Iowa Wesleyan names new women’s soccer coach

MT. PLEASANT — The Iowa Wesleyan Athletics department has announced that Robert Lynch will be the next Head Coach for the Iowa Wesleyan Women’s Soccer team.

Lynch spent the last five seasons as the assistant coach for Clarke University’s Women’s Soccer Team. He will be the tenth all time head women’s soccer coach at Iowa Wesleyan.

He first arrived at Clarke University in the fall of 2017. During his tenure, Lynch contributed greatly with the expansion of the team. He helped add a junior varsity program, while leading the strength and conditioning program, and also handled eligibility responsibilities.

Lynch holds a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

“We are excited to welcome Robert to the Iowa Wesleyan and Mount Pleasant Community,” said Vice President for Advancement and Athletics Derek Zander. “Coach Lynch brings an enthusiasm and passion for developing student-athletes into better soccer players, but more importantly, better people.”

The Iowa Wesleyan Women’s Soccer program began in 1996, and has seen exponential growth in the last several years. The program has grown in all facets including student-athlete participation and competitiveness.

This past season, the Tigers qualified for the Continental Athletic Conference Tournament. It was the first year of Iowa Wesleyan rejoining the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

“I would like to thank Vice President for Advancement and Athletics Derek Zander, President Plunkett, and all of those involved in the hiring process for this opportunity,” Lynch said. “Everything that Iowa Wesleyan University represents is an excellent fit for me. I am eager to begin providing a tradition of competitive excellence, both on and off the pitch.”

Lynch will take over a roster filled with a solid core of returning players and will look to build a competitive incoming call for next fall.

Join Tiger Nation at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 22 in Ruble Arena when Iowa Wesleyan men's basketball will take on Wilberforce University. Coach Lynch will be introduced to the Iowa Wesleyan and Mount Pleasant Communities during halftime.

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