St. Edward's University
Nick Cowell is in his sixth year as head coach of the women's soccer team. Last season (2011), he guided the team to a 15-3-1 season, making the NCAA Tournament for the 5th time in 6 years, and winning the inaugural Heartland Conference Tournament. The strength of the program is built on three pillars: athletic success, academic excellence and commitment to community service. In 2010, he led the team to a 17-2-2 record, a #6 national ranking and the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history. In 2009, Cowell guided the squad to a 16-3-3 record and the team advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 for the first time in school history. For his efforts, Cowellwas named South Central Region Coach of the Year. Since taking over at St. Edward's, Cowell has produced 40 all-conference players, 31 all-region players, five Heartland Conference Players of the Year and six All-America selections. His teams have compiled a 95-18-9 record -- all while maintaining a focus on academics. Last spring, the team tallied a GPA of 3.44. Twenty-three of his players were named to the Heartland Conference Honor Roll last year and seven of them earned 4.0 GPAs. In 2011, the St. Edward's University women's soccer team logged more than 800 hours of community service, with projects ranging from elementary school visits, to the homeless shelter. This commitment is in line with the university's stated philosophy of helping others less fortunate and social justice. Cowell came to St. Edward's after spending three seasons as the head women's soccer coach at Sewanee: The University of the South. During his tenure at Sewanee, the Tigers posted a 37-14-3 record and advanced to the school's first NCAA Tournament in 2005. In his 22-year college coaching career, Cowell is 296-102-29. His 296 wins have been compiled at five different colleges: The College of Wooster (1989-1990), Trinity University (1991-1998), Baylor University (1999-2002), Sewanee (2003-2005) and St. Edward's (2006-present). Cowell has guided his teams to 11 conference championships and 12 NCAA National Tournament appearances. He coached 18 All-Americans and 14 Conference Players of Year while earning Conference Coach of the Year honors nine times. In 2011, Cowell served on the NCAA Division II Women's Soccer National Committee, as well as serving three years on the NCAA Regional Selection Committee. He has served as the National Soccer Coaches Association of America National Rankings Committee chair, NSCAA All-American Committee regional chair and NCAA Selection Committee regional chair. He is involved in NSCAA national and regional clinics, and United States Soccer Federation regional and state clinics. He coaches in the Olympic Development Program at national, regional and state levels. Cowell received his bachelor's degree in French and Spanish at the University of Birmingham, England, in 1983 and earned his master's degree in Sports Psychology, and Curriculum and Instruction at Cleveland State University in 1988. He holds an USSF "A" license, a NSCAA Advanced National Diploma and an English F.A. Preliminary Coaching Badge.
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