(Ann Arbor, MI) - The Concordia University Ann Arbor Athletic Department has announced that Darus Ward has been named as the Head Women's Soccer Coach. Ward began his duties on July 15.
Darus Ward arrives at Concordia following a year stint at NCAA Division III Albion College as an Assistant Coach and the Goalkeeper coach. Ward was tasked with scouting opposing teams and prospective student-athletes while leading and developing gameplans.
"Darus comes to Concordia with a great amount of coaching experience, both at the club and collegiate level," said Concordia Athletic Director Lonnie Pries. "His coaching philosophy aligns with the mission of our athletic department and we are excited for him to lead our student athletes."
In addition to his coaching at Albion, Ward was also recently added to the staff as an assistant for the Michigan Jags FC Pro team. Ward has also been the head coach of the Rush Jackson Soccer Club for the last year.
Darus Ward has had a long history at all levels of coaching dating back to his time at Michigan State. As a student at Michigan State, Ward was a member of the men's club soccer team that won three conference championships, a regional championship, and a national championship in 2012. Ward has also been a head coach multiple times throughout his career. He was the Head Boy's Coach at Haslett High School for four years, while also being the Head Girl's Coach at Okemos High School for six years. Additionally, Ward held an assistant coach role at Alma College for two years.
"First, I would like to thank the search committee for the opportunity to learn more about the community at Concordia," said Ward. "I would also like to thank Vice President of Administration Ryan Peterson and Athletic Director Lonnie Pries for trusting me to be the next coach here and to lead the program. Thank you to Albion College, and coach Eric Scott for the wonderful experience I had there. That experience has given me the confidence to take this next step. I'm excited to get to know the girls and I'm confident we can play a style of soccer that is exciting and fun to watch. I'm looking forward to creating something here that the Concordia soccer community can be proud of."
