Charlotte Independence Soccer Club Hires John Cullen as Director of Girls ECNL Pro Academy

Nate Friefeld • March 15, 2022

Cullen to bring demonstrated commitment to holistic development to better prepare girls and women for the collegiate experience. 


CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 15th, 2022) - The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club today named John Cullen as Director of Girls ECNL Pro Academy. Previously, he was the Head Coach for The University of North Carolina at Charlotte Women’s Soccer team where his overall record was 131-95 21 (.573). Cullen has an extensive history in player development within the Charlotte community. At every level throughout his career, he has shown a commitment to be successful in this endeavor. His investment in developing players is unquestioned by the notable accomplishments of girls and women within organizations he has worked for. 


“I'm very excited to be named the Charlotte Independence Girls ECNL Pro Academy Director. I'm truly honored to step into this role and lead the next generation of players at the club to aspire to become the best version of themselves as players”, said John Cullen. “I want to thank Chief Executive Officer Thomas Finlay and Ellen Fiori Human Resources Director for sharing their vision of the club throughout the interview process and entrusting me with the task of taking the program to the next level. I feel our values and philosophies align and I'm excited to bring my 20 plus years of college coaching experience, passion, knowledge, and drive to challenge our players every day to fulfill their potential and become the best version of themselves as players and as a club.”


During his 13-years as the Women’s Head Coach, Cullen ushered numerous athletes into National All-Americans, Conference Player of the Year awardees, All-Conference and All-Region Selections. 


Now, Cullen wants to take the next step in his career to focus on the development of athletes at the youth level. He wants to support girls and women in their vision to play at the collegiate level but wants to make sure they become successful as individuals above all. His commitment to scholastic achievement is illustrated as many of his players have become All-District/All-Region Academic Honorees, National Scholar All-America Award winners, and his teams have received Conference All-Academic Accolades. In Cullen, the club is welcoming a coach beyond the soccer field who takes pride in character development. He has an incredible scope of knowledge to build impactful relationships and guide these girls and women to reach their full potential not just as athletes, but as human beings. 


“What an exciting time for our Girls ECNL Pro Academy program. Coach John Cullen is highly regarded in the soccer community, you don’t achieve the winningest records for two separate college programs by luck”, said Chief Executive Officer Thomas Finlay. “There was so much that pulled us towards him. His views on program structure, club connectivity, college player preparation and overall player health and wellness was so encouraging. We simply wanted John to lead our programming moving forward. Onwards and Upwards indeed for the Charlotte Independence Girls ECNL Pro Academy program.”


Before coming to UNC Charlotte in 2009, Cullen was the Head Coach at Catawba College for the Women’s Soccer Team where he boasted a 113-33-16 (.747) record. In 8 years, he was named Coach of the Year for the South Atlantic Conference 4 times, and NSCAA Regional Coach of the Year in 2005. His leadership propelled his teams to win 2 Conference Championships and took the Indians to 4 NCAA Division II Regionals and 2 Regional Finals. 


Cullen graduated from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1996 where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. He is currently married to his wife Terina where they have three daughters: Bailey, Peyton, and Reagan. We are thrilled to bring Cullen into the Independence family and cannot wait for him apply his wealth of experience to our club as Director of Girls ECNL Pro Academy. 


“I look forward daily to developing relationships and working alongside the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club community; staff, coaches, players, and membership and promise to bring my best every day!!!”

Charlotte Independence Soccer Club is a proud member of the Elite Clubs National League. Learn More

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