Formerly at CBU, Browne accepts new soccer coaching job at Hutchison

It’s official: Hutchison has a Browne new soccer coach.

Specifically, Clint Browne is leaving Christian Brothers University after 16 seasons of leading its men’s program and will be taking over at the girls’ private school.

“It’s just a new challenge,” said Browne. “Obviously decisions for me when you go from coaching older men to younger females – certainly the different mental approach that I’m going to have to take in regards in my thought process and also how I relay my instructions.”

The 46-year-old Birmingham, England native compiled a 155-114-24 record at CBU, which puts him as the Bucs’ all-time winningest coach. Browne won consecutive Gulf South Conference titles in 2011 and 2012 and helped his club advance to two NCAA South Regionals. He’s a three-time GSC Coach of the Year and was twice named the National Soccer Coaches Association of America South Region Coach of the Year.

“CBU is indebted to Clint's time and effort these past 16 years,” said athletic director Brian Summers, in a release. “He's made a lasting impact on this institution, but more importantly, on dozens of young men who have played for CBU during the last two decades. His gregarious personality will be missed in the department. I wish he and his family nothing but the best in this new endeavor.”

With the Sting, family is likely going to play a big role in his success. His oldest daughter, Kate Browne, is transferring to Hutchison for her freshman year. She’s currently a soccer player in the Lobos organization in Collierville.

“I’ve never coached her up until this point; never gone out of my way to be my children’s coach,” Browne said. “I’ve always said to my wife and to myself, that if it occurs kind of in natural time, then so be it. There’s a potential educational benefit here – and we’re trying to do is provide as many chances we can for our children.”

The Sting finished the 2019 season with a 1-9-6 record.

“What I’m going to be doing, obviously, is looking at the player pool that is there,” said Browne, a 1995 University of Memphis graduate. “(At CBU) the ability for me to succeed was based on the talent that I could attract with recruiting. With high school, it’s more in line with, ‘OK, you’ve got the group of talent that you have – what can you make out of that?’ At this moment in time, it’s hopefully just learning which of the older players have a chance to be good leaders and set good examples.”

Browne’s first season at CBU came in 2004. His overall win total is the second most in conference history.

“Currently, where the game of soccer is in the world, it’s changing,” he said. “The systems, formations, tactical pressing – and so the ability to do that with girls will be a different mindset. I will certainly employ several ideas that have worked for me with the guys.”

Bluff City happenings

The Gulf South Conference announced its Winter All-Academic Teams in both basketball and indoor track & field, and four CBU student-athletes were recognized. Junior Brynne Lytle was one of six members on the women’s basketball team, finishing with a 3.76 GPA. Sophomore Leo Stefanski was the lone representative on the men’s track & field list with a 4.00 GPA, while former Cordova High standout Raeven Veal (4.00) and fellow junior Chelsea Walker (3.50) were honorees on the women’s side. The quartet was joined by 26 other Bucs on the GSC Honor Roll. … Prior to the NCAA suspending recruiting due to the coronavirus pandemic, the University of Memphis announced that middle hitter Miaya Smith would be joining its volleyball program for the 2020 season. The 6-foot-1 middle hitter played her first two collegiate years at CBU after starring at St. George’s. Said Memphis coach Sean Burdette, in a release: “I am excited to work with Miaya over the next two seasons, as she has a tremendous upside and high ceiling. She is a hard worker and continually wants to learn and get better.”

Sunday Sports Brunch is a weekly look at movers, shakers and newsmakers on the Memphis sports scene, from youth level to the pros. If you have an item of interest, please contact Chris Van Tuyl at christopher.vantuyl@commercialappeal.com