Bethany College

Assistant coach Lamine Balde returns for his second season with his Alma Mater as a member of the men's soccer staff for the 2016 season. Balde comes to the Bison after a successful four-year playing career with the Green & White, as well as two seasons with the Fort Pitt Regiment of the National Premier Soccer League. 

Over the past two years, Balde has played as a member of the Regiment, and has proven to be the team’s top scorer in both the 2014 and 2015 campaigns. In 25 total games between the 2014 and 2015 seasons, Balde tallied nine goals, including a high-water mark of five this summer. Also during his time with the Regiment, Balde spent time with NPSL/PA West Soccer camps where he coached players from ages 4-15 in a multitude of drills, while also organizing training sessions and helping with camp recruitment. 

Prior to his time with the Fort Pitt Regiment, Balde was a four-year member for the Bison men’s soccer team, where he earned three letters and two All-PAC Second-Team selections. His conference honors came following both the 2012 and 2013 seasons. Over his four-year career, Balde tallied 26 goals, 12 assists and 64 total points. His best season came as a senior in 2013 when he ranked second in the conference in points (24) and third in goals (nine). His point total was second only behind teammate Arkangelo James. 

A native of the African country of Guinea, Balde graduated from Bethany with a Bachelor of Art degree in Sports Management. During his time with the soccer teams, Balde with be enrolled in Bethany’s Master of Art in Teaching program.