University of Oklahoma Athletics

What They are Saying About Soccer Coaches

August 01, 2012 | Soccer

Aug. 1, 2012

 
 OU Soccer Coaching Staff
 
Jake Dalton Matt Potter
Head Coach, First Season

OU Bio | @MattPotter70

Matt Potter was named the fourth head coach in the history of the University of Oklahoma soccer program on December 27, 2011.

Throughout the past nine seasons, Potter established Washington State's program into one of the Pac-12's elite with a school record 88 wins (88-69-26 overall) at the helm, including five double-digit win seasons and three appearances in the NCAA tournament.

The Cougars advanced into the second round of the NCAA tournament in 2011 and 2009. Prior to his arrival, Washington State advanced to three NCAA tournaments since the program's inception in 1989.

Jonathan Horton Graeme Abel
Asst. Coach, First Season

OU Bio | @GraemeAbel

A native of Liverpool, England, Abel returns to Norman as an assistant after serving as the Sooner's goalkeeper coach during the 2008 and 2009 seasons. Over the past two years, Abel worked with the Cougar goalkeepers and Potter at Washington State.

In 2011, Washington State enjoyed one of its best seasons in program history with Potter at the helm and Abel working with the goalkeepers. The Cougars won 12 games a year ago and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament, anchored by a defense that limited the opposition to one goal or less in 20 of the 23 games played

Jonathan Horton Kacey White
Asst. Coach, First Season

OU Bio | @KaceyWhite59

Kacey White, a member of the U.S. National Team (2006-2010) and a two-time All-American at the University of North Carolina, joined the Sooners in Feb. 2012.

A native of Arlington, Texas, White's collegiate coaching experience includes serving as a volunteer assistant in 2008 at Southern Methodist University and as an assistant coach at Texas Tech University in 2007. She has also worked with the Sky Blue Soccer School (2009-2010) and started her own camp after playing for UNC, the Kacey White Champions Camps, which still runs today.

   

NORMAN, Okla. -- Practice for the 2012 OU soccer season got underway on Wednesday, Aug. 1 and first-year head coach Matt Potter and company will have the next 10 days to prepare for the first test, an exhibition game against Tulsa on Aug. 11.
In preparation for the 2012 season, SoonerSports.com talked with several colleagues of the coaches to get their opinion on the impact they will make in Norman.

The 7 p.m. game is free and open to the public at John Crain Field at the OU Soccer Complex. The following week, the Sooners open the 2012 slate with former Big 12 member Nebraska on Aug. 17 at home. The game is the first of four played in Norman to begin the season. The homestand also includes LSU, Vanderbilt and Nichols State.

Season tickets are on sale now for purchase online and by phone (800-456-GoOU). Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children and senior citizens. Single-game tickets go on sale Aug. 7 and will also be available at the gate the day of the game.
 
In preparation for the 2012 season, SoonerSports.com talked with several colleagues of the coaches to get their opinion on the impact they will make in Norman. Below are some of the comments submitted, stay tuned to SoonerSports.com over the next two weeks for more information on this year's squad.

What they are saying about Matt Potter:

Joe Castiglione - Oklahoma VP/Athletics Director

"Matt Potter has led Washington State's program to some of its greatest success, is highly regarded in collegiate soccer and is a long time coach in the Olympic
development programs."

Steve Hoffman - Director of Coaching California Youth Soccer Association
"Congratulations to the University of Oklahoma on bring a special coach to lead there women's Soccer program I believe that Matt Potter is the kind of coach that can develop young Student Athletes to achieve the full potential both on the field and in the classroom."

Nikki Izzo-Brown - West Virginia Women's Soccer Head Coach
"Matt Potter did some great things at Washington State and will make an immediate impact with the Sooners this fall. I know our fans will be excited to come out and watch a very competitive match at Dick Dlesk."

Bill Moos - Washington State Athletics Director
"Matt Potter's record at Washington State speaks for itself," WSU Director of Athletic Bill Moos said. "Under his leadership, the Cougar soccer program reached new heights and has a strong foundation in place moving forward. Cougar Athletics wishes Matt and his family the best of luck in the future."

Paul Ratcliffe - Stanford Women's Soccer Head Coach
"Matt Potter is an excellent hire for the University of Oklahoma soccer program. He is a great guy and an outstanding coach. I have known Matt for a number of years and have always been impressed with the competitiveness and quality of his teams."

What they are saying about Graeme Abel:

Matt Potter - Oklahoma Women's Soccer Head Coach

"Graeme is an outstanding coach with an expertise in goalkeeping. He has the background, pedigree and track record to show he can develop student-athletes on and off the field. He has performed on the highest of stages and coached at the national team level," Potter said. "We have an established working relationship that can only blossom in Norman as we look to further establish ourselves in the women's collegiate game."

Chris Ducar - North Carolina Women's Soccer Assistant Coach
"Graeme is one of the finest young and upcoming coaches in the country today. I first met him when I hired him for my soccer camp when he had just finished college. I could tell after my first meeting with him that he was a quality human being and after watching him work with the players, I knew I had met a coach who was knowledgeable beyond his years. I have been his biggest supporter since that time and am proud to say that the University of Oklahoma is extremely fortunate to have him back."

What they are saying about Kacey White:


Christie Rampone - US Soccer National Team captain

"I have known Kacey White since 2006 when she first joined the US Women's National Soccer Team. In 2009 we played together on Skyblue FC, winning the first ever WPS Championship. Kacey has that 'fighting mentality' as a player which has helped her be extremely successful throughout her career. She was a very technical player and understands the game as well as anybody I ever played alongside. Kacey has experienced many different roles throughout her career which will allow her to thrive as a coach. She listens well, shows great patience and knows how to be successful at each level. Coach White will absolutely be a great addition to the Sooner's family! Best of luck to Kacey and the Oklahoma women's soccer team."

Anson Dorrance - North Carolina Head Coach Women's Soccer
"The reason Kasey White will impact in the most positive way as a coach at OU is a combination of her upbeat personality; her experiences as a collegiate national champion, professional player and representative on the US Women's National Team; and her uniquely 'technical' game. Right now every player that aspires to be the best needs to build an elite foundation of technique and this is what has always set Kasey apart."

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