Andy Coutts, Hamline mens soccer coach resigns to take position with MYSA

Press release from Hamline University 11.20.2008

Andy Coutts resigned his position as Hamline University men’s soccer coach to accept a position with the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association, Hamline director of athletics, Bob Beeman, announced on Thursday.

Coutts has accepted a position with the association as the director of technical education, following ten years at the helm of the Pipers. In his new capacity, Coutts will be directly responsible for conducting clinics to educate youth soccer coaches on the nuances of teaching soccer throughout the state of Minnesota.

“In a short period of time I have come to admire and appreciate his contributions to the department. Andy is a consummate professional, skilled tactician, and outstanding leader and role model for our student-athletes,” said Beeman. “We are very sad to see Andy leave Hamline. However, Andy is a natural fit for his new position. And, in his new capacity, Andy will be able to impact a wider range of soccer enthusiasts, something he is very much looking forward to doing. We wish him success in his new adventure.”

In his first season overseeing the Piper men’s soccer program, Coutts inherited a team that finished 3-15 in 1999. He then turned the program around, going 11-7 in 2004, 10-5-3 in 2005, 12-5-2 in 2006, and 8-7-1 in 2007.

“He has made some wonderful contributions to our men’s soccer program. Andy is the architect of a competitive MIAC soccer program, no small feat in one of the most competitive conferences in the country,” adds Beeman.

In 2005, Coutts led the Pipers to their first MIAC playoff berth in school history. Hamline went 5-2-3 in conference play for the first winning conference record since 1980 (25 years), and ended the year with the MIAC coach of the year honor.

Coutts then led the Pipers to the MIAC conference championship game in 2006, falling one game short of an NCAA tournament berth. That team’s 12-5-2 record was a school record and the best overall record in men’s soccer history, eclipsing a record set by Coutts’ own 2004 team.

“This is a bittersweet time for me in leaving a place that’s been such a formative part of my career in education and coaching,” said Coutts. “I’ll always be grateful to the student-athletes and colleagues I’ve had the opportunity to work with these past 10 years and will be looking forward to the Pipers’ continued success.”

Prior to joining the staff at Hamline, Coutts was the men’s assistant coach at Colgate University from 1993-97.

A national search for Coutts’ replacement will begin immediately.