Terre Haute, Ind. - Indiana State University Head Women's Soccer Coach Vernon Croft has announced that he will step down at the end of the season to become the Assistant Athletics Director for Facilities and Game Operations at the University.
Croft, who is the only women's soccer coach in ISU's nine year history, will move into his new position after the Sycamores post season run, which begins November 5 in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament. The Sycamores wrap up the regular season on October 31 at Missouri State.
"Change brings about new opportunities and I am excited about what opportunities Ron has presented to me and look forward to assisting in the success of all the Indiana State athletic programs instead of just the soccer program,” said Croft. “It has been a wonderful experience to start the women's soccer program and I look forward to watching the success of these fine young women in the future."
"I am pleased that Vernon will be joining our Sycamore Administrative team,” said Director of Athletics Ron Prettyman. “Over the past several years I have observed the strengths that Vernon will bring to our leadership team. He works hard, he is highly organized, and he cares deeply about ISU and our student athletes. I want to thank him for his many years of service in the coaching ranks, and I look forward to working closely with him as he transitions into an administrative role in our department,” said Prettyman.
Croft earned 2004 MVC Co-Coach of the Year honors after the Sycamores posted their best season in school history (9-10-0) and advanced to the MVC semifinals. The 2004 recruiting class was nationally ranked by Soccer Buzz Publication. This squad was also number one in the nation in the National Soccer Coaches Association of American for highest grade point average (3.54). In 2005, ISU beat nationally-ranked Illinois for the program's first win over a ranked opponent.
Overall, Croft has coached three MVC First Team selections, nine Second Team, and seven honorable mentions. He has had 10 All-Freshman selections, including Lauren Podolski, who was named Freshman of the Year in 2004. Podolski was also the only active player at the time to be selected to the MVC All-Centennial Team.
He earned his bachelor's degree in health, movement science and recreation from Lynchburg College in 1994, and a master's in education in 1996 from Widener College.
Croft is married to the former Maria Theisz and the couple has twins - Kelsey and Keegan, who are 2.
A national search for a new head coach will begin immediately.
