Sunday, July 2, 2017
LACEY, Wash. – Saint Martin's University Athletic Director Bob Grisham has announced the hiring of Heather Cato as the new Saints' head women's soccer coach.
"Heather brings a depth of soccer experience as a player, assistant coach and head coach that made her stand out from the other applicants," said Grisham. "I am confident that she can build a program that can compete in the GNAC."
Cato joins the Saint Martin's staff after spending last season as the assistant women's soccer coach at Central Michigan University. Cato helped coach the Chippewas to an impressive 15-3-3 record last season, that resulted in a trip to the Mid-American Conference Tournament semifinals. Central Michigan's season included victories over Kansas State, Michigan State and Massachusetts.
"I learned so much in the last year about culture, leadership and team development and what it takes to build a successful team. It doesn't happen overnight," said Cato. "It is going to be a value-based and expectations-based program. The players will guide the program how they want it with mentorship from the coaches."
On top of her coaching duties, Cato was the director of external operations for the program. She managed recruiting, scouting future opponents, developing non-conference schedules, development of players and fundraising.
"What drew me to Saint Martin's was the wonderful institution and the amazing program Rob (Walker) built," said Cato. "I want to continue to build on what Rob started. The students-athletes have been role-models in the community and classroom, and that allows us coaches to focus more on the x's and o's of the game."
Before her time at Central Michigan, Cato was the head women's soccer coach at Rogers State University from February 2014 to May 2016. During her time at Rogers State, Cato implemented a study hall program that raised the team GPA to 3.5, while fundraising, recruiting and scouting.
Cato's head coaching career began at Whitman College from July 2010 to Feb. 2014. Whitman won 24 matches under Cato in her three seasons, including 11 in her final season.
"I have had amazing coaches throughout my career, that I can go and ask questions and learn from," Cato said. "My experience has a player and coach, I feel like, have prepared me for this role at Saint Martin's."
Cato was a four-year starter at Arkansas from 1996-99 and played on the U.S. Women's National U-20 Team. She ranks as the seventh all-time leading scorer in Razorback history with 24 career goals.
"This is an exciting time for both the women's and men's programs as this marks the first time in either programs history that both teams have a head coach devoted to that team," Grisham said.
"I would like to thank Peter McGahey and Cassie Weik and the entire Central Michigan team for an amazing experience," Cato said. "I also want to thank Bob Grisham and the Saint Martin's search committee for their efforts."