ROCK HILL, SC—Winthrop head women’s soccer coach Melissa Heinz announced the hiring of Becky Hogan as assistant coach, Wednesday afternoon.
Heinz, who has been without an assistant coach since the end of the 2004 season, was eager to get a replacement and is excited about the new addition to the program.
“Becky Hogan is going to bring not only energy and a good work ethic off the field, but will also help mold the program to a higher level on it,” said Heinz. “Every since her arrival she’s been focused and running with new ideas to help our team strive for the best.”
Hogan comes to Winthrop after spending the last two years as Director of Development for the Avalanche soccer club in Salt Lake City, UT. Before that she spent a year as head coach of the U-14 and U-16 girls’ teams. During her time as head coach of the U-14 and U-16 teams, she captured two state cup championships. For the past two years she’s also been the head coach of the Utah ODP team. She was an assistant coach for the ODP team in 2002.
The playing career for Hogan includes NCAA Division I and professional. Most recently she was a member of the Boston Breakers in 2001. She also played for the Chicago Cobras in 2000 and was a member of the Denver Diamonds, a semi-pro club, in 1996.
During her playing career at Nebraska, Hogan was named All-Big 12 three times and was also named to the All-Big 12 Tournament team during her senior season. She was a member of the 1996, 1997 Big 12 tournament champions. Her Nebraska teams had success in the NCAA Tournament as the team advanced to the Elite 8 in 1996 and the Sweet 16 in 1997 and 1998. This past January she received her USSF ‘A’ Coaching Liscense. At Nebraska, Hogan received a BA in English with a minor in Sociology and Women’s Studies.
“I’m very excited for the opportunity to work with the women’s soccer program at Winthrop University,” said Hogan. “I’ve met the girls and I’m really excited about getting started. I want to be a part of this program and help make the 2005 season a breakthrough year and also add anything I can to help the program achieve the next level.”
Hogan’s duties will include game day and practice maintenance, recruiting, fundraising, and community service.
“I look forward to working with her and the knowledge she brings to the game,” added Heinz. “I feel with the addition of Becky as my assistant and Mike Gabb as the goalkeeper coach, we’re looking at a great amount of success in the upcoming season.”
