Former Lonestar Player Chris Gbandi appointed as Assistant Director of Soccer Administration for U Conn

STORRS, Conn. – Former UConn players Chris Gbandi and Michael Mordocco have joined the program as assistant coaches. Both players were integral parts of UConn’s NCAA Championship season in 2000.

They join Tim O’Donohue, who was announced as Associate Head Coach on July 26, as the newest members of the coaching staff for the 2011 season.

Mordocco will serve as an Assistant Coach while Gbandi will serve as the Assistant Director of Soccer Administration.

“Having Mike and Chris back in Connecticut is a dream come true. Both young men had outstanding careers at UConn and have since gone on to make great marks in the game. Their contributions to the program will be immeasurable. We are all excited that they are back with the program,” said Head Coach Ray Reid.

Gbandi, who was born in Liberia and graduated from UConn in 2002, enjoyed a successful career at Connecticut beginning in 1998 when he was named the BIG EAST Rookie of the Year. He was also honored as the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year in 1999, 2000 and 2001, while earning All-America honors those years as well. Gbandi received the Hermann Trophy in 2000 as the National Player of the Year after leading UConn to the NCAA Championship.

“It’s great to be at Connecticut with such a top notch program. I’m excited to learn from such a respected coach like Ray Reid. I’m looking forward to getting involved and being a sponge to all the incredible players and coaches that are here. I’m really excited to be back at the University and to enhance my coaching career,” said Gbandi.

Gbandi returns to Storrs after nine years of professional playing experience. He was drafted with the first overall pick of the 2002 MLS SuperDraft by FC Dallas, where he played until 2007. He was honored as FC Dallas’s Defender of the Year in 2006.

Following his time in Dallas, Gbandi transferred to Norwegian club FK Haugesund, where he spent the 2008 and 2009 seasons. Most recently, Gbandi played with USSF Division 2 club Miami FC in 2010.