GAINESVILLE, Ga. — After seven years as an assistant coach with the University of North Georgia mens’ soccer program, former Young Harris and UNG soccer standout Avram Allen is moving to the high school ranks as the new girls coach at Gainesville High School.
Allen, who has also served as the Girls’ Director of Coaching at Lanier Soccer Association, takes over for Rick How-ard.
“We are excited to add coach Allen and his family to Red Elephant Nation,” said Gainesville Athletic Director Adam Lindsey. “His playing and coaching experience at the collegiate level, as well as his dedication to developing youth soccer players, makes him the perfect choice to bring our girls’ soccer program back to prominence.
The Lady Red Elephants finished the 2021 season 7-10, and winless in Region 6-AAAAAAA.
“First and foremost, I want to thank coach Lindsey and (Gainesville Principal) Jamie Green for the opportunity to be the next head coach at Gainesville High School,” Allen said. “I have coached many talented players that have come through the GHS program, and Gainesville has been like a second home to me. I am no stranger to the legacy they are looking to leave and I am looking forward to being part of it.
“ Am excited to get to work with these girls and to build a program the City of Gainesville can feel proud of.”
After competing two years at Young Harris, where he was captain in 2006 and earned two all-region honors, Allen transferred to North Georgia where he earned Peach Belt Conference All-Tournament honors from his midfield position.
As an assistant at North Georgia, Allen helped the Nighthawks to six conference tournaments in a row, including sea-son marks at or above .500 in the last several seasons.
In 2017, the Nighthawks had their best outing in the PBC tournament, reaching the championship game. In 2016, UNG finished as runners-up in the PBC regular-season standings, the program’s highest finish ever.
