‘I can’t wait to get started’: ESU hires new head soccer coach

Matthew Self
·2 min read

EMPORIA (KSNT) – A new head soccer coach was selected for the Hornets on Friday.

Emporia State University (ESU) announced in a press release that Jane Grimley-Gunn will take up the position to lead the team. She is the sixth head soccer coach for the Hornets.

“I can’t wait to get started with the team at Emporia State,” Grimley-Gunn said. “This program has an established expectation for success, and there was a clear sense of competitiveness from the moment that I stepped on campus. The MIAA is a tough conference, but we have a strong group of returners and some exciting incoming players and prospects who are ready for the challenge.”

Grimley-Gunn previously served as head coach for Missouri S&T’s women’s soccer program, according to ESU. During last year’s season for the Miners, they experienced their longest undefeated streak to start a season since 1997 and moved on to the GLVC Tournament for the fourth time in the school’s history.

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Grimley-Gunn is also undefeated against MIAA competition in her two years after beating Missouri Southern University and tying a game against Washburn University. She was also a member of the United Soccer Coaches Midwest regional rankings panel during her time at S&T.

“Coach Grimley-Gunn continued to rise through our process as she conveyed her approach to the game, culture, demeanor with our players and plan for our program moving forward,” said ESU Vice President and Director of Athletics David Spafford. “Her passion and energy, relatability to today’s student athletes combined with her past experiences in Division II provides the type of overall experiences our student athletes deserve. Excited to welcome Coach Grimley-Gunn and her family to Hornet Nation.”

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