DECORAH, IOWA . . . Luther College Director of Athletics Joe Thompson has announced that Russell Schouweiler has accepted the position as head coach of women’s soccer.

Schouweiler, a 2005 graduate of Luther College, takes over the Norse program after serving two years as an assistant women’s soccer coach at Macalester College, St. Paul, Minn., one of the top women’s programs in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC). During this time, the Scots secured a spot in the four-team MIAC playoffs and also qualified for the NCAA Division III National Tournament in 2009 advancing to the second round.

Prior to joining the Macalester staff, he was the head girls soccer coach at Simley High School for three years, where his teams posted a record of 36-21-3 and were consistently ranked in the top-10 in both 4A and 3A.  His teams were section runner-ups in 3A in 2005 and in 4A in 2007.

He is has also been a senior coach for the St. Croix Soccer Club since 2002, the last four as the head girls coach, reaching the State Cup Finals in 2007 and 2009 and the semifinals in 2008 as well as three straight indoor league championships from 2007-09.

From 2004-05 he was the Decorah High School head boys coach and led the Vikings to a 15-5 record and a fourth place finish at the state tournament.

While in a Norse uniform, he was a four-year letter winner, and played on two Iowa Conference championship teams and on two NCAA Division III National Tournament teams, including an Elite Eight appearance in 2001.

"I feel honored and privileged to be returning to Luther as the head women's soccer coach," commented Schouweiler. "My pride in Luther College began during my years as a student-athlete and has had a lasting impact. I look forward to giving back to Luther by providing the student-athletes with tools for success on and off the field."

With his appointment, Schouweiler becomes the fourth women's soccer coach in school history since 1989. During its 21-year history as a varsity sport, the Norse have posted an overall record of 244-134-31 and have won four Iowa Conference championships, the most recent in 2009.

"I am pleased to announce that Russell has accepted the head women's soccer coaching position at Luther College," stated Thompson. "He understands the game of soccer, possess strong leadership skills, and he has achieved much success as a high school and collegiate coach. Russell was an accomplished soccer player during his years at Luther College and we are excited to welcome him back to the campus."

Luther College is a four-year liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and is located in Decorah, Iowa. The Norse compete in 10 men's and nine women's intercollegiate sports.