Payden Pemberton was named Head Coach of the Southern Virginia University men's soccer team in August 2021. During his four seasons at the helm, the Payson, Utah native has led the program to a remarkable turnaround. In 2022, Pemberton's squad made its first-ever appearance in post-season play, reaching the USA South Athletic Conference quarterfinals. In the same year, his team received the USA South Sportsmanship Award for demonstrating the best overall sportsmanship throughout the season.
In 2024, the Knights recorded 10 wins for the first time in over a decade and enjoyed a run to the conference semifinals. Under Pemberton's guidance, the team has produced 23 total wins, seven all-conference performers, and one USA South Rookie of the Year. All of which are program bests in a four year stretch since joining the NCAA.
Before joining the Southern Virginia staff, Pemberton was a part of the Brigham Young University men's soccer staff, serving as an assistant coach at his alma mater. There, he helped coach the team to its second NIRSA National Championship in three years.
Pemberton has also coached at the semi-professional level for the United Soccer League 2 team, the Park City Red Wolves, where he helped lead the team to back-to-back Mountain Conference Championships in 2021 and 2022.
Prior to coaching at BYU, Pemberton coached at the youth level, including serving as the Boys' Director of Coaching for Utah Celtic FC and as the Head Coach for the Boys U14 Coomera Colts SC in Queensland, Australia. Pemberton was also a player for the Coomera Colts, leading the team to its first-ever appearance in the round of 32 in the Australian Cup while leading the team in goals during the 2019 season.
Pemberton also played semi-professionally in the USL League 2 for the Las Vegas Mobsters and Salt City SC. Before playing professionally, he played collegiate soccer at Utah Valley University and BYU, where he won the NIRSA National Championship.
Before marrying his wife, Jenna, in August 2016, Pemberton served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in New York City, New York, where he learned American Sign Language. They reside in Buena Vista with their four children.
