Seattle University head women’s soccer coach Julie Woodward announced the hiring of Allison Tenney Friday. Tenney will assist Woodward and assistant coach Rich Schreiner in all aspects of the program, focusing primarily on the team’s fitness training.
“We are so excited to add Allison to our SU women’s soccer program,” said Woodward. “She is going to take our fitness training to a whole new level and I know our players will benefit immediately from her expertise. Allison has such a great personality and work ethic, and will be such a positive member our soccer family. We can’t wait to see the positive impact she will make in our efforts to continue rising through the DI ranks.”
Tenney brings a wealth of coaching and playing experience to the SeattleU women’s soccer program. For the past two years she was an assistant women’s soccer coach at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. During that time she assisted in organizing all aspects of the program, including all game day activities and decisions, supervising all practice sessions, scouting opponents and organizing the program’s recruiting efforts. In addition, she was an instructor in the physical education department.
Prior to working at Cornell, she worked as the University of Missouri’s director of women’s soccer operations in 2007. She was the team’s travel coordinator, assisted with the team’s recruiting visits, and maintained the alumni and fan club database and communication.
She began her collegiate coaching career at her alma mater George Mason University, in Fairfax, Va. in 2006. As an assistant coach she focused primarily on all aspects of the team’s recruiting program, as well as assisting with practice and game day organization and decisions, scouting opponents, organizing the team’s travel and helping with running summer camps. While working at George Mason, she was also an assistant coach for two girl’s club teams in Virginia and Maryland.
In the spring and summer of 2006, she was an associate member in the United Soccer League’s Washington Freedom Soccer Club. She played outside defender alongside international, former WUSA and elite college players. The team was ranked 10th best club team in the world by independent ranking service Women’s World Football in 2005.
For four seasons, from 2001-05 she was a member of George Mason’s Division I women’s soccer team. As a central midfielder and defender, she was a two-time team captain in 2003 and 2004. In 2004 she was named to the All-Colonial Athletic Association Team, Colonial Athletic Association All-Tournament Team and Soccer Buzz Mid-Atlantic All-Region Team.
Her playing resume also includes time with the Minnesota Olympic Development program. As a state team member from 1996-2001, she was a member of the Region II camp and was a Region II pool player in 1999 and 2000.
“I am thrilled to be joining the SeattleU soccer staff, especially as they continue to make the transition into Division I,” said Tenney. “I am looking forward to working with Julie and Rich, and am very excited about the future of the program.”
Tenney will make her SU coaching debut on Friday, Aug. 21, when the Redhawks host Boise State at 5 p.m. at Championship Field. Two days later, SeattleU will take on Idaho at noon, before taking to the road for a pair of matches.
What they are saying about Allison Tenney:
Danielle LaRoche, head women’s soccer coach, Cornell University: “Allison has been a tremendous asset to Cornell women's soccer for the past two seasons. Her hard work and positive energy will be missed …The team, administration and alumna have all expressed their gratitude for all Allison has done for Cornell and we wish her the best of luck in Seattle."
Bryan Blitz, head women’s soccer coach, University of Missouri: “Allison is an asset to any program. Her unique blend of soccer intelligence and work ethic makes her stand out from the rest.”
Diane Drake, head women’s soccer coach, George Mason University: “Allison is about as passionate for the game of soccer as anyone I have ever come across. She is professional and quite talented. She will be an asset to any college program!”