Missouri Western State University and Griffon Athletics has announced that Head Women’s Soccer Coach Jeff Hansen has submitted his resignation effective August 1st, 2011. Hansen will become the Head Boy’s Soccer Coach at Carbondale High School in Carbondale, Illinois.
“My decision to resign from Missouri Western is solely based on family,” Hansen said. “We are going to pursue an opportunity closer to both my wife’s family as well as mine.”
Hansen coached the women’s soccer team for five seasons with his first being in 2006. During his stint at Western he coached 14 players to All-MIAA honors as well as four MIAA Players of the Week (2 defensive and 2 offensive). He coached the Griffons first ever Daktronic’s all-Region selection in Jessica Martin, earning second team honors in 2009.
“Jeff has been a valued member of the Griffon Athletics program for the past five years and we wish him well in his new opportunity,” said Dan Nicoson, Interim Athletics Director. “This move will allow Jeff and his wife to live closer to their families, while he continues his coaching career. I have no doubt he will be successful.”
His teams also excelled in the classroom as one player was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District 7 Second Team and two were named to the third team. He had numerous players earn all-MIAA Academic Honors as well as MWSU Academic Honors.
“It is unfortunate that this opportunity for Coach Hansen has arisen at a date so near the start of the season,” stated Nicoson. “Our goal will be to see that the student-athletes on our soccer team are well served and we will move quickly to fulfill the coaching needs.”
He is the all-time winningest coach in Griffon soccer history and his 2009 team set the school record for most wins in a season (8), most MIAA wins in a season (6), points in a season (73), goals in a season (26), assists in a season (21), shots attempted in a season (198) and shots on goal in a season (97). For their efforts that year they were named the 14th most improved soccer team in the nation according to Somis Sports.
“I want to thank the athletics administration, coaching staff, faculty, and university administration for the support over the last five years. We will always have a special place for Missouri Western and the City of St. Joseph.”
A national search for the next Griffon Women’s Soccer coach will begin immediately.
— MWSU Sports Information —