New Soccer Coach Sets Goals for NWU

Having grown up as a military brat in eight different places before the age of eighteen, head soccer coach Mike Lynch is used to adaptation.

Across the country, Lynch has coached everyone from micro children’s soccer teams to high school to other small, liberal arts Universities like Truman State.

Lynch has an impressive ability to relate to and coach a variety of teams, as he is a “fundamentals focused coach.” After years of coaching children, Lynch had a desire to return to the collegiate level.

With all of his coaching experience, Lynch’s greatest attribute is that he sees more similarities in teams than differences; the same goes for his approaches as both the head boys’ and head girls’ soccer coach.

“There are some distinct differences in coaching women and men,” he says, “but ultimately I feel they are all soccer players who want to compete, improve and develop their game”.

Coach Lynch’s goals for Nebraska Wesleyan University include recruiting more top student-athletes, as he places and appreciates “a very high priority on academic excellence.” Also, on a very basic level, Lynch just needs more players.

“The men’s team graduates a large senior class, including our goalkeeper, 2007 Defensive Player of the Year Josh Miller. His are big shoes to fill so finding a top goalkeeper is a top priority”. Another goal of Lynch’s is more directed to NWU in general.

“Being a low-scoring sport, crowd support can be the 12th man and help us. My wish would be for the student body, staff and faculty to put a few of our home games on their calendars and come support us when they can.  I would also ask the fans to applaud good soccer being played by our opponents, too. I would love to see our fans recognize quality play from whomever is playing.”

With the hopeful promise of NWU soccer scarves and the need for a school soccer song, coach Mike Lynch (whose favorite soccer player growing up was Franz “Der Kaiser” Beckenbauer) showcases an impressive and thorough knowledge of his sport. Lynch is putting a lot of effort into his new position as head soccer coach here at NWU.

And with his winning combination of both academic and athletic excellence, he and his teams are something the student body, faculty and staff at NWU can all support.