March 10, 2009
FULLERTON, CA - Former Cal State Fullerton letter winner Lauryn Welch and Saint Mary's College goalkeeper Brian Mason have been added to the Titans' women's soccer coaching staff Head Coach Demian Brown announced on Tuesday.
Welch, a four-year starter in the midfield for the Titans from 2003-06 and an assistant on the sidelines for the Titans' 2007 campaign, returns to her alma mater for a second stint as an assistant after spending time playing overseas in Germany in the 2nd Bundesliga for FC Guetersloh 2000 for its 2008 season.
"I couldn't be happier to have Lauryn return to the sideline for the Titans," Brown said. "She is a great role model for our student-athletes and her playing experience in Germany makes her a tremendous asset on the field."
A three-time All-Big West Conference selection, Welch started all 73 matches in her career until a knee injury cut short her senior season in 2006 after 11 matches. She finished her career ranked tied for seven on the school's all-time points list (46) and was tied for sixth with 17 goals. Her 12 career assists rank ninth all-time while her six game-winning goals are tied for third in the history of the program.
Welch experienced her best season offensively as a junior in 2005, helping the Titans to the third round of the NCAA Tournament and leading the team in scoring with nine goals and four assists. After earning All-Big West First-Team honors that season, Welch became the first Fullerton player to be named the Big West Tournament MVP after scoring three goals to help the Titans to the crown.
Despite missing 11 matches as a senior, Welch ranked second on the team in scoring with five goals and two assists and was named to the All-Big West Second Team as well as an NSCAA Scholar-Athlete for her work in the classroom.
"I am so excited to be back in blue and orange," Welch said. "I have such a passion for this game and there is nowhere else I would rather be coaching than at Cal State Fullerton."
Mason joins the Titans' staff after a successful collegiate career at Saint Mary's in Moraga, Calif., starting 61 matches between the pipes during his four-year career from 2004-07. He holds the school record with a 1.27 career goals against average and 13.5 shutouts while standing third with 5,013 minutes played and fourth with 246 career saves.
A second-team Freshman All-American by College Soccer News, Mason was also a second-team All-WCC honoree in 2004. A member of the '85 and '86 Regional ODP squad, Mason was selected to participate in the LA Galaxy, Chivas USA, and San Jose Earthquakes combines.
"I'm excited to be apart of a great coaching staff who desire to win while providing the opportunites of growth and success for our young athletes," Mason said.
He is currently completing his degree in kinesiology at Cal State Fullerton with an emphasis in health and human performance.
"Brian will have the opportunity to work with a group of talented goalkeepers," Brown said. "His success and experience as a Division I goalkeeper will allow him to relate, teach, and guide our keepers to the success of past greats for our program."