Greenville, SC- The Greenville Triumph have rounded out their coaching staff with the announcements of Alex Blackburn and Rick Wright as the club looks forward to its inaugural season.

Blackburn comes to the Triumph having spent the last five years as an assistant at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey. Blackburn, a 4-year letter-winner at the same school, tallied 23 shutouts and 26 wins as a keeper for the Hawks.

“Making the decision to move to the Triumph has been a dream come true,” said Blackburn. “I’m truly humbled to be given the opportunity to take myself out of my comfort zone and coach alongside such an experienced coaching staff.  I couldn’t be more excited to help bring success to the city of Greenville.”

 “I am very familiar with Alex and his talents, work ethic, and ability to manage players,” said Head Coach John Harkes. “Alex also has tremendous experience coaching and training youth players with powerhouse club PDA in New Jersey. He brings many great qualities as a former keeper and will be a great assistant coach for the Greenville Triumph.”

Wright brings a variety of coaching experience to the club. He previously coached at Anderson University and Erskine College, leading both teams to multiple conference titles. Throughout his career he has coached several All-Americans and placed a number of players in the MLS.

As a player, Wright spent time with the Bermuda National Team and the U.S National team, including a 1976 Olympic Games appearance for the United States.

“I am honored to be a part of the Greenville Triumph’s inaugural season,” said Wright. “It is truly special to be selected by John Harkes to be a part of the coaching staff.  The Upstate of South Carolina will be proud of this team.”

“I was fortunate to work with Rick at our inaugural Greenville Triumph SC tryouts and our relationship just took off from there,” said Harkes. “He has tremendous playing and coaching experience from the old NASL days to managing as the Head Coach at Anderson University and working as a mentor coach for the program. I am thrilled to officially add Rick to our coaching staff. He has a great demeanor and eye for talent and will bring tremendous depth of knowledge to our staff, players and club.”

The Triumph’s first home game is set for April 6. Season tickets are available by heading to www.greenvilletriumph.com/season-tickets.