Men's Soccer Head Coach

Bio

Adam Howarth arrives at USC Sumter with more than 16 years of coaching and playing experience, bringing a proven track record of success at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels. Throughout his coaching career, Howarth has consistently elevated programs, developed championship-caliber teams, and established winning cultures that have produced success both on and off the field.

Most recently, Howarth served as the Head Coach of the Worcester State University Men's Soccer program. During his two seasons in Massachusetts, he guided the Lancers to consecutive postseason appearances while steadily increasing the program's winning percentage each year. His leadership helped re-establish the team's competitive identity and laid the foundation for sustained success within one of the nation's most competitive NCAA Division III conferences.

Prior to Worcester State, Howarth served as an Assistant Coach at the University of South Carolina Aiken, where he played a key role in all aspects of the program, including player development, recruiting, tactical planning, match analysis, and the implementation of individualized training programs designed to maximize player performance.

In addition to his collegiate coaching experience, Howarth currently serves as Director of Coaching for Higher Level Soccer Academy, one of New England's premier youth soccer organizations. Under his leadership, the club competes at a high regional level within the EDP and NECSL leagues. He also serves as Head Coach of the academy's U23 Men's Team, which he helped establish in 2021 and now co-owns. The program attracts elite players from NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, and NJCAA institutions, as well as aspiring professional athletes seeking to advance their careers. His ability to identify, develop, and mentor talent has helped numerous players progress to higher levels of competition.

Before returning to the collegiate ranks, Howarth spent four seasons as the Boys' Varsity Division I Head Coach at South Kingstown High School in Rhode Island, where he engineered one of the most successful periods in program history. Under his leadership, South Kingstown reached back-to-back state semifinal appearances in 2018 and 2019 and captured the program's first state championship in 28 years. His teams became known for their discipline, competitiveness, and winning mentality, establishing a new standard of excellence within the state.

While leading South Kingstown, Howarth also served as a Volunteer Assistant Coach with Brown University Men's Soccer during the 2019-20 season, gaining valuable experience within one of the nation's premier NCAA Division I programs.

Earlier in his coaching career, Howarth served as the Women's Soccer Director of Operations at the University of Rhode Island during the 2013-14 seasons, helping support all operational and administrative aspects of the program.

As a player, Howarth enjoyed a distinguished collegiate and professional career. A two-year captain for the University of Rhode Island Rams, he earned All-Region honors and helped lead the program to two Atlantic 10 Conference Championships. Following graduation, he signed professionally with AC Kajaani FC in Finland, where he played from 2009-2011. During his time with the club, the team achieved a second-place league finish, while Howarth earned both Player of the Season and Supporters' Player of the Year honors. In addition to his playing duties, he also served as Head Coach of the club's U21 team, gaining valuable coaching experience within a professional environment.

A 2008 graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology, Howarth holds a Premier Diploma from United Soccer Coaches and an English Football Association Level 2 Coaching License. He is also CPR and First Aid certified.

Throughout his career, Howarth has demonstrated a unique ability to build successful programs, develop players at every level of the game, and create championship minded cultures. His experience spans youth, high school, collegiate, and professional soccer, making him one of the most well rounded and accomplished coaches in the region.