Story originally printed in the Winona Daily News or online at www.winonadailynews.com
Published - Friday, April 25, 2008
SMU promotes Zimmerman to be women's soccer head coach
The Saint Mary’s University women’s soccer team has gone through a lot of turnover in the last year.
Just before the start of last season, head coach Tony Guinn resigned and took a position at Division I Western Illinois.
SMU men’s soccer coach Chris Dembiec then took over doing double duty, coaching both the men’s and women’s soccer teams.
Dembiec will now resume his role as the men’s coach, while assistant women’s coach Eric Zimmerman now takes over head coaching duties for next season.
“I look forward to building off a solid foundation that has already been established,” Zimmerman said.
Zimmerman has worked in the Coulee Region United Soccer Association since 2000.
He also served five years as an assistant coach for the Viterbo men’s soccer program, as well as the interim head coach in 2004.
“His enthusiasm for soccer and his knowledge of our team, our university and our conference will help make the transition in coaches seamless,” SMU athletic director Nikki Fennern said.
Last season the Cardinals were 10-7-1 overall and 4-6-1 in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Zimmerman expects to improve upon that immediately.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to learn from some quality coaches at all levels of soccer, and they have helped prepare me to be successful at this level,” he said. “I believe our program has a bright future, highlighted by a new outdoor complex and a talented, eager group of returning players and new recruits.”
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