WORCESTER, Mass. – The Worcester State University Department of Athletics would like to welcome five new assistant coaches to their fall athletics staff. The new assistant coaches have been added to the football (2), field hockey, men’s soccer, and women’s volleyball teams.

Mike Goulden – Assistant Football Coach – Defensive Backs

Goulden is entering his first year as a Defensive Backs Coach for the Worcester State University Football program after graduating from the university in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology and Sociology.

Goulden was a four-year athlete for the Lancers Athletic Department, playing on both the baseball (2010-12) and football teams (2012-14). During his time with the baseball team, he played centerfield and also spent some time on the mound as a pitcher for the Lancers. In Goulden’s junior year, he decided to join the football team as a safety and outside linebacker, eventually earning second team All-MASCAC for his defense during his senior year.

Zach Besaw – Football Student Assistant

Besaw is entering his second year as a student assistant for the Worcester State Football Program, after playing on the team his first year as a student. In the 2014 season, Besaw acted as the video coordinator for the team. This year he looks to fill that role as well as assist the offensive line coach.

Besaw is in his fourth year as a student as Worcester State, and is majoring in Psychology with a focus in development. He hopes to pursue a coaching career sometime in the near future.

Alexa Carlson – Assistant Field Hockey Coach

Carlson officially joins the Lancers Athletic Department as an Assistant Coach for the field hockey program in August 2015. Carlson comes to Worcester State University with four years of playing experience at Springfield College, and two years of coaching experience at Elms College. As an Assistant Coach at Elms College, Carlson and new Head Field Hockey Coach, Kim Cosenza, together took a program that was 0-17 and refined that program to one that competed in the conference championship.

Carlson, a native of New Milford, Connecticut, received her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health Education from Springfield College in 2012. From there, she enrolled in the Springfield College graduate program and graduated with her Master’s of Education in Athletic Administration two years later.

This past year Carlson took a year off from coaching to begin her teaching career. She is currently a Physical Education Teacher at Shaker Lane Elementary (K-2) and Russell Street Elementary (3-5) in Littleton, Mass.

Brian Cormier – Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach

Cormier is entering his first official season as an assistant coach prior to serving as the team manager/volunteer assistant coach last year with the Worcester State University men's soccer program. Cormier also worked closely with Kelly Downs, Coordinator of Student-Athlete Support Services, overseeing and working with exemption soccer players. In addition to his volunteer work with the university, he also worked at Worcester South as a student teacher.

Brian was a four year member of the Worcester State men's soccer team graduating in 2013 with a degree in history. In Brian's career he played in 71 games, making 54 starts. His senior year he was the only one to play and start in all 21 games. Brian was a captain for two years and finished his career with a total of 28 points. Brian earned multiple league awards during his playing career including first team all-conference, player of the week and MASCAC All-Academic team.

He helped lead the Lancers to the regular season MASCAC championship his senior year while leading the conference in assists. He also helped the team to two ECAC tournaments and three consecutive appearances in the MASCAC post-season tournament.

Sabu Varghese – Assistant Women’s Volleyball Coach

Varghese formally joins the Worcester State University volleyball program in August 2015 as an assistant coach. Varghese comes to Worcester State University with 25-plus years of playing experience in both India and the United States. In addition to his play, Varghese has had 11 years of experience as a coach.

Varghese’s career started in 1988 when he played for the St. George College men’s volleyball team in India. Following his intercollegiate beginnings, he played for the Kerla State club team (India) from 1990-1994, Poonjar Bank club team (India) from 1995-2007 where he was the captain of the team, Wootown Volleyball Club (USA), and Yankee Volleyball Club (USA) from 2013-2015.

At the time Varghese was playing for the Poonjar Bank club team, he also was the head men’s volleyball coach at his Alma Mater, St. George College (India). He then landed the position as a coach for the Poonjar Bank club team in 2007.

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