MOUNT VERNON, Ga. — A new season brings a fresh start for Brewton-Parker Men's Soccer as the Barons head into 2026 with a new coaching staff, a much different roster and plenty of new energy surrounding the program.
After finishing 1-14 last season, the Barons enter this year looking to turn the page. With 18 new players joining the program, BPCU will have a new-look squad under first-year head coach Jake Alvernia.
Alvernia brings plenty of experience to Mount Vernon after spending 13 seasons as the head coach at Missouri Baptist University. During his time with the Spartans, he led the program to 11 conference postseason appearances and helped Missouri Baptist reach the NAIA National Championship Opening Round for the first time in program history in 2018. He was also named AMC Co-Coach of the Year during the 2020-21 season
Alvernia also brings a new coaching staff with him, joined by assistant coaches Marco Galardini and Kyler McIntosh.
"We have a lot of exciting new players coming in this year," Alvernia said. "The guys have come in and already adopted a workman-like attitude. There are a few options to consider as we get into the start of our season and we hope to get the balance correct on both sides of the ball. We are optimistic that our hard work this year will pay dividends."
That new energy was already on display during the Barons' exhibition against USC Salkehatchie. BPCU battled back from a second-half deficit to earn a 4-3 win, scoring twice in the closing minutes to complete the comeback. The Barons also produced 15 shots in the match, including nine in the second half.
While it was only an exhibition, the performance gave an early glimpse of what this new group could bring to the field. The Barons played with energy, continued to push when they fell behind and found a way to finish the match strong.
The Barons will get their first official test on August 20, when they hit the road to open the regular season against Webber International.
For a program looking for a fresh start, 2026 gives the Barons a chance to establish a new identity and show just how far this new-look group can go.
