The University of Akron Athletics
Byrne Named Women's Soccer Coach at Akron
June 21 | Women's Soccer
AKRON, Ohio (March 15, 2000) -- Former Mount Union College coach Catherine Byrne is being introduced today as the first head coach of women's soccer at The University of Akron.
"I think it is a great opportunity to be able to start a program at The University of Akron with someone who has been a collegiate head coach, who understands the game and community, and who is committed to women's athletics," said Akron Director of Athletics Dennis Helsel.
Byrne will be responsible for the start up of a program that will begin intercollegiate competition in the fall of 2001.
"I don't feel like I'm that far behind, given how young women's soccer is in the MAC," Byrne said. "I'd like us to be competitive within the first three to four years."
A native of Dublin, Ireland, Byrne is a 1991 graduate of Methodist College in Fayetteville, N.C. At Methodist, Byrne was a three-time All-American (1988-91), three-time All-Conference and region selection, as well as a starter on three Final Four teams. Byrne graduated with a bachelor's degree in Physical Education with a concentration in Biology. She earned her master's degree in sports medicine from The University of Akron in 1994.
Byrne also brings 13 years of international experience to the Zips, playing for the Irish National team from 1981-94, including a stint as captain from 1985-87.
"Last year's World Cup highlighted the passion for women's soccer," Byrne said. "However, this is a fantastic time, not just for soccer, but for female athletes."
Prior to coming to Akron, Byrne spent four years (1995-99) as the head women's soccer coach at Mount Union College. During that time she compiled a record of 35-32-10, including a regular season and tournament conference championship in 1996. Byrne has served as a camp coach at several universities and colleges, including Florida, Old Dominion, Eastern Tennessee, Mount Union, Penn State and the Adidas Soccer Skills camp.
Byrne's family consists of 11 siblings and 13 nieces and nephews. Her younger brother also played for the Irish National team and professional clubs Chelsea (England) and KFC Boom (Belgium). She has lived in the United States for 13 years.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
1995-99 Head Women's Soccer Coach, Mount Union College (35-32-10)
1998 5th in Ohio Athletic Conference
1997 5th in Ohio Athletic Conference
1996 Regular Season and Tournament Conference champions
1995 Conference runners-up
1994 Head Varsity Girls Soccer Coach, Hopewell HS (Pa.)
District co-champions (16-5-1)
OVERALL COACHING RECORD: 51-37-11
PLAYING EXPERIENCE
<li>Four varsity letters in soccer at Methodist College (N.C.)
<li>Three-time All-American (1988-91)
<li>Academic All-American (1991)
<li>Three-time all-region and all-conference selection (1988-91)
<li>Player of the Year and Outstanding Student Athlete (1991)
<li>Team captain (1989-91) <li>Irish National Team (1981-94); Captain (1985-87)
CAMP EXPERIENCE
1994-98 Coach for University of Florida Soccer Camp
1998 Coach at the ESP camp at Old Dominion Elite female athletes of the U.S.
1996-98 Coach at Eastern Tennessee Soccer Camp
1995 Director of inaugural Mount Union Soccer Camp
1994 ODP in Ohio- U16
1990-93 Director of Fuquay-Varina Summer Camp
1990-93 Assistant Director of Penn State Soccer Camp
1990-91 ODP Program- North Carolina
1989-91 Coach for Adidas Soccer Skills Camp- Rome, Ga.
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