The Hilbert College athletics department is pleased to announce the recent hiring of Selim Talbi as the new men's soccer coach effective immediately.  Talbi will draw from his international playing and coaching experiences as he develops the Hawks' soccer program into one of the AMCC contenders.

"I am excited and humbled to become the head coach of the men's soccer program at Hilbert," said Talbi.  "I can't wait to get started with the Hawks' staff and team.  We will work extremely hard to make everyone involved with Hilbert including alumni, students, faculty, staff and community members as well as our fans proud of our program and our student-athletes on-and-off the field."

Talbi is no stranger in his new role of directing a soccer program.  Since 2006, Talbi has coached in both the United States and France, his native country.  The North Buffalo resident has served as a head coach and assistant coach at all levels, guiding professional athletes overseas, training collegiate players in both countries and developing local youth who play for a premier soccer club team in Western New York.

In France, Talbi spent time as the head coach of the men's soccer team at the University of Pau and the Pays de l'Adour (2009-2011) and was also the head coach of the Division II women's national team in Blanc Mesnil (2006-2007).  He served as the strength and conditioning coach for the Aviron Bayonnais Soccer Club (2007-2011) which competed in the third tier men's league.

Upon his arrival in the States in 2012, Talbi found his way into youth soccer first.  He led his Empire Revolution U14/U15 boys team to the State Cup Final Four in 2014 and 2015 after just two seasons of training.  He has assisted several other Empire Revolution and Empire United teams since 2013.

His most recent collegiate experience was the 2014 season at Niagara University where he assisted the Purple Eagles for the 2014 spring season.

He continues to train both U14 boys and U15 girls academy for Empire Revolution.

Talbi holds a National "B" license through the USSF as well as a UEFA "B" Coaching License through the French Soccer Federation.

He holds a NSCA Strength and Condition certification as well as a European Strength and Conditioning diploma from the University of Lyon (France).

Talbi received a degree in science and technique of physical education and sports as well as a master's degree in research and training from the French National Institute of Sport.