NEW COACH, NO PROBLEM

HENRY POWERS, SPORTS WRITER

Wartburg women’s soccer is off to a blistering 6-0 start to begin the season and new head coach, Emily Ryan, has yet to lose a game in her time at Wartburg. 

On June 22, Ryan was named the head coach of the women’s program, replacing Tiffany Pins. 

Ryan said it was go time after she had received and accepted the job offer.

“The transition was a very quick turnaround with starting at Wartburg, the season was just a month and a half from my date of hire.” 

Although it was a fast start, Ryan had some help as she became acclimated.  

“The entire team has been nothing short of amazing in the transition, and the leaders have done a great job of making the transition as smooth as possible.” 

One of those leaders, junior Madison Frush, said Ryan has made a strong first impression.

“She was intentional about meeting and learning about each person on the team prior to returning to campus, so that when we did return, we just hit the ground running right away,” she said. “She is very intelligent not only out on the soccer field but also in the weight room and has focused heavily on recovery, especially during the preseason fatigue.” 

Frush is an exercise science major who plays outside midfield for the orange and black. She has logged 16 minutes of play in two games so far this season. 

The “established culture,” that Ryan mentioned had been carried over from coach Pins, is something that is evident even through the younger players.

Mya Jansen, a first-year forward majoring in biology, said Ryan knows how to mix things up as a part of that established culture and coach’s mentality. 

“When we are in practice, games and lifts, it’s down to business and focused. Then on the flip side, when we are doing team activities or at team dinners, she keeps it light and fun.” 

Jansen also said that Ryan emphasizes staying true to oneself.  

“One thing that coach Ryan preaches is to play our game. No matter who our opponent is we play our style of soccer and don’t let up.” 

So far, this style of play along with a “positive” and “energetic” team morale as Ryan said, has worked out well. 

Pins was the head coach for 11 seasons at Wartburg. Over those 11 seasons, Pins racked up 132 wins while being responsible for three conference titles and two conference tournament titles.

Ryan said the Knights will look to win their sixth consecutive contest to open the season and remain undefeated as they hit the road to face the AugsburgUniversity on Wednesday, Sept. 21.