SC Soccer Forums SCSoccer.com Forums College, Pro & International Soccer Francis Marion looking for new head women's coach

http://www.fmupatriots.com/sports/wsoc/2011-12/releases/20120402ytcwai

April 2, 2012
Person steps down as FMU women’s soccer coach

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Athletic Department officials at Francis Marion University have announced that head women's soccer coach Joel Person has decided to step down from his position effective immediately.

Person has led the Patriot program for the past three seasons and recorded a 10-38-4 mark. FMU was 4-13-1 this past season.

FMU director of athletics Murray Hartzler said that the search for Person's successor would begin immediately. "Coach Person felt that this decision was in the best interest of himself and the program. We now look forward to finding a coach that can move our program toward future successes."

The women's soccer program is one of two Francis Marion athletic programs that compete at the NCAA Division I level. The program has an all-time record of 175-117-15.

What Happened? Other than the Record. Kinda seems like a harc situation to win in?

Looks like Murray is shaking things up in the Great Pee Dee,first Kevin now Joel.

Rumor has it.........

......could be a familiar face!

Possible "homecoming" for a former SC college coach???

who?

Former Coastal coach?

FMU is loosing recruits as they sit around. I also heard they might be going back to the Peach Belt, Back to DII?
What could be taking so long?

IMO they do need to go back to D2, women's soccer was the only sport at D1 and played as an independent which was difficult as they could not qualify for ncaa tourney and had to find teams to play outside of a conference which led to tougher teams. They never had great success at D1, so that would be a good move. I would not think transitioning to D2 would hold up getting a coach, as there are tons of head and assistants that are qualified to lead the team. Maybe dragging their feet but they need to get someone in their quick as the season starts in 2 1/2 months with preseason.

Definitely need to return to D2. FMU is NOT a D1 school in any respect. They are a natural at D2 in the Peach Belt. Makes the most sense. If they just recruited from within SC, they could have a very decent side. Need to sell the fact that they're an hour from the beach and can offer quality playing time and that they're a state supported school.

I wonder how much they're willing to pay for a coach. Seems that might be the biggest hurdle for them right now.

I think you need to get your facts straight before posting silly comments on this board. Francis Marion would be an excellent NCAA Division 1 team, low level, say the Big South. Would compete very well in that conference, especially with the facility.

The poor record over the past couple of years has been down to poor recruiting, very tough schedule, and coaching. When Marty Beal was the coach Francis Marion did very well in NCAA Division 1.

Example:

2006 Season 11-5-3 with wins over Charleston Southern, Presby, The citadel, High point, SCSU, Coastal, UNF

2007 Season 10-7-1 with wins over similar teams.

So, Francis Marion can be a NCAA Division 1 team!!