NASHVILLE - The Lipscomb women's soccer team announced changes to its coaching staff on Thursday that includes both the return of a high profile former Bison and the restructuring of a few returnees. 

Following two seasons as a volunteer assistant and director of operations with the program, Nathan Chatfield has been promoted to a full-time assistant coach. 

"We're excited about being able to make Nate full time," head coach Kevin O'Brien said. "He's been a part of the two most successful seasons in program history. He's contributed massively in those years in terms of how he supports the program, scouting, knowledge of tactics, and understanding of how we want to play as a team."

Chatfield has been a key member of a staff that has won the last two ASUN regular season and tournament titles, advanced to two NCAA Tournaments, won the program's first NCAA Tournament game in 2018, and was named the 2018 United Soccer Coaches Staff of the Year. 

"He's been a great young coach, and the kind of guy that you want to bring aboard to help mentor and develop. He's got the skill set you need to be a successful head coach already and to have him as a part of this staff is really fantastic. He's coached in a lot of different environments, and I think that his versatility is a strength for sure."

Joining the staff will be former goalkeeper Kate Mason, one of the most decorated players in program history. Mason will be taking over the volunteer assistant role while focusing on the goalkeepers. 

"It's been really great having Kate back because she has all the skills you need to be a n ncredible coach," O'Brien said. "She's very confident in her ability and very articulate in her way to communicate to the goalkeepers what our expectations are. She holds them to a really high standard, and she knows the aspirations of the program."

During her time on the field with the Purple and Gold, Mason was named the ASUN 2018 Goalkeeper of the Year, Second-Team USC All-Region, Third-Team USC Academic All-Region, First-Team All-Conference, and two-time Academic All-Conference. 

She compiled 182 saves and 14 shutouts in her four-year Bisons career. 

"She can kind of breathe that life into the goalkeepers and letting them know how important their role is. We've always had great goalkeepers in this program, and we want to continue that trend with the young ones that we're developing and now. I look forward to seeing how these girls develop under her leadership."