The Dordt College athletic department has announced transitions in the women’s and men’s soccer programs.
Ryan Gresse has been named as the head coach of the men’s program and will begin his duties immediately. Gresse served as an assistant with the team in 2018. He spent 2016 and 2017 as head coach of boys’ soccer at Indian Lake High School (Ohio). Prior to coaching at Indian Lake Gresse was the the head coach of the Warrior Soccer Club and an assistant at Shawnee High School. Gressen graduated from Urbana University (Ohio) with a History degree.
“Ryan’s energy and positive attitude are contagious and I anticipate him moving our program forward with those traits,” said Dordt College Athletic Director Ross Douma. “This is an exciting time for our soccer teams and Ryan will be a key part of the program’s future.”
Bill Elgersma will be the head coach of the women’s program after serving as head coach of both the men’s and women’s programs in 2018.
“Bill will continue to be an integral part of the soccer program as we move forward. He’s been with the program. He has a wealth of soccer knowledge having coached over 370 games for Dordt College in women’s and men’s soccer. His impact as a mentor in our program will be felt for years to come,” said Douma.
Craig Stiemsma, former associate head soccer coach, will continue to serve as the chair in the Health-Human Performance department and will also be involved in campus projects and initiatives, including serving as co-director of Dordt Discovery Days.
“I can’t say enough about the stability Craig has provided Dordt College and our department. He’s taught a full course load, mentored students in the pre-Physical Therapy program, been a department chair and coached varsity sports. The time he has given and the dedication he has exhibited is deeply appreciated,” said Douma. “As we transition, I anticipate Craig will continue to thrive in those areas as he will be able to give those endeavors the time and energy they deserve. We thank Craig for his service to Defender athletics”
Andrew McMillan will continue to serve as an assistant in both the women’s and men’s program and Dordt will be seek an assistant to complete the two team’s staffs.
