Stratford is a native of London, England and is beginning his third season as the head coach. Previous to that, Stratford had served as the assistant coach for 3 years with the University of Charleston during their most successful spell in the history of the program, reaching the NCAA National Finals in 2014 and 2016, as well as a run to the Final Four in 2015. Since then, Stratford took the program to the Final once again in 2017, earning the University its first ever National Championship. The 2017 season brought with it a number of milestones, eclipsing the all-time winning streak (15) and doing so with the best defensive record in the country (19 shutouts, 8 GAA). Senior captain Thomas Vancaeyezeele was recognized as the National Player of the year and the Staff earned National Staff of the Year Honors.
The 2018 season also boasted a fantastic defensive record for Stratford’s team, conceding just 4 goals on the season, an all-time GAA record in all of Division I and Division II Men’s Soccer history. The team would complete an undefeated regular season, dropping its first and only game in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament. The season finished with a 18-1-2 record.
Stratford has aided the program to five consecutive MEC regular season titles and four tournament conference titles in his five seasons at the program. Stratford has now won 100 of his 116 games with the program. His combined record is 39-2-4 (as of Dec, 2018) as a head coach. Prior to coaching at UC, Stratford spent three years at his alma mater, West Virginia University, serving as the assistant coach between 2011-2014. Stratford is one of WVU’s most decorated players, appearing frequently in the record books, most notably as the career leader in games played and assists. Stratford was recognized as an All-Big East and All-Region selection during his senior year. Following his collegiate career, Stratford was drafted by DC United in 2008. Stratford made his debut in their season opener in the CONCACAF Champions League, followed up by his MLS debut against Sporting KC. Stratford returned to the United Kingdom, signing for Inverness Caledonian Thistle in 2009 under former England National Team captain, Terry Butcher. Stratford made 14 appearances as Inverness went onto win the league and earn promotion into the Scottish Premier League. Stratford finished his playing career at Hereford United of the English League Two in 2010. Following his contract, Stratford returned to West Virginia University to begin his master’s in Physical Education Teacher Education and assist with the men’s soccer program. Stratford obtained his UEFA B coaching license in January of 2017 and completed his master’s in the summer of 2015. He attributes much of his coaching influence to his father, Michael Stratford. Stratford has also been coached or played with numerous well-established coaches in the professional game, such as; Paul Clement (Swansea City Manager), Chris Coleman (Wales National Team Coach), Steve Kean (former Blackburn Rovers Manager), Ben Olsen (DC United Head Coach) and Michael Beale (Sao Paulo Assistant Manager).
