Evanston, Ill. – Northwestern University men’s soccer coach Russell Payne has added Joe Moulden to his coaching staff, the program announced Thursday. Moulden will serve as an assistant coach, bringing experience from his alma mater, Butler University, and a growing reputation for player development and recruiting.
Payne expressed his enthusiasm for the addition, stating, “Joe is a talented young coach with tremendous potential.” He highlighted Moulden’s impact on character development, recruiting prowess, and attention to detail as key factors in the decision. “At his prior programs, Joe’s positive impact on character development, recruiting, and attention to detail in all areas of coaching stood out to us. I’m excited to have him join our men’s soccer family here at Northwestern.”
Moulden himself expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. “It’s a pleasure to accept this role as assistant coach at Northwestern University,” he said. “I would like to thank Head Coach Russell Payne for this incredible opportunity. I can’t wait to work alongside our staff and an outstanding group of student-athletes as we strive for excellence both on and off the field.”
The hiring of Moulden signals Payne’s continued commitment to building a competitive program. Northwestern men’s soccer achieved a 10-4-3 record in 2023, marking their first 10-win season since 2013, and climbed to No. 12 in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 rankings.
From Butler to Evanston: Moulden’s Coaching Journey
Moulden arrives at Northwestern after two seasons as an assistant coach at Butler University, where he played a significant role in the Bulldogs’ recruiting efforts. He was instrumental in identifying, evaluating, and building relationships with prospective student-athletes, contributing to the program’s success on and off the field. During his time in Indianapolis, Moulden helped develop four All-Massive EAST Conference selections, including Palmer Ault and Joost de Schutter, both Second Team honorees.
Prior to his return to Butler, Moulden honed his coaching skills at Georgia Southern University from 2020-2023. There, he played a vital role in recruiting players who would later be selected in the Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft, demonstrating his ability to identify and cultivate talent.
A Decorated Playing Career
Moulden’s coaching career is built upon a strong foundation as a player. A 2019 graduate of Butler University, he was a mainstay in the Bulldogs’ backline, starting in all 76 matches he appeared in throughout his four-year collegiate career. He earned Second Team All-BIG EAST honors in 2017 and was also recognized as a Third Team All-Great Lakes Region selection by the United Soccer Coaches that same year. That season, Butler advanced to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament, showcasing Moulden’s contributions to a successful team. Joe Moulden’s LinkedIn profile details his professional experience.
Originally from Bolton, England, Moulden’s dedication to his education extended beyond the pitch. He earned a bachelor’s degree in human movement, health science, and education from Butler University and later completed a master’s degree in kinesiology from Georgia Southern in 2022.
What’s Next for the Wildcats
With Moulden now on board, the Northwestern coaching staff is focused on building upon the program’s recent success and continuing to elevate the Wildcats’ profile in the Big Ten Conference and beyond. The team is preparing for the upcoming season, aiming to replicate and surpass their achievements from 2023. Head coach Russell Payne is also currently serving as an assistant coach for the U.S. Olympic men’s soccer team at the Paris Games, bringing valuable experience back to Evanston. Northwestern News reported on Payne’s dual role in July 2024.
The addition of Moulden represents a strategic investment in the future of Northwestern men’s soccer, and fans will be eager to observe the impact he has on the program.
Share your thoughts on this exciting new addition to the Northwestern coaching staff in the comments below!
Thrilled to officially announce Joe Moulden as our new assistant coach! 💜⚽️pic.twitter.com/9SJCOsbHer
— Northwestern Men’s Soccer (@NUMensSoccer) February 19, 2026
