Mick Regan has been selected as the new men’s soccer coach, and is expected to use his track record of success to lay new foundations for a successful 2015 season.
The competition for the position was “tremendous,” as over 100 candidates applied and only 12 were selected for interviews, according to Mike Zapolski, director of athletics. He stated in an email that at the conclusion of those 12 interviews, there was “a strong consensus” to select Regan as the new coach.
“There was a strong consensus among the key decision-makers that Coach Regan was the best choice and we are pleased to have him on-board at Augustana,” stated Zapolski.
While coaching the women’s soccer team at Davenport Assumption High School from 2000 to 2003, Regan had an overall record of 43-8-3. He also received “coach of the year” accolades in 2001.
Regan then coached both the men’s and women’s soccer team at Ashford University in Clinton, IA from 2004 to 2008, and solely the women’s team from 2009 to 2014. Regan was credited with building up both programs at Ashford, each of which had fewer than 15 players in 2004.
Zapolski said that Regan’s ability to build up successful soccer programs was crucial to the hiring committee. Assistant coach Eric Stewart agreed and said Regan not only has a vision for a successful team for the 2015 season, but as a holistically better team in all seasons to come.
“He spoke with us about the concept of sustained excellence, that is, not just having a good year, but building a program that starts and builds towards excellence,” Stewart said.
“We need to think about how soccer can encourage players to be the best Augustana citizens they can be, in all aspects.”
Coach Regan’s primary goals in the off-season will be, according to Zapolski, getting acquainted with the team and “improving and molding the program’s expectations and culture.” Assistant coach Stewart added that Regan will need to focus on past problems with leadership and excellence, both on and off the field.
“The thing I am most concerned about is leadership,” Stewart said. “My feeling is that we need to create a situation where players are encouraged to be the best that they can be.”
Both Zapolski and Stewart are confident that Mick Regan will build a strong soccer program.
“Everyone affiliated with the Augustana men’s soccer program must be pulling the same direction…that will establish a strong foundation for the 2015 season and beyond,” stated Regan.
Regan will make his season debut with the Vikings this coming fall.