Greenville Triumph Coaching and Technical Staff

Get to know the Greenville Triumph coaching and technical staff.

Coaching Staff

Rick Wright

Head Coach & TEchnical director

Wright returns to the Triumph for his sixth season and first as head coach, succeeding John Harkes. He was the head coach at Anderson College (started program, ‘82-86) before returning to his alma mater at Erskine College as head coach of the men’s and women’s program from ’87-93. Spent ten years on the Region III ODP staff and 12 years as an ODP SC state coach. Represented Bermuda in four sports at the schoolboy level (Soccer, Rugby, Sailing and Badminton). Was a member of the Bermuda Men’s National Team from ’74-’78 and a member of the 1976 US Olympic Team. 3X All-American (Erskine College).

Mark WArd

Assistant coach

This is Ward’s first season with the club. Ward served as director of coaching and USL Academy director for the Chattanooga Red Wolves for a span of three years. During his tenure, he assisted in developing more than 50 athletes who went on to compete at various levels of college soccer. Additionally, Mark assisted in developing five young players who secured Academy contracts with the Red Wolves USL League one side and one player who went from Red Wolves Academy directly to signing a pro contract with the first team. Prior to joining Chattanooga, Ward honed his coaching skills as an assistant coach at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. He is the holder of the USSF B License and is ambitiously pursuing an A License.

Ryan McKie

High Performance Coach

Mckie has been with the Triumph for six seasons. Graduate of Furman University where he was a wide receiver and kick returner on the 2004 SoCon Championship team and the 2005 national semi-finalist squad. All-time leading receiver for Hillcrest High School’s football team. McKie brings over 10 years of experience in the fitness industry, having trained athletes from the PGA, LPGA, NFL, CFL, MLS and MLB. Co-owner of Knight Performance Factory in Greenville.

Juan “Choco” Villegas

Goalkeeping coach

Choco is a former professional goalkeeper with more than 10 years of experience playing in the top divisions of Colombia and Argentina. He has successfully transitioned to coaching, accumulating over 10 years of experience at various levels. Juan Guillermo is certified by both the Argentine Soccer Coaches Association (ATFA) under CONMEBOL and the US Soccer Federation, demonstrating his commitment to coaching excellence. He currently serves as Diplomat Premier Director at the Carolina Elite Soccer Academy (CESA), where he is dedicated to developing young players.