time position prior to the 2013 season. He oversees the Red Raider goalkeepers and defense.
Paul Gilbert Coaching BIO & Stats:
Lubbock Christian University Head Men’s Soccer Coach // 2016 – Present
32 – 25 – 6 over previous 4 seasons
10 – 6 – 2, Lonestar Conference Tournament Finalist (2021) Losing to Midwestern state in penalty kicks
Lonestar Conference Tournament Quarter-finalist (2019)
2 Conference Defensive Players of the Year, 2 Freshmen of the Year, 15 All-Conference Players, 5 All-Region Players
Heartland Conference West Division Champions (2018)
Heartland Conference Tournament Semi-finalist (2018)
Regionally Ranked (2017 - 2021)
LCU Program leader in Wins (Winningest Head Coach) Assistant Coach for Lansing United of PDL // 2018
7 – 2 – 5 Record
Advanced to first round of PDL Playoffs
Became Lansing Ignite of USL 1 in 2019
Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach for Michigan State University // 2014-2015
NCAA Elite Eight (14’), #3 Overall Seed for NCAA Tournament (14’)
2 NSCAA All-Americans, 4 All-Region and 4 All-Big Ten Players
20 – 14 – 8 2014, 2015
Media Interested in interviewing Head Coach Paul Gilbert, please coordinate through eleni@lubbockmatadors.com
More Information about Lubbock Matadors can be found at www.lubbockmatadors.com Open Tryouts for local players are scheduled for January 22, 2022 at LCU Soccer Stadium. Matadors Season Seats are on sale now. Lubbock Matadors recently announced a multi-year partnership with global apparel company, PUMA. Stay tuned for exciting club announcements in early 2022.
Happy Holidays from the Lubbock Matadors Ownership, Front Office and Coaches!