USU names new soccer coach
Aaron Morton, sports editor
On Friday, only hours after Stacey Enos resigned as head women’s soccer coach, USU promoted volunteer assistant coach Jen Kennedy Croft to take the helm.
“It was a quick turnaround,” Croft said.
Croft has 11 years of experience as a collegiate coach – three as a head coach at Seattle University. She has been assistant under Enos for the past two seasons.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity,” she said. “I think we have a strong program.”
Athletics Director Rance Pugmire said he was surprised by Enos’ resignation, but was glad the university could hire from within.
“We were fortunate to have someone of Jen’s experience and qualifications within the program,” he said. “The coaching foundation has been laid and Jen will continue to build a competitive and quality program.”
Croft, who is married to USU assistant track coach Stan Croft, was an assistant coach at the University of Connecticut (1989), University of Maine (1990-91), Princeton University (1991-92) and the University of Arkansas (1992-93).
Her most impressive records come from her years at Seattle University, 1994-96, when she posted season records of 8-5-6, 9-11-1 and 16-3.
“I think she’ll do a good job,” said Enos, who will remain head coach until the torch is passed Jan. 31.
Meantime, the Aggies are in the middle of the recruiting season and Enos will help Croft and assistant Brent Anderson in that capacity. Croft chose Anderson, a goalkeeper specialist, to stay in the program for his third year as assistant.
The change of head coach comes on the heels of a disappointing 5-12 season. Croft hopes to sign five new players to replace five senior starters who will graduate this spring.
“We have some big holes to fill,” she said. So far two players have verbally committed.
Overall, Croft is upbeat about the next season.
“We definitely have the talent,” she said. “It’s just a matter of putting it together.”