Nick Stames enters his 14th season as an assistant coach at American University and his 10th as a member of Head Coach Todd West's staff. Stames' primary responsibility is the development of AU's goalkeepers.

Under Stames' tutelage, Eagle goalkeeper Michael Behonick developed into one of the finest in the nation and was selected in the sixth round of the Major League Soccer SuperDraft in 2003.

"Nick has a great deal of experience with goalkeepers at several different levels," West said. "He is the first exclusive goalkeepers' coach we have had and his impact has been evident. With such a technical position, Nick gives our goalkeepers the instruction and technical support that will only benefit their development."

Stames has spent 16 years as a physical education teacher at Herndon Middle School in Herndon, Va. During that span, he developed his coaching skills, serving as goalkeeper coach for the Virginia Region I Olympic Development Program. Prior to that involvement, he coached at Marshall High School and at his alma mater, George Mason University.

Stames is a 1986 graduate of George Mason, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in physical education. A standout in goal, Stames helped lead the club to two NCAA Tournament appearances and one Colonial Athletic Association title.

A 1981 graduate of Lake Braddock High School, Stames and his wife, Linda, reside in Bristow, Va. The couple has two daughters, Caitlin and Kylie, and a son, Nicholas.