March 5, 2009
SPOKANE, Wash. - Amy Edwards, the women's soccer associate head coach at the University of Missouri, was named the fifth head coach at Gonzaga University, Bulldog athletic director Mike Roth announced Thursday.
Edwards replaces Shannon Stiles, who retired after 10 seasons at the helm.
"Gonzaga women's soccer has improved tremendously since its inception, and Amy has the knowledge, experience and passion to take us to the next level," stated Roth. "We are excited about the direction of the program under Amy's leadership."
Edwards, who has been on the Tigers coaching staff since 2004 and was promoted to associate head coach in 2007, has helped build Missouri into an annual NCAA Tournament contender. The Tigers compiled a 57-40-7 overall record, and a 23-25-2 Big 12 Conference mark during her five years.
Since being promoted to associate head coach, Missouri has enjoyed much success. The Tigers won the Big 12 Conference Tournament this season which gave the Tigers a program first - back-to-back NCAA Tournament berths. Mizzou earned an at-large invite in 2007, and claimed the Big 12's automatic berth with its Big 12 Championship in 2008
She helped produce a Big 12 Newcomer of the Year, 34 All-Big 12 Academic honorees, 12 All-Big 12 members, five All-Big 12 Tournament team members and six regional All-Americans.
"First and foremost, I want to thank Mike Roth and associate athletic director Shannon Strahl for this wonderful opportunity," stated Edwards. "I am thrilled to join the Gonzaga family. During the hiring process it was evident that Gonzaga is a special place. I feel honored to be chosen to lead this program and am excited about the future."
Prior to joining the Tiger staff, Edwards was a head coach at the University of Tulsa and an assistant coach at University of Notre Dame, Fresno State University and Tulsa.
While at Notre Dame (1999-03), the Irish compiled a 74-16-2 record, made two College Cup appearances and claimed three consecutive Big East Conference titles from 1999-01.
Edwards was head coach of her alma mater Tulsa from 1995-99. Under her direction, the Golden Hurricane recorded a 47-25-6 record and had six student-athletes named to the regional All-America team. In three years of Western Athletic Conference competition, Edwards coached 14 all-conference players, 12 conference all-academic recipients and five all-tournament student-athletes.
Adding to her coaching accomplishments, Edwards has Olympic Development experience as well. She is currently the head coach of '93 Missouri ODP team. Additionally, she served as a staff coach with the Region III Olympic Development program with the United State Youth Soccer Association from 1995-98. She also worked as an ODP staff coach with Oklahoma Soccer Association from 1991-98.
Edwards, a native of Broken Arrow, Okla., was a 4-year starter at Tulsa from 1988-92 serving as team captain all four seasons. She earned All-America honors as a senior. She earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Tulsa in 1992 and earned a master's degree in education from Tulsa in 1997.
