Belmont University men’s soccer program finalizes 2019 coaching staff

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Belmont University men’s soccer head coach David Costa finalized his coaching and operations staff for the 2019 season with the addition of goalkeeper coach Louis Liberatore, director of player development Anthony Torres, and director of operations Robert DeWitt.

“I am excited to announce the coaching staff for Belmont men’s soccer,” Costa said. “Each of these coaches share the values of the university and our commitment to creating a championship experience for our student-athletes.”

Liberatore has extensive coaching experience, most recently with the Tennessee Soccer Club, as its director of goalkeeping. He also formerly worked as an assistant goalkeeper coach for the Orlando Pride of the National Women’s Soccer League.

Last year, the United Soccer Coaches listed Liberatore as a “30 under 30” recipient for his extraordinary achievements in the soccer community. He played collegiate soccer at Belmont Abbey College, where he also attained degrees in sports management and psychology.

“Lou is an experienced goalkeeper coach with a great reputation for developing players,” Costa said. “He has worked in youth, college, and professional environments and will be able to relate well with our team. Lou is a great fit for our culture, and we are fortunate to have him join our staff this fall.”

Former Bruin Anthony Torres will return to the staff as the director of player development for the 2019 season. He will serve as a mentor to players athletically, academically, and socially, as well as a liaison to connect Belmont men’s soccer alumni and the program’s current student-athletes.

Torres, who played from 2012-15, started over 50 games throughout his tenure at Belmont and earned Second Team All-Horizon League honors in his senior season. Torres was a four-year letter winner during his decorated career as a Bruin.

“Anthony has been a great asset from the moment I arrived at Belmont in January. Not only was he a great player for the Bruins, but his strong character and ability to relate to the players have helped strengthen our culture,” Costa said. “Anthony is emerging as a top coach in the local youth scene and we are excited to have him working with us again this fall.”

To round out the staff, Robert DeWitt was hired as the program’s graduate manager and director of operations. DeWitt previously played under Costa at Xavier, where he tallied Big East All-Academic Team selections in each of his four years as a Musketeer.

DeWitt also worked as a volunteer coach at the ID Camp and Andy Fleming Soccer Camp during his time at Xavier. The Kansas native will manage day-to-day operations for the program, including community service, academics, team travel, and camps.

“During his playing career at Xavier, Robert was a model of hard work and character. He was committed to making the people around him better every day,” Costa said. “When I accepted the position at Belmont, he was someone I knew that I wanted to work with.”