BELMONT, N.C. -- Pat Kibler, a former player and assistant coach at Belmont Abbey, has been elevated to the position of head coach, Vice President and Director of Athletics Stephen Miss announced today. The appointment is effective immediately as Kibler has been serving on an interim basis since June 1, when former long-time head coach John Keating, moved across campus into the Office of College Relations.

"Following an extensive national search and the careful evaluation of many exceptional candidates, we are delighted to appoint Belmont Abbey College alumnus and Interim Head Coach Patrick Kibler as the new leader of our Men's Soccer program," Miss said. "A true embodiment of the Abbey's values, Coach Kibler's alignment with our mission, dedication to the holistic formation of our students — body, mind, and soul — and steadfast commitment to excellence and virtue make him the ideal choice to lead our program forward."

Kibler returned to his alma mater in August 2023 as an assistant coach after three years playing professionally abroad. He has been instrumental on the pitch working with the team's defenders, while also preparing scouting reports and other administrative duties.

"I am thrilled to receive the appointment as the new Head Men's Soccer coach at Belmont Abbey College," Kibler said. "I want to thank Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B., President Dr. Wiliam Thierfelder, Athletic Director Stephen Miss, and all the members of the search committee for selecting me as the new leader of our soccer program. Belmont Abbey has played a huge role in my life personally, and I am looking forward to being able to give the same experience to our student-athletes. 

"In my coaching career, I have been blessed enough to work with some amazing coaches, players, and programs who have helped shape me and get me to this stage in my career. I would like to extend an extra thank you to Coach John Keating for what he has done for me as a player, as a coach, but even more so as a person. I am looking forward to continuing to build on Coach Keating's success on the pitch, and also in mentoring young men in their faith and in the classroom."

Kibler was a three-year defender for the Crusaders from 2015-17, serving as team captain during both his junior and senior campaigns. In his final year, he earned first-team All-Conference Carolinas honors and was named the league's Defensive Player of the Year.

Following his collegiate career, Kibler played professionally in Malta (Senglea Athletic), Sweden (Bodens BK FF) and Australia (South Hobart FC and Seaford Rangers). During the offseason, he gained his first experiences on the sidelines with the South Hobart FC Professional Youth Academy and at Mariner High School and IMG Academy in Florida.

Kibler earned his Bachelor of Science degree from The Abbey in 2018.