Thursday, December 17, 2015
by Northwest Nazarene Athletic Communications

NAMPA, Idaho — Eight years ago, Coe Michaelson took on the daunting challenge of re-building the Crusaders men's soccer program from scratch.

Reinstated as an intercollegiate sport in the fall of 2008, the former Northwest Nazarene player not only built the program, but a program that excelled on the national stage.

Under Michaelson's leadership, the Crusaders earned NCAA Division II Top 25 rankings in each of the last two seasons, advanced to the second round of the NCAA National Tournament in 2014, saw two players earn NCAA All-American honors and a third named an NCAA Academic All-American.

But after eight years of success on the NNU pitch, Michaelson is taking on a new challenge as he has been named the head men's soccer coach at California Baptist.

"Coe not only established a nationally recognized men's soccer program, but he also exemplified what it means to lead with character, integrity, and hard work," NNU athletic director Kelli Lindley said. "Coe and his family will be greatly missed, but we wish him the very best on this next adventure."

In eight seasons guiding the Crusader program, Michaelson compiled a 70-58-16 all-time record, making him No. 2 all-time in wins.

He also was named the GNAC and NSCAA West Region Coach of the Year in 2014 after guiding NNU to an all-time best 15-4-1 record, its first NCAA Division II national tournament appearance, and victory — 1-0 over Simon Fraser in the first round.

"I've enjoyed my time at NNU greatly," Michaelson said. "It's a great school, and it's a place that will always feel like home to me.

"While we are excited for the next chapter in our lives as a family, we leave behind many great friends. I am so thankful to (former A.D.) Rich Sanders for giving me this opportunity and I know that Crusader Athletics is in great hands with Kelli, who is not just a great boss, but a great friend.

"There are too many other people to mention who I owe my thanks to, but we will genuinely miss this place and wish all Crusaders nothing but the best."