HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – Northern Kentucky University head men's soccer coach Stu Riddle has announced the additions of Sam Brooks and Adam Ponder to the coaching staff. Brooks will be an assistant coach and Ponder will serve as a volunteer assistant coach.

"I am delighted that we have been able to add two very experienced and high quality coaches to our staff for the upcoming fall," said Riddle.  "Both Sam and Adam bring different qualities to the table, and I welcome them to the Norse soccer family. We have all the pieces in place now to tackle the season head on and are all very much looking forward to the preseason beginning."

Brooks comes to NKU after serving as an assistant coach at Centre College during the 2017 season. The Solihull, England, native helped the Colonels to a 12-5-2 record, with the team ranking in the top two of its conference in scoring offense and scoring defense. Brooks also has experience coaching at the club level, most recently with Lexington FC U-19 this past year. Brooks holds an FA Level 1 and 2 license, and he also has a USSF D license. He played collegiately for the University of the Cumberlands, before transferring to the University of Kentucky for his final two seasons.

Ponder most recently served as an assistant coach at Wright State during the 2017 season. Last season the Raiders went 10-7-1 overall with a 6-3 record in Horizon League play. Ponder was one of the lead recruiters in the program and helped scout opponents and organize training sessions for team and individual practices. Prior to his time at Wright State, Ponder was an assistant coach at Valparaiso from 2014-2017. Ponder has a USSF Level A License, and he is also the Director of Coaching for the Ohio Fusion Soccer Club. Ponder is a 2006 graduate of Indiana University, and he obtained a Master's degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies from the University of Tennessee in 2010.