Feb. 1, 2008

Loudonville, N.Y. - New Siena College men's soccer coach Gareth Elliott announced the hiring of Ahmad Manning as assistant men's soccer coach. Manning, a former four year starter alongside Elliott at the University of Rhode Island, marks the first hire by the Saints head coach to his new staff.

"We're excited to have Ahmad on board," remarked Elliott. "He has tremendous energy and enthusiasm and brings a great deal of both playing and coaching experience to Siena and I look forward to working with him in building an NCAA Tournament caliber program."

A native of West Hartford, Conn. by way of Rochester N.Y., Manning enjoyed a stellar four year playing career from 1998-2002 at Rhode Island. A midfielder with the Rams, Manning started all four years alongside Elliott (forward) as the pair teamed up for two NCAA Tournament appearances (1999-Second Round; 2000-Round of 16), two Atlantic 10 Tournament Championships (1999, 2000) and three consecutive regular season championships (1999-2001).

Manning also achieved a pair of Atlantic 10 All-Academic Team nominations (1998, 1999) and was twice named to the Atlantic 10 All-Conference Team in 2000 and 2001.

"I was extremely excited when Gareth took the position at Siena," noted Manning. "I have great admiration for his coaching philosophy and tactics and after having played alongside him for four years, I look forward to renewing our 1-2 combination on the sidelines at Siena this fall."

Following his collegiate playing career, Manning starred for three years in the professional ranks, competing for the United Soccer League's Pittsburgh Riverhounds (2005) and Western Mass Pioneers (2007). Manning also played for the prestigious FC METZ of the French League (2006) as well as for Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew (2006).

An NSCAA licensed coach, Manning spent two years serving as a coach in the high school ranks leading Farmington High (Conn.) to a Class L Championship in 2005 as an assistant coach. In 2007 as an assistant at Manchester High (Conn.), Manning helped guide the team to a CCC West Conference Championship.

Manning also has coaching experience with FSASoccerPlus as a head coach in the development U-12 league, serving alongside former U.S. Women's National Team World Cup winning head coach Tony DiCicco.

Manning currently resides in nearby Green Island, N.Y.