McHenry, MD – Jonathan Price, who guided last fall's Southern Garrett High boys' soccer team to the region title game, will now oversee the launch of Garrett College's men's soccer program.
"This was an opportunity I couldn't turn down – it just felt like the right time," said Price, who was named Cumberland Times-News Area Coach of the Year after leading Southern Garrett to a 12-3 record in 2024. "I could see the support from the college administration, and the commitment and willingness to win. It was a perfect storm."
Eric Hallenbeck, GC's co-athletics director, said Price will hit the ground running in recruiting for next fall's team.
"He has very good connections with soccer players and coaches in the tri-state area," said Hallenbeck. "He also has a tremendous work ethic and a great knowledge of the game. His players really respond to him."
Hallenbeck, noting Price was "born and raised in Garrett County", said the Lakers' new head coach "knows the importance of the county/college relationship" – a sentiment Price also expressed.
"I look at this as an opportunity to further cement the relationship between the College and the community," said Price, who was a four-year soccer letterman and three-year starter in the late 1990s at Southern Garrett High. He was also selected to all-conference and all-area teams as well as being named second-team all-state as a senior.
Price said his most important goal in building the Lakers' program goes beyond wins and losses.
"I'm definitely of the mind that the end product is most important – developing a young person and preparing them to go out and be a successful member of society," said Price, who played three seasons at Bethany (WV) College as well as three years internationally while serving in the U.S. Navy.
Price plans to tailor his program's playing style to take best advantage of his players' skills and experience.
"I want our players playing positions in which they're comfortable," said Price. "We'll adapt year-to-year based on our personnel. You can get to one side of the circle two different ways – it just depends what works for us."
Price, who posted a 44-37-5 record with the Rams, said that program will be "in highly competent hands" under Camden Nichols, who was Price's assistant coach throughout his six-year tenure. His eldest son – Owen, 13 – is set to play for the Rams next fall as a freshman, which also played a role in Price's decision.
"This gives him the opportunity to set his own path," said Price, who is married to Mariah Price and whose family also includes 11-year-old daughter Avery and 6-year-old son Westley.
Price noted he's been fortunate to have excellent coaching mentors, including John Cunningham, his soccer coach at Bethany College; and Tom Bosley, his coach when Price played boys' basketball at Southern Garrett High.
Price, who previously served as Southern Garrett High's head junior varsity boys' basketball coach, also stressed the "great support I received from Athletics Director Matt Redinger and the administration" while coaching at Southern Garrett.
