Ross Nelson continues to serve as head coach for men’s soccer at the University of West Alabama, a position he has held since January 28, 2019.
He served the last three seasons as assistant coach to Matthew Thorne, who left West Alabama to become head coach at Auburn-Montgomery.
In 2025, the coaching staff was further strengthened with the promotion of Harrison Roberts to Associate Head Coach, continuing the program’s commitment to excellence.
The 2022 season featured one of the best defensive teams in program history, allowing just 11 goals in 16 matches while holding opponents to an average of 9.6 shots per contest.
Nelson helped guide UWA to Gulf South Conference championships in 2016 and 2017, including both regular season and tournament titles in 2017. Over his three seasons as assistant coach, UWA compiled a 34-17-5 record with postseason appearances each year.
Wallace emphasized Nelson’s essential role in the men’s soccer program’s preparation, strength and conditioning, scouting, and recruiting since joining West Alabama, expressing confidence in his readiness for leadership and continued success.
Prior to joining West Alabama, Nelson served on the coaching staff at Tennessee Wesleyan, where he was an all-conference player and team captain, leading the Bulldogs to the Appalachian Athletic Conference regular season title in 2013.
Nelson was also an all-conference performer and captain at Georgia Perimeter College and played semi-pro for Ballymena United Football Club in Northern Ireland.
A native of Larne, Northern Ireland, Nelson holds an AS degree in Exercise Science from Georgia Perimeter, a BS in Exercise Science from Tennessee Wesleyan, and an MS in Physical Education from West Alabama.
Nelson and his wife Louise reside in Livingston, Alabama, with their son Callum.
