Northwestern hires Moynihan as women’s soccer coach

Michael Moynihan, who developed the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee into one of the nation’s top women’s soccer program, has been named Northwestern’s new head coach.

Moynihan, an eight-time Horizon League Coach of the Year, helped the Panthers qualify for nine NCAA Tournaments and captured 13 Horizon League Championships, including the last 12 in a row. That streak is the second-longest of its kind, trailing only Penn State’s 14-straight Big Ten titles.

“Michael has had tremendous success,” said Jim Phillips, Northwestern’s director of Athletics and Recreation. “I am excited about the future of Northwestern women’s soccer under his leadership. Michael’s commitment to service also makes him a perfect fit for our program.”

Moynihan replaces Stephanie Foster, whose contract at Northwestern was not renewed last month after six seasons as the Wildcats head coach and a record of 42-62-13 overall. Last season NU finished 2-16-1.

In 15 years at Milwaukee, Moynihan accumulated a 193-84-38 record, including an 86-8-5 (.894) mark in Horizon League games. In 2011, Moynihan’s Panthers won a school-record 19 matches, including a perfect 8-0-0 record in conference action, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament second round. Led by nine all-conference honorees, including the Horizon League Player of the Year, Defensive Co-Player of the Year and an NSCAA All-American, the Panthers finished the season ranked No. 23 by the National Soccer Coaches Association of American (NSCAA) with a final RPI of No. 25.

“I am honored to be given the opportunity to represent a world-class institution,” Moynihan said. “I was immediately impressed with Athletic Director Jim Phillips and his staff, and I am excited about their vision to establish Northwestern women’s soccer as an elite program. I can’t wait to get started.”

The Milwaukee, Wis., native’s coaching career began with the Panthers in 1993 when he served as an assistant coach under his sister, Susan. He helped guide the Panthers in that capacity to a 40-33-4 mark in four seasons, laying the groundwork for when he would take over the program in 1997. Michael also played an instrumental role in fundraising efforts to have the Panthers’ home field, the Laura Moynihan Field, named after his mother, who also coached the UWM women’s soccer program.