Iowa Wesleyan Women's Soccer Under New Leadership

Iowa Wesleyan Athletic Director, Steve Williamson, has announced the hiring of Chris Early as the new head women's soccer coach. Early will replace Nick Stebbins, who served as an interim head coach this past season for the Tigers. Chris brings an abundance of coaching experience to Iowa Wesleyan and the women's soccer program.

Early has been coaching soccer for the past nine years.  Before joining Iowa Wesleyan, he served as a volunteer assistant coach at the University of Iowa.  As a member of the staff at the University of Iowa, he helped the team to an 8-11 overall record.  Early also was a head coach in the Iowa Soccer Association and was a staff coach for the Iowa City Alliance Soccer Club.

"We are very happy and excited to have Chris take over our women's soccer program," said Williamson. "Chris came highly recommended, and during the interview process, I felt he was exactly the type of coach we needed to take over our women's soccer program and build it into a successful program."

Prior to coaching at the University of Iowa, Early served as an assistant coach at Northwestern State University in 2015. He has also spent time as a coach for various youth clubs.

 "I am excited and blessed with the opportunity to build the women's soccer program into a successful division III program. I have been fortunate to have some incredible mentors throughout my coaching career that have helped me gain the experience and knowledge to get to this point," said Early.  "I am most excited to be able to teach and help these student-athletes to be successful both on and off the field. The athletic and administrative staff here has been second to none with helping me get started and I am grateful for the opportunity to work side by side with them at this great school."

Early played on season of soccer at San Bernadino Valley College until he was sidelined with a knee injury.  He also played and coached the University of Iowa's men's club soccer team in 2013 and 2014. Chris spent time as a camp counselor and was a practice player for the Hawkeyes in 2012.

Chris is a native of Stillwater, Minnesota. He attended the University of Iowa from 2012-2014 and graduated with a bachelor's degree in recreation and sport management in December of 2016.

STORY COURTESY OF IOWA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION