Feb. 6, 2007

Fort Wayne, IN-IPFW Director of Athletics Mark Pope announced today that Margaret Saurin has been named the school's new head women's soccer coach.

Saurin brings an impressive playing and coaching resume to the Mastodons.

For the past three seasons, Saurin has been the assistant coach at Akron University. She began her coaching career as an assistant at Christian Brothers University (Tennessee).

Saurin has been part of the Ohio Northern Olympic development program and holds United States Soccer Federation "B" and "C" Licenses.

As a player, The Dublin, Ireland native was a member of the Irish National Soccer Team from 1996-2003 and was a Dana Cup Gold medallist and MVP in '96.

Collegiately, Saurin was a two-time All-America selection at Christian Brothers, helping lead the Lady Buccaneers to the NCAA Division II National Championship game in 2001 and the National Championship title in 2002. For her efforts, Saurin was named to the NCAA Final Four Team both years.

She is the current NCAA record holder for assists in a season.

"I am pleased to welcome Margaret to our staff." Pope said.

"Her experience with the Irish National Team, combined with solid Division I coaching at the University of Akron, uniquely qualifies her to lead our Women's Team. She also possesses outstanding recruiting skills. I'm looking forward to her leadership within our department."

Saurin will officially take the helm of the program on February 12.

The IPFW men's soccer team will also have a new look but from a familiar face.

Longtime men's assistant Mike Harper has been busy at work looking to improve the 'Dons as they enter Mid-Con play next year, his first as head coach.

Harper, IPFW's All-Time leading scorer and 2006 Hall-of-Fame inductee, was an assistant for nine seasons before being handed the reigns in December.

"Since 1992, Mike Harper has been associated with IPFW Soccer - first as an Honorable Mention All-American, and then as coach, Pope explained."

"His experience and knowledge of the Northeast Indiana Soccer community will prove to be a valuable asset in recruiting. Mike is a winner and lead this team to significant improvement in the coming years."

One of Harper's first tasks was to fill his old position and he did so with the hiring of former Mastodon Ben Trevino.

Trevino, who had been a collegiate referee, will assist Harper in all facets of the program.

~Dons~