The kind of multi-use artificial field that very many players grew up playing on but is frowned at in elite soccer circles. Most P5s and many other top D1s have dedicated grass soccer fields. Folks use the lack of a good grass field against schools in recruiting for sure. If you asked Marty, former HP coach, now at Richmond, he would tell you that field at HP was an issue in recruiting, in spite of the "resort" feel of the campus, and yes, the steak house! Since he's been at Richmond, he's worked very hard to develop a grass field rather than use the main campus stadium that was renovated with turf for FB and lacrosse. Ironically, that same space at Richmond was once a nice grass field for soccer with a classic stadium around it....before they dropped mens soccer Personally, I think the importance of the field is overstated quite a bit. All these kids play on turf fields in club and HS, at least in the top half of the country. But we also know that a turf field in years 1-5 is much better than when they age into years 5+. They usually have an 8-10 year life and can be awful in those later years...
That happens on the women’s side as well. Female head coaches lose their jobs and are hired almost immediately elsewhere by their friends. The more interesting equation to look at is admins. How many female ADs and Assoc ADs? Ultimately they hire the coaches. If you want it to change, the change needs to start higher up the food chain. Someone asked the question why soccer is different than basketball or VB? Why are they able to attract female coaches? The answer is simple. Both of those sports pay much more which makes it more worthwhile to leave home. No one is going to work a job that just barely covers daycare costs. It has to be worth it or they’ll simply stay home. Same applies to men in that regard. I know of several that coach club because it gives them the flexibility to be at home when needed.
What’s the news on the remaining schools? Saw Akron post for their assistant. Monmouth, PVAMU, Highpoint?
My guess is High Point will go with the VCU asst coach. He will do really well. Seton Hall should be looking at Columbia asst with PDA ties. Monmouth should go with long time asst. She will keep the program together well
On cue, no surprise... https://monmouthhawks.com/news/2022...lee-flynn-named-womens-soccer-head-coach.aspx
Seton Hall getting desperate now, as expected with offering just a 1-year deal. Columbia assistant is in the mix but no long term contract will probably end that especially as that program needs some time to build. St. Francis Brooklyn head coach also in the mix now. Dumb admins there offering that contract term so you get what you get.
You called this? Can't say I know much about him. Very different then what they had it seems? https://highpointpanthers.com/news/2022/7/7/aaron-mcguinness-named-hpu-womens-soccer-head-coach.aspx
You need to head to Vegas. I don’t think this is a grand slam hire based on some interactions with him and some general perception. Ok but not great. Maybe this late in the day it can be considered a win especially compared to the circus at seton hall.
Whats the verdict on this? Good hire or meh? D3 to D1? At a school that has all the resources with budget, scholarships, and facilities.
She is a very good coach who puts in the work. She has been at all divisions and turned the Case program around in short order (hard to do with no scholarships). I think it will be a good hire but you never know how anyone will settle in to a new school.
I'd like to know what her overall coaching record is as head coach? She's been at NAIA schools and D3 for a very short time, we see her last two years, but what's her overall record. If only about .500 or just above as lower level head coach, this might be a head scratcher as well to an extent as Akron is a great soccer School for facilities (Men's side is nationally competitive) and in a good conference. Would be very interested to see if she can recruit and land the bigger players. Similar curiosity with the U of Florida hire, low level coaches getting the call up, can they recruit the best of the best to compete at highest level. I think we'll find out in next 2-3 years.
I don't know to be honest. I really stick to my own lane (and keep my head down) but the times I have met her and seen her coach I have been impressed but as we all know there is a lot more to the job than that!!!! I don't like using overall record because as you said she has been at a few programs and I think depending on the programs you take over that can have a huge impact, I much prefer to look at what people have doen with the type of programs that they do inherit. As you say though--time will tell!
This has the ring to it of way overestimating Akron. They have been in a decline over the last 15 years and, over that period, have had an average RPI rank of between 217 and 231, depending on the rating system (between 302 and 321 last year). I figure it will not be her team until she hits year 5. So, if you are going to evaluate her on her overall record, be sure what you are comparing her to is realistic and be sure to allow her enough time to turn things around.
I just think its AD realizing its best he can do. He reached out to several Power 5 assistants including Pitt and Ohio State. All declined to even interview. Job doesn’t pay well enough to attract a ton of great candidates.
people on vacation around here... Let's welcome 𝙅𝙤𝙨𝙝 𝙊𝙨𝙞𝙩 and his family to South Orange!We can't wait to get started 🔥👊🔗 https://t.co/q8W6euBGEY#HALLin 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/T7HQlTpk3z— Seton Hall Women's Soccer (@SHUWSOC) July 11, 2022