ERIE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst soccer teams are excited to welcome back a familiar face to the program, as Ross Stewart returns as assistant coach for player development for both the men's and women's squads.
Stewart previously spent time at Mercyhurst as a graduate assistant coach with the men's team from 2021–23.
"I am more than happy to get to work with Ross again," men's soccer head coach Austin Soloman said. "I witnessed firsthand the energy, passion and organization he brought to our program during the 2021 and 2022 seasons as a graduate assistant, and having him back during this transition is extremely exciting. Ross will be a huge asset as we work toward achieving our program goals, and both our staff — and most importantly, our players — will benefit greatly from his return."
After his time at Mercyhurst, Stewart was hired as an assistant coach at fellow NEC school Saint Francis. He helped lead the Red Flash to some of the most successful seasons in program history.
Saint Francis reached the postseason in every year Stewart was on staff, including an NEC Tournament final appearance in 2025.
In 2023, Stewart helped guide the Red Flash to their second NEC regular season title in program history. That season, Saint Francis went undefeated with a 7-0-7 conference record and earned NEC Coaching Staff of the Year honors. Five Red Flash players were named to the All-Conference Team, including the NEC Goalkeeper of the Year and NEC Defensive Player of the Year.
During his previous stint at Mercyhurst, Stewart helped lead the Lakers to back-to-back PSAC West regular-season titles, a PSAC Championship and a second-round appearance in the NCAA Division II Tournament. He was also part of the United Soccer Coaches Division II Atlantic Region Coaching Staff of the Year in 2022.
"I am delighted Ross is coming back to Mercyhurst," women's soccer head coach Dale White said. "He has a wealth of experience, and the teams have been successful wherever he has been. I am looking forward to working closely with him and seeing the impact he will have on our team and the Mercyhurst community."
