Paul Cairney has been with the program since its inception in 1994

UNCW women’s soccer coach Paul Cairney has been placed on paid administrative leave while the school conducts a personnel inquiry.

Cairney, who was placed on leave Dec. 8, 2017, has been coaching with the program since its inception in 1994, first as associate head coach then taking over as head coach in 1996. In his absence, Megan Novak has been named interim coach. She played for Cairney from 2008-11.

In a statement, the university said it “is aware of allegations against coach Paul Cairney” and noted that the administrative leave “is not a disciplinary action.” The school also asked for anyone with information about the matter to contact 910-962-2937. The university could not comment on the nature of the allegations against Cairney. It’s unclear how long the inquiry into the allegations will last.

“What was in the university release today is the exact truth – he’s on administrative leave pending a review and the university will conduct its review and we’ll go from there,” UNCW athletic director Jimmy Bass said.

Attempts to reach Cairney were unsuccessful.

Wednesday night, Cairney's attorney, Bruce Mason, issued a statement refuting the allegations against his client.

The statement read: "The allegation against coach Paul Cairney is false. The accusation alleges an incident occurring in 1994. This claim was fully and thoroughly investigated by the New Hanover County Sheriff's Department in 2007. Paul cooperated in that investigation. UNCW is required to take seriously all allegations of this nature. Coach Cairney is fully cooperating with the process and will continue to do so to its completion. Paul is very grateful for the outpouring of support from family and friends."

In 22 years with the program, Cairney has gone 212-194-27 with NCAA Tournament appearances in 2009 and 2015. He won CAA Coach of the Year in 2006, 2008 and 2015.

The StarNews will have more on this story as it develops.

– Reporter Alex Riley can be reached at 910-343-2034 or Alex.Riley@StarNewsOnline.com.