Grech takes over women’s soccer program

Looks to improve on 7-10-1 2008 and compete for a conference title

By Ryan Loren
Western Herald

Katie O’Shaughnessy, Michael Haines and now Suzie Grech.

The trio may not be household names, but each holds the rare distinction of being head coach of the Western Michigan University women’s soccer team, which became a varsity sport back in 1996.

Haines’ 11-year tenure with the team ended with his resignation in July. Haierican Conference Championship in 2003 and went on to appear in the NCAA College Cup.

He ends his storied career with a 90-107-17 record overall and paves the way for his assistant coach, Grech, to begin a storied head coaching career of her own.

“I’m very grateful for what he’s [Haines] done for me and this program,” Grech said.

After learning of Haines’ resignation, WMU Director of Athletics Kathy Beauregard approached Grech with the opportunity.
Before making the announcement public, Grech held a team meeting with her players.

After two seasons as an assistant coach under Haines, Grech was no stranger to the locker room, having helped mold and guide the team in front of her.

“I’m very fortunate that the girls have been very supportive,” Grech said.

The transition should be smooth for the team since Grech’s coaching style has been strengthened and influenced by Haines’ mentorship.

Still, Grech plans to bring her own personal experiences and style to the program.
“I like to play soccer,” Grech said. “I’m not interested in throwing a bunch of athletes on the field and letting them run.”

Grech played goalkeeper for the University of Michigan from 2000-2003.

After graduating, she coached the junior varsity soccer program at Brighton High School while working as an assistant coach for the varsity team.

For two seasons from 2005-2007 she gained collegiate coaching experience at Marshall University as the goaltending coach.

Grech hopes to impart the success she achieved at U of M onto her Bronco squad in 2009.
She graduated with a 36-18-3 career record while playing in four NCAA tournaments, including appearances in the Elite Eight in 2000, 2001 and 2002.
Despite her success as a goaltender, she hopes her coaching style takes a more balanced approach.

“I think it’s a very organized style with the goalkeeper being a leader from the back,” Grech said. “I like to be very organized, but I also like to possess the ball.”

Her goals for next season include improving on last season’s 7-10-1 record while competing for a MAC title.

Despite holding the “interim” tag on her professional title, she hopes her stint at Western Michigan will be anything but temporary.

“I’m looking forward to proving the fact that I am the best person for this position for a permanent basis,” Grech said.

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