Duerst Steps Down From Coaching Post
December 15, 2006 | Women's Soccer
Dean Duerst, the coach who has led the Wisconsin women's soccer team to more victories than any other in the program's history, is stepping away from his post to pursue other interests.
Duerst, who led the Badgers to eight NCAA Tournament appearances and a pair of Big Ten Tournament titles during his 13 seasons as head coach, expressed great satisfaction with all that the Badger women's soccer program has accomplished.
'I'm looking forward to a new chapter in my life,' Duerst said. 'But I can also look back and appreciate the many ways Wisconsin soccer has enriched my life. I was a student-athlete, assistant coach and head coach here. The relationships I've built with colleagues, as well as with the student-athletes I 've coached, will last a long time and that's important to me. The program has enjoyed success and for that I am both happy and proud. This university has been a big part of my life, but I'm ready to take on some new challenges. '
UW Associate Athletic Director Terry Gawlik, who oversees the women's soccer program, praised Duerst's commitment to Badger soccer.
'Dean has been a terrific ambassador for women's soccer at Wisconsin, ' Gawlik said. 'He is respected for his knowledge of the game and for his commitment to Wisconsin. We're very appreciative of all that Dean has contributed to Badger soccer and we all wish him the best as he transitions into this next stage of his life."
