UPIKE Athletics

Gary Warford is in his 10th season as the head coach of the UPIKE women’s soccer program and his 5th as at the helm of the men’s soccer program. 

He wasted no time logging his first Mid-South Conference win as his Bears topped Georgetown 1-0 on the road in the first conference game of the 2016 season. The win was UPIKE fourth in MSC play since 2013. 

Warford, who now holds the school record for both men and women’s soccer programs winningest coach has also played a pivotal role in player development in the region of Eastern Kentucky.

Coach Warford’s primary duties as combined head coach for both programs is to create a positive learning environment for the development of student athletes, recruiting and retention, as well as overall direction of the program. In addition, Warford’s duties include professional staff development and enrichment of his staff which includes his Assistant Coach and two Graduate Assistants. 

As an undergrad, Warford played club soccer at Eastern Kentucky University for two seasons before the Colonels offered men’s soccer as a varsity program. In addition to his career at EKU, Warford competed around the world while serving in the Navy.

Warford has been on staff with the University of Kentucky women’s soccer program for its high school team camps and coached alongside staff from various levels, including NCAA Div. I, II, III and NAIA, as well as a staff coach for summer soccer camp at Gardner Webb University.

Warford holds USSF Youth Module, National D and E licenses from the United States Soccer Federation, the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Goalkeeper Certification Level I and II, United Soccer Coaches Advanced National Diploma, as well as Futsal Level I and the United Soccer Coaches Sports Psychology and Individual Skills certificate. Warford is CPR/First Aid Certified.

Additionally, Warford recently earned his Doctor of Education from Northcentral University with emphasis in Educational/Instructional Leadership. 

Dr. Warford is originally from Richmond Kentucky, where he graduated from Madison Central High School as well as Eastern Kentucky University. Warford enjoys sports of all kinds, cycling, spending time with his daughter, and his two cats Lorca and Luna. 

Warford’s Season-By-Season Record