Semnacher to Take the Reigns of Principia Women's Soccer Program

ELSAH, Ill. – Former Principia assistant men's soccer coach, Jess Semnacher, has been hired as the new women's soccer coach at Principia College effective April 1, 2011. Semnacher takes over for former coach Lee Ellis who resigned last Fall and is now fully entrenched in his role as the school's Athletic Director.

"This is a great hire for the Principia College women's soccer program," said Ellis. "In Jess, we have someone with energy, enthusiasm, playing experience internationally and here at Principia, along with coaching experience at the club level and in the college ranks. He brings a professional approach to working with players, is patient and yet, demanding. I think he will do well in this new role and that the program will continue to thrive."

Semnacher played for the Principia College men's soccer team from 2002-2005. He featured primarily as a defender with an occasional run as a forward scoring eight goals along with nine assists while twice being named the team's MVP. In 2006, following his collegiate career, he featured for the St. Louis Lions PDL team before embarking on a European odyssey that landed him in Spain. While in Madrid he played for S.S. De Los Reyes and Carranza.

Semnacher takes over a team that went to the NCAA Div III tournament after winning the SLIAC regular season and post season championships. Despite having big shoes to fill, Semnacher can't wait to get started. "I am mostly looking forward to working with the women on the field. I have already received a very warm welcome from the team. We will be getting started in the beginning of April to prepare for the fall. We have a great group of women coming back who are hungry to compete and win again."

Semnacher said, "I want to thank Athletic Director Lee Ellis, Search Committee Chair and Associate Athletic Director Mary Ann Sprague, and College President Dr. Palmer for giving me this wonderful opportunity to contribute to the Principia community. Heading the women's program is such an honor and I am very excited to start working with such an amazing group of women."

This spring, Semnacher will be setting high standards for the women in preparation for next fall. "The women's soccer program at the college is strong and has proven to be very successful, especially the last few years," stated Semnacher. "I definitely want to keep up the team's winning tradition and see if we can't reach new heights. As head coach, my job will be to help the current players improve and continue to develop as well as to bring in fresh and new talent each year."

Courtesy Principia College sports information