Hisler will not return to coach UMO women's soccer

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on December 15, 2014 1:48 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

MOUNT OLIVE -- University of Mount Olive has begun its search for a new head women's soccer coach.

Matt Hisler will not return next season.

University policy does not allow athletic department officials to discuss the nature of Hisler's dismissal as head coach. The Trojan women finished 6-13-1 overall and 4-6-1 against Conference Carolinas opposition this past fall.

During his stint, Hisler guided UMO to 51 victories and consecutive 10-win seasons in 2010 and 2011. The program has recorded just five winning campaigns overall since joining the Division II ranks in 1995.

"We want to be successful in women's soccer, just like we want to be successful with all 20 of our teams," UMO athletics director Jeff Eisen said. "Our basic goals for each team are to compete for conference championships, perform well in the classroom and do things the right way."

More than 100 applicants have shown interest in the coaching vacancy. LaToya Lindsey, associate director of athletics, is coordinating the search for Hisler's successor.

"(We) are pleased with the quality of applicants," Eisen said. "We have narrowed down the search to a select group which will be invited to campus for interviews. We are hoping to have the new coach in place by the beginning of next semester, but we also realize that the holidays could slow the process down."

The University of Mount Olive women's soccer program has had just three coaches in its Division II era -- Hisler, Philmore George and Chris Shaw. Shaw's 2004 team set the single-season school record for wins (20) and losses (3), and claimed the Carolinas-Virginia Athletics Conference tournament championship.