Western Women's Soccer Coach steps down

Western Women's Soccer Coach steps down to pursue Ph.D.
Feb 3rd, 2005
by Jeff Renaud

Western Mustangs Women's Soccer Coach Michael Van Bussel has stepped down as head coach of the Western women's soccer team to devote his time towards the completion of his doctoral studies at the Faculty of Education at Western. "We are grateful to Coach Van Bussel for his contribution to our program and wish him all the best in his academic pursuits," stated Michael Lysko, Director of Sports and Recreational Services. "He has played an integral role in the success of the women's soccer program here at Western the past two seasons and has left a tremendous foundation for us to continue to be competitive on a national level.” “Due to the intense demands of my educational commitments, and with great regret, I have decided it is necessary to step down as head coach of the Women's Soccer Program at Western,” stated Van Bussel. “This is necessary to successfully fulfill the requirements of my doctorate in Educational Studies. Indeed, this was a very difficult decision for me as I am very proud of the accomplishments of the Western Women's Soccer Program over the past two years. Moreover, the players and coaches that I have worked with during my tenure are wonderful people and I will miss them immensely. I would like to wish the program best of luck and continued success in the future.” Van Bussel was named Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Coach of the Year this past season as he led Western to the OUA gold medal. The Mustangs capped an undefeated regular season record of 10 wins and a tie as Western beats Queen’s 2-1 in the championship game. In 2003, Van Bussel guided the Mustangs to a perfect regular season record of 10-0 and Western went on to win the OUA bronze medal. He was named OUA Coach of the Year for 2003. Van Bussel was appointed head coach of the women's soccer team in January 2003. He replaced Mark Eys, who led the squad from 2000-2002. The search for a replacement for Van Bussel begins immediately.