Alese Woolard has been appointed the new head coach for the Missouri Southern women’s soccer program in Joplin. Her appointment concludes a period of significant change for the team’s leadership, following the resignation of previous coach Trevor Wachsman and a subsequent coaching hire that did not materialize.
Wachsman’s seven-year coaching career at Missouri Southern ended in July when he announced his resignation to take a position at Utah State University. During Woolard’s four seasons as an assistant under Wachsman, the Lions won 33 matches. This span included a notable 2006 season where the team achieved an 11-4-5 record and made an NCAA Division II Regional appearance. However, the 2009 season saw the team finish with a 5-15 record.
Following Wachsman’s departure, Missouri Southern initiated a national search for his successor. Dwight Burgess was initially hired for the position, but he later decided not to take the job, leading school administrators to resume their search. Despite initially being passed over, Woolard agreed to become the Lions’ new head coach, bringing an end to what Missouri Southern Director of Athletics Jared Bruggeman described in a release as a “hectic” summer for all involved.
Bruggeman commended Woolard’s commitment to the university, stating that Southern is “very fortunate to have coach Woolard step into this critical coaching role.” He highlighted her loyalty, dedication, and passion for Missouri Southern as being unmatched. Woolard, alongside assistant coach Christina Kleekamp, quickly began preparations for the team’s preseason practice.
Woolard inherits a team described as young and talented, possessing “tremendous athleticism.” She expressed excitement for the upcoming year, noting the return of several players who gained significant playing time and experience against conference teams in recent years. Additionally, new players have been added to fill gaps and provide increased depth across most areas of the squad.
The Lions will need to replace Stephanie Heines, who led the team in goals, shots on goal, and points during the previous season. However, the offense will be bolstered by the return of Alicia Vonderheid, who started as a true freshman last season. In goal, Randi Russell is back after totaling 1,700 minutes in the net last year and leading the MIAA conference with 118 saves.
Last year, the Lions finished eighth in the MIAA with a 3-13 conference record. The current roster includes eight returning starters and 14 lettermen. Woolard believes that the team possesses “all the tools we need to be competitive within the conference,” provided they remain healthy. She plans to utilize the team's versatility and depth to help the program return to a winning track.
The 2010 campaign for the Missouri Southern Lions is scheduled to begin today at 5 p.m., with an away game against Northeastern State.
