November 10, 2008
(release courtesy of Kerry Kahl, Cornell College sports information director)

MOUNT VERNON, IOWA . . . Cornell head women’s soccer coach Michael Joyce has moved into an expanded role as the Rams’ Director of Soccer for the remainder of the 2008-09 school year.

Joyce will take on added responsibility, overseeing the recruitment and conduct of both men’s and women’s soccer programs at Cornell.

“I am very pleased that Mike has committed his considerable energy and talents toward the growth and continuing development of both our women’s and men’s soccer programs,” Cornell Director of Athletics John Cochrane said. “Mike’s leadership skills and ability to establish strong relationships with student-athletes and prospective student-athletes will elevate our soccer teams to new levels of success while enhancing the experience of the women and men in our program.”

Joyce guided the women’s team to an 8-10 record and a berth in the 2008 Iowa Conference Tournament in his second season as head coach. The Rams also qualified for postseason play under Joyce in 2007, when they finished 7-8-1 overall.

“This is an exciting opportunity. I think the men’s and women’s teams both have a lot of talented young players and I’m excited to build on that,” Joyce said. “My goal for the next couple years is to bring in solid recruiting classes. Recruiting is the top priority right now. I think it will help to have the same vision for both programs.”

Joyce was an assistant coach on the Cornell men’s soccer staff in 2006.

Dan Cotterill resigned his position as head men’s soccer coach after three seasons at the helm. Cotterill’s Rams finished 3-13 overall, 1-7 in the IIAC this fall. He held a 7-37-1 record at Cornell.

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