UNIVERSITY CENTER - The Saginaw Valley State University Athletics Department has announced the promotion of Michael O'Neill to the full-time Head Coach of the Women's Soccer program.

O'Neill served as the Interim Head Coach for the 2014 season, guiding the team to an 11-4-3 overall record and a spot in the NCAA Division II National Tournament for just the second time in program history.    

When the Lady Cardinals took on Ohio Dominican University in the NCAA Tourney match, SVSU notched its first-ever national postseason victory with a 1-0 decision over the Panthers on November 14th.

"I feel extremely honored to be named the Head Coach of the SVSU Women's Soccer program," said O'Neill.  "Last season, I had the privilege of being a part of the team's tremendous growth and development as the Interim Head Coach. I knew then that this team had the potential to be competitors and I am beyond thrilled and proud to say that the girls have exceeded my expectations. This is just the start and my goal as Head Coach is to continue to build the SVSU Women's Soccer program into a competitive and driving force; both on the conference and national levels. I am excited for my future here at SVSU. I believe in this team, what SVSU stands for and the direction this program is heading"

O'Neill helped sophomore goalkeeper Claire Spleth and junior midfielder Presley Tibbetts earn 2014 First Team All-GLIAC honors, with Spleth being named the GLIAC "Goalkeeper of the Year."  Sophomore forward Ashley Henderson and senior defender Shelby Thompson were named to the All-GLIAC Second Team as well, with sophomore midfielder Shelby Watts being named to the All-GLIAC Honorable Mention squad.