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COLUMBIA, S.C. – University of South Carolina men’s soccer head coach Tony Annan announced that Jaxsen Wirth has joined the staff as an assistant coach. Wirth will serve as the goalkeeper coach.
Wirth comes to Carolina following a successful tenure at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). During his two seasons at SIUE, Wirth helped guide the program to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances and 20 clean sheets across 40 matches. In 2023, SIUE posted the best winning percentage (.875) in Division I, and the staff was recognized as the United Soccer Coaches North Region Coaching Staff of the Year.
Under Wirth’s tutelage, the goalkeeping unit flourished. In 2023, Sam Gomez was named the Ohio Valley Conference Goalkeeper of the Year and went on to sign a professional contract with St. Louis City II. In 2024, Rob Gjelaj earned OVC Goalkeeper of the Year honors and was named First Team All-Region.
“We are excited to bring a coach like Jaxsen on to our staff. His work ethic on and off the field will benefit our program in a big way. His maturity and professionalism have been evident from his first day with us.”
Tony Annan
.
Head Coach
A native of Houston, Texas, Wirth previously served as an assistant coach at Mars Hill University, where he was promoted from graduate assistant to full-time assistant. During his tenure, the Lions compiled a 19-13-5 record, achieved back-to-back winning seasons, and reached the South Atlantic Conference tournament final in 2021, the program’s first championship match appearance in nearly a decade.
He played a key role in individual player development at Mars Hill. He coached goalkeeper Brennan Whalen to multiple SAC Defensive Player of the Week honors and forward Peter Plougmand to a standout season with 12 goals and First Team All-Southeast Region recognition.
Wirth played collegiately at the University of Charleston (WV). He was part of a defensive unit that ranked in the national top five in goals against average each season and was a part of the Golden Eagles winning the NCAA Division II National Championship in 2019.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from Charleston in 2021, graduating summa cum laude and completed his master’s in management from Mars Hill in 2022 with distinguished honors.
Wirth played semi-professionally for the High Plains Drifters in 2019, helping them reach the UPSL National Quarterfinals. He holds a U.S. Soccer C License and is actively progressing through the federation’s coaching education pathway.
For the latest on men’s soccer, visit GamecocksOnline.com or follow the team’s social media accounts on Twitter @GamecockMSoccer, Facebook /GamecockMSoccer, and Instagram @GamecockMSoccer.
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