University of Idaho
Derek Pittman left for University of Texas-San Antonio. A completely new staff is in place for the Vandals, who got a reprieve from budget cuts during the offseason, with Jeremy Clevenger taking the post. He previously spent the last two seasons at Northern Iowa of the Missouri Valley Conference and four campaigns at Western State College (Colorado), a DII program. Sean Mapson - last two years head coach at Mississippi Valley State and five as assistant at Southern Mississippi - joined as an assistant along with Nicole Randall, last two years at Allen CC in Kansas and five years at Fort Hays State, her alma mater.
Gonzaga University Men
The day finally came. Einar Thorarinsson retired after 23 seasons with the Bulldogs. Paul Meehan, an assistant since 2013, took over the reigns with former Spokane Shadow First Team coach Cameron Bushey taking the assistant coach role.
University of Montana
Under scandalous circumstances, longtime coach Mark Plakorus exited the program during the offseason. Former North Dakota associate head coach Chris Citowicki was named the coach for the Grizzlies as the first new head coach since 2011 and fourth since the program started in 1994. He led the Fighting Hawks to their best campaign last year as a DI program as they competed in the Big Sky for the final time. Prior to that, he spent six years as head coach for St Catherine (Minnesota), a DIII program.
Eastern Oregon University Men
With Kenny Huber departing at the end of May for a position at his alma mater Olivet Nazarene the Mountaineers brought in Zach Mills in July. He spent the past two seasons as head coach for Southwest Mississippi CC. Jessy Watson will continue as assistant coach. Mills will be the third coach in the first four seasons of the men's EOU program.
University of Providence Men
Matt Ball, an assistant last year, was named interim coach of the Argos in December when Joseph Yeisley's contract was not renewed by the athletic department and was later officially named head coach when the official search concluded. The former Oakland City University goalkeeper previously served as an assistant for Saint Xavier University (Chicago) and youth head coach at Chicago Fire Juniors.
Eastern Washington University
Assistant coach Max Weber, longtime associate of Chad Bodnar, left for another assistant coaching position at Boise State. Returning to the area to fill his position was former University of Idaho coach Pete Showler. Also joining the staff was former Seattle University goalkeeper Brianna Smallidge, who was at CSU-Bakersfield last year after a career professionally playing for Seattle Reign and Chicago Red Stars.
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