Women's Soccer | 2/8/2012 9:41:00 AM

Head Women’s Soccer Coach Robert Talley became the winningest coach of McPherson College women’s soccer on November 4^th with his KCAC quarterfinal victory over Bethel College.  “I am very honored to receive recognition for this achievement,” said Talley.

 “I could not have set this milestone in only four years without the dedication and commitment to be successful from my current and past players as well as my assistant coach Reed Hardgrave,” explained Talley. “I would also like to thank Athletic Director Doug Quint and Dean of Students LaMonte Rothrock for hiring me and giving me the opportunity to be part of such a great college and exciting athletic department.  I look forward to many more successful seasons for the Bulldogs in the future.”

Talley’s 36 wins are a tribute to his great coaching and understanding of his athletes. “He really does a great job of communicating with his team,” said senior Rachael Cornell. Sophomore sociology major Samantha Peterson stated, “He’s always telling us that his door is always open, and it really is.  That means a lot to us players.”

Each year has its own significance but last year stands out in the soccer players’ minds. “We had a tough couple of years but last year was really rough,” said Junior Cheyna Buchman. “Last year was difficult,” math major Whitney Smith recalls, “but this year was wonderful.”  Stachea Perea mentioned that this year, “everybody stayed positive and Coach Talley really helped us bond as a team.”

However he did it, Talley helped his team earn a 6-2-1 conference record in 2011, putting them third in the KCAC.  Buchman said, “He guided us through adversities and introduced fun activities that really motivated us and brought our game up.”

Coach Talley will be heading into his fifth season as the head coach for the Bulldogs women’s soccer program in 2012. “I’m excited about continuing my streak and hope to set a number that will be impossible to reach,” stated Talley.