Jane Hoops has been named the new head women’s soccer coach at Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Hoops received her undergraduate degree in History-Social Science Education from Nebraska Wesleyan in December 2004 and served as an assistant coach in charge of goalkeepers during the 2005 season as the NWU women’s soccer team won the regular season Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) title and finished 13-3-1.

“Jane clearly understands Nebraska Wesleyan’s concept of the student-athlete and is a great leader of young women,” NWU Director of Athletics Dr. Ira Zeff said. “She was instrumental in our program’s resurgence as a team captain in 2003 and continued in her capacity as an assistant coach this past season. Jane will provide continuity with the progress our team has made and serve as an excellent role model.”

As a player, Hoops was one of the most prolific goalkeepers in team history. She was a three-time All-Conference performer, including her senior season when she shared GPAC Player of the Year honors and was a First Team Academic All-America® selection. Hoops ranks second and third on the NWU all-time charts for career saves (399) and shutouts (17), respectively.

“It’s been a goal of mine to coach at the collegiate level, and from my days as a player here, I believe in Nebraska Wesleyan and its tradition of academic and athletic excellence,” Hoops said.

“I understand these players and the team dynamic,” Hoops said. “It’s all about our chemistry and bringing this team to believe they can accomplish whatever they want. Defending our GPAC title and making it into the national tournament are goals, but more than anything, I want us to play hard and have fun. If we do those things, our goals should take care of themselves.”

In addition to her duties at NWU, Hoops currently substitute teaches for Lincoln Public Schools and coaches a U-12 girls team through Lincoln’s Capital Soccer Association. She also serves as junior varsity girls’ soccer coach at Northeast High School, where she earned All-State honors in soccer and was a four-year letter winner in both soccer and basketball for the Rockets.

Hoops has earned NSCAA State and Regional Diplomas, has received her USSF “E” License and has completed the first two levels at the NSCAA’s Goalkeeping Institute. Prior to joining Nebraska Wesleyan’s staff, she served two years as an assistant soccer coach for the Lincoln Lutheran girls.

At NWU, she replaces Taylor Haynes, who resigned in January in order to accept an assistant position in the women’s soccer program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Haynes compiled an overall record of 37-15-3 in three seasons at the helm. Hoops said Josh St. Pierre, who served as Haynes’ assistant coach in 2004 and 2005, plans to remain on staff as her assistant in 2006.