CINCINNATI, Ohio - Mount St. Joseph University has found its next head women's soccer coach! Today Director of Athletics
Melanee Wagener has announced that Darren Gallagher will take over the reins of the program.
"It is with great excitement I begin coaching at Mount St. Joseph as the next head coach for the women's soccer program," said Gallagher. "I am grateful for the vision of
Melanee Wagener, as the university strives for excellence in the classroom, around the community and on the field of play! I bring a lot of passion for the game and hope to create a program where players grow in their time here and look back on their years with pride of who they have become and what they have accomplished. In my heart NCAA Division III soccer has always been at the root of my successes and that experience playing and coaching at
UW-Oshkosh under legendary coach Toby Bares."
Gallagher comes to The Mount with a wealth of soccer coaching and administration at both the collegiate and professional level.
During his time as a player at UW-Oshkosh, he was a four-year letter winner and a three-time participant in the NCAA National Championship tournament.
"In my 26 years as a head coach, Darren stood out as one of the most positive, impactful players I ever had," Said Bares. "His further contributions as a very capable assistant were crucial to our continued success on the national level. I cannot imagine a better choice for Mount St. Joseph University. They are getting a top-class, caring individual and a simply first rate, talented coach."
After graduating, he immediately began his coaching career at his alma mater. He followed that up with stints at Ancilla College (
NJCAA Division I), The University of Colorado-Colorado Springs (NCAA DII), and the University of Illinois-Springfield (NCAA DII) and most recently at The University of Cincinnati (NCAA DI).
He also has experience at the professional level in both the MLS and USL, working for both the Colorado Springs Switchbacks and FC Cincinnati.
"We are extremely excited to bring Darren on board to run the women's soccer program here at The Mount." Said
Wagener "His knowledge of the game and his experiences at both the collegiate and professional levels have prepared him to lead our women's team to the top of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference."
He also has extensive experience on the club soccer scene, most recently as the Seniors Director for Girls and Boys U15-19 for Total
Futbol Academy here in Cincinnati.
Gallagher holds a
USSF (United States Soccer Federation) National B License,
NSCAA (National Soccer Coaches Association of America) Goalkeeping Diploma, a US Soccer National Youth License and Rene
Meulensteen Academy Certificates.
The Lions open the season on September 1, with a trip to Danville, Ky to take on the Colonels of Centre College, in what will be Coach Gallagher's debut.
