Dec. 9, 2001
Columbia, Mo.-The University of Missouri women's soccer team has a lot to celebrate. Not only did the young Tiger squad round down a successful 13-8 season, it looks as if there are many more triumphant seasons on the horizon as six-year Head Coach Bryan Blitz has extended his contract through 2004.
"The program is moving in the right direction and we are continually striving to reach new levels," Blitz said. "I am very appreciative of the support the Missouri administration, athletic department and community has given our program. It is nice to know that as a coaching staff we are being recognized for the advances we have made over the last six years. With that kind of support, our program will continue to move forward toward its goals."
Blitz joined the Mizzou family in 1996 fathering the first collegiate sport to be added to the MU program in 16 years. From the start he set a precedent for hard work, ingenuity and a winning drive. In his six seasons at Missouri, Blitz has forged a 61-61-2 record to bring his career coaching mark to 106-105-10 after 11 years as a collegiate head coach.
Emerging onto the Big 12 Conference scene, Blitz has made his mark as one of the top recruiters in the nation. In the past six seasons, Missouri has been ranked in the top-25 for best recruiting classes three times. After assembling a solid corp of athletes, Blitz slowly began to build a nationally competitive team. Opening its inaugural season with a 6-14 season mark, the Tigers have advanced over the past five years with amazing speed. In 1999, Missouri recorded a 14-8-1 season tally and played in its first NCAA Tournament against Marquette. Also highlighting the 1999 season, former MU forward Nikki Thole was honored as Missouri's first All-American in program history.
Despite loading the field with seven newcomers during the 2001 campaign, the Tigers finished the year 13-8 and topped the Big 12 Tournament with a double-overtime victory over Kansas in the first round. Two Missouri athletes were named to the All-Big 12 second team, the Big 12 All-Tournament team and senior defender Dyana Russell was honored as a National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-Central Region second team selection.
After another successful recruiting year, the Tigers are poised to further the strides Blitz has set in motion. Returning a solid class of athletes, a youthful crop of incoming talent and extending Blitz's contract through the 2004 season, the Missouri Athletic Department has ensured success on the soccer field for many years to come.
"Coach Blitz laid the foundation for women's soccer at Mizzou when he arrived almost seven years ago," Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator Sarah Reesman said. "Since that time, he has developed a program that is competitive, academically sound and portrays the character expected of MU teams. We are excited that he will be with us as we continue our efforts toward national prominence in soccer."