Ohio State University men’s soccer program adds Chad Barson to staff

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Via Ohio State University) – Ohio State men’s soccer head coach Brian Maisonneuve announced the hiring of Chad Barson as the program’s new director of operations Wednesday. Barson, a native of Columbus, was a member of Columbus Crew SC from 2013-16 and helped the team to the MLS Cup Final in 2015.

“I had the pleasure of working with Chad on our U17 national team,” Maisonneuve said. “Chad was a fantastic player and had a tremendous career at Akron and with the Columbus Crew. Chad is a true professional on and off the field. His character and values are what sets him apart. He is a tremendous role model and will teach our student-athletes how to be successful in life. We’re so happy to have Chad on staff.”

A decorated soccer player throughout his playing days, Barson most recently played in the Swedish Football Association at FC Linkoping City in 2017 and made 25 starts. Prior to his time overseas, the talented defender was one of Columbus’ first Homegrown player signings, and played in 50 games with 33 starts, collecting a combined 3,160 minutes in the Crew’s backline in four seasons.

“I feel extremely blessed to have this opportunity to join The Ohio State University,” Barson said. “I am fortunate to have known Coach Maisonneuve for many years and am extremely excited to work with him and the other coaches as we help these young men develop. This is a great opportunity for me to learn the landscape of college athletics as I transition into a new role outside of playing. Even though I haven’t ever officially had ties to the university, I have always felt that I am a Buckeye. Now I can gladly say that I am.”

Barson played collegiately at the University of Akron appearing and starting in all but two matches of his college career (93 of 95 games) in four seasons for the Zips. He was a part of the 2010 National Championship team. A two-time captain, Barson earned NSCAA First Team All-America honors in 2012 during his senior campaign. Barson also was a member of multiple U.S. national teams, including U-14s, U-15s, U-17s, U-18s and U-20s. Barson graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Honor’s College with a degree in biology in 2012. Barson was an All-State selection at Olentangy High School in 2008.

Other accomplishments by Barson:
2012-2013 Bob Linton Male Student-Athlete of the Year (Akron)
Three-time All-MAC First Team (2010-12)
Top Drawer Soccer Team of the Season Second Team (2012)
Soccer America MVP First Team (2012)
Two-time Academic All-America First Team (2011-12)
Academic All-America Second Team (2010)
Three-time Academic All-MAC (2010-12)
Soccer America and College Soccer news All-Freshman Team (2009)