Abel Departs to Join U.S. Soccer

NORMAN - Head coach Matt Potter and the Oklahoma soccer program announced this week the departure of associate head coach Graeme Abel. Abel has accepted a full-time coaching position with U.S. Soccer.

"I am delighted for Graeme and his family," Potter said. "What makes Graeme special is that he is an even better person and role model. It has been a pleasure to work alongside him. This opportunity merely validates all we have known about Graeme over the years. You only reach those levels when you are the best at what you do."

"I am very privileged and lucky to have had the opportunity to work here at Oklahoma," Abel said. "The experiences in the department and with our student-athletes have allowed me to develop as a coach and afforded me my latest opportunity in my career. While I am sad I won't get to see the final results of all our work over the past 3 years, I can't wait to watch what these kids can do both on the field and in the classroom."

Abel will join the U.S. Women's National Team and head coach Jill Ellis after aiding the U.S. to its third Women's World Cup title this summer. Abel guided Hope Solo and the national team's goalkeeper corps to a standout performance throughout World Cup play in Canada and will take on full-time responsibilities within the organization.

In addition to his stints with U.S. Soccer and Oklahoma, Abel has also logged coaching stops at Washington State, Nevada and Brescia University. Abel helped coach OU, WSU and Nevada all to NCAA Tournament appearances.

During his time at Oklahoma, Abel guided Kelsey Devonshire, Kaitlyn Fahrner and Kassidie Stade to outstanding efforts between the goalposts.

"I'd like to thank all the student-athletes I have been lucky enough to work alongside here at OU," Abel added. "They have helped grow the program and now put it on a platform where it can really take off. I'd also like to thank all the administration and support staff. The behind the scenes work is never seen nor applauded, but they have been pivotal in helping me within my role.

"Lastly, my biggest thank you would go to Matt. He has helped me grow in all areas as a young coach, on and off the field. He has taught me more than the X's and O's of the game, he's mentored me to the real values of coaching that really make a different to the athletes you work with day in and day out."

"We expect these days to come when you hire great people," Potter added. "We will evaluate the best way forward for our program, but today we wish Graeme and his family nothing but continued success, both personally and with U.S. Soccer."

Players Mentioned

Kaitlyn Fahrner

Kassidie Stade

Sponsors

University of Oklahoma Athletics