January 3, 2008
(release courtesy of Dave Blanchard, Luther College sports information director)

DECORAH, IOWA . . . After 18 years as head coach of the Luther College men’s and women’s soccer programs, Doug Mello has announced his resignation and accepted a position as head men’s soccer coach at Hendrix College in Conway, Ark.

“It is with mixed emotions that I announced my resignation as the men’s and women’s soccer coach,” commented Mello. “I have been given an opportunity to rejuvenate my career by accepting a coaching-only position for the men’s soccer program at Hendrix College. My new challenge will be to build their men’s team into a conference contender as I have at Luther, Aquinas College, and Siena Heights University.

“I am proud of the success my squads have displayed both in the classroom and on the playing field. The student-athletes who played for me truly exemplified our team’s motto of ‘A Tradition of Pride and Excellence.’

“I will always cherish my time at Luther College and the lifelong relationships our family has made with players, alumni, staff, and our friends in the Decorah community.”

During his 18 years at Luther, Mello led the Norse women to three Iowa Conference championships and an overall record of 219-120-26. The women never missed the Iowa Conference postseason tournament, producing a league record of 76-19-5. He coached 56 all-conference performers, including five league MVPs.

His men’s teams won six IIAC titles and made five NCAA Division III National Tournament appearances, reaching the Elite 8 in 1996 and 2001. His 1996 team won the Far West Region championship, and the 2001 squad captured the Central Region title, making Luther the only school to be crowned champions of two different regional tournaments. During his tenure, the Norse posted an overall record of 240-119-13 and a league record of 80-19-2, and never missed qualifying for the IIAC postseason tournament. Luther still holds the NCAA Division III record for consecutive conference wins with 42. Fifty-seven student-athletes were named all-conference, and six were selected league MVPs.

“I want to express my appreciation for the leadership and service Doug has provided to the soccer programs at Luther College during these past 18 years,” stated Joe Thompson, director of intercollegiate athletics. “His teams have always been competitive and well-coached. We wish Doug and his family all the best as he assumes his new coaching position.”

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