Megan Schmidt named McMurry women's soccer head coach
ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University Athletics has named Megan Schmidt as its new head women's soccer coach. Schmidt comes to the War Hawks' program after a total of six seasons coaching at NCAA Division III University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, three as the Pointers' head coach.
Schmidt is the seventh coach in the 15-year history of the McM program. She replaces Alan Riches, who stepped down after the 2014 season.
"We are thrilled to see what the future holds for McMurry women's soccer under Megan's guidance," McM Director of Athletics Sam Ferguson said. "She has experience as a head coach, is committed to the development of the scholar-athlete on and off of the field, and is committed to academic success. Megan's coaching philosophy mirrors the values of McMurry University and a Division III experience.
"We've found another great addition to our staff in Megan."
At UWSP, Schmidt was just the second coach in the program's history, following longtime coach – and program founder – Sheila Miech (who coached the Pointers for 25 seasons). Primarily, coaching the defense during her tenure as Miech's top assistant, the 2010 team ranked in the top-10 nationally for both shutout percentage and goals-against average – tying the school record for shutouts in a season - as it finished in the NCAA III "Sweet 16." While an assistant, the UWSP teams won a pair of Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championships, as well.
During her first season at the UWSP helm, her team went 13-6-1 and reached the finals of the WIAC conference tournament. In all, four of her players earned all-WIAC honors. UWSP teams amassed a record of 69-42-8 in her six seasons with the program, 24-26-4 with her as the head coach.
As a player for UWSP (2004-07), Schmidt was a four-year letterwinner for the Pointers. She was a team captain and earned all-WIAC accolades, while helping her teams to a pair of NCAA III post-season tournament appearances.
Schmidt has also worked as a soccer instructor, youth coach and player development instructor in Long Island, N.Y, at her prep alma mater Arrowhead High School, along with Portage County Youth Soccer and PJ Jacobs in Wisconsin. Schmidt holds a USSF National C coaching certification.
A native of Hartland, Wis., Schmidt holds a bachelor's degree in physical education (2010) from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where she also earned her master's degree in education (2013). Her volunteer activities include work with Special Olympics.
"I would like to thank Sam Ferguson, the search committee, and the McMurry University faculty and staff for this wonderful opportunity," Schmidt said. "I feel truly blessed to join the McMurry University community, and to be entrusted to lead the women's soccer program. The returning women's soccer scholar-athletes have already impressed me with their dedication and commitment to developing a program with a tradition of excellence. The best is yet to come for McMurry women's soccer, and I am excited to be a part of it!"
