Cal State Stanislaus Men's Soccer head coach Dana Taylor has announced the hiring of Morgan Cathey as an assistant coach.  Cathey, a California native, will return to join the staff to begin the 2011 season.

Cathey returns to the States after serving as an assistant coach for Hanover Park Football Club in Cape Town, South Africa. Hanover Park is in the National First Division.

“I am pleased with the monumental growth we have made in the last two years. Morgan's experience as a player and as a coach will be a great asset to our program.  As we strive to accomplish our goals for the future, his leadership, experiences, and character will be instrumental in raising the bar in this next phase of Warrior's Soccer.  We welcome Morgan and his family to the Stanislaus Family,” Taylor said.

A former youth player for the San Diego Surf Soccer Club and Arsenal Soccer Club Morgan went on to distinguished collegiate career as a goalkeeper at Azusa Pacific.  As a four-year starter at Azusa from 2002-2005, he was a first team All-Region and honorable mention All-American selection.  He helped guide his team to the NAIA national finals in 2005.  In 2006, Cathey graduated with a Bachelor's of degree in youth ministries.

After college Morgan took advantage of an opportunity in South Africa and played in the Premier Soccer League for Ajax Cape Town, the feeder team for soccer giant Ajax Amsterdam.  During his time he was loaned to IKAPA Sporting where he helped lead his team to a runner-up finish in the ABSA Premiership and competed in the CAF Cup the top teams in all of Africa.

At the end of his contract, Morgan started looking into the coaching side of the equation.  Having already been the head coach at Glendora High School in California, he received his Ajax coaching certificate in South Africa.  Halfway thru the professional season, he stepped in for 11 Express as the head coach, moving their team out of the14th position into the 11th out of relegation.

Cathey will begin his post at Cal State Stanislaus on August 1, just in time to roll out the balls for preseason camp.  Morgan, his wife Cari and 5 month old son Bauer, are moving from Cape Town, South Africa.