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PULLMAN, Wash. – Keidane (KEY-Dawn-EE) McAlpine, assistant women’s soccer coach at Auburn University, has been named the Washington State University head soccer coach.
McAlpine becomes the fifth mentor in program history after spending the last six seasons at Auburn University, where the Tigers went to six-straight NCAA postseason appearances.
“Keidane is an outstanding soccer coach and a welcome addition to Washington State University and our athletic department,” said WSU Athletic Director Bill Moos. “He has been successful at every stop during his career, and I am confident he will continue to move our program forward.”
McAlpine replaces Matt Potter, who resigned the coaching slot on Dec. 27 to take the head coaching position at the University of Oklahoma. Potter held the position for nine seasons and racked up a school-record 88 victories, posted a 55.8 winning percentage and led WSU to three NCAA postseason appearances (2008, 2009, 2011).
“I’m very fortunate to be leading such an experienced group of student-athletes at Washington State,” McAlpine said. “A lot of starters return from the 2011 NCAA team and they know what it takes to compete in the Pac-12, one of the nation’s best conferences. Most people don’t get that opportunity and I am looking forward to it.
“I am very excited to be coming to Washington State University and the outstanding Pullman community.
McAlpine extended his thanks to President Elson Floyd, Moos, as well as to Auburn Univesity Director of Athletics Jay Jacobs and Senior Associate AD Meredith Jenkins, and Auburn Head Coach Karen Hoppa. “I had a great experience with the Tigers and each one of them helped me prepare to be a head coach in an elite conference.”
A 1997 graduate of Birmingham-Southern, McAlpine played four seasons for the Panthers, including 1996 when he was the captain of the NAIA national runner-up squad.
He is a native of Huntsville, Ala., and served as an assistant coach at Birmingham-Southern for three seasons (1998-2000) and helped the Panthers reach their first NAIA National Tournament (2000).
He became the head coach at Birmingham-Southern prior to the 2001 season and led the Panthers for five years while the program transitioned to the NCAA level. In 2004, BSC captured the Big South championship and earned an NCAA Championship berth.
Considered a leading tactician, McAlpine worked with every area of Auburn’s offense and defense during his tenure when won three Southeastern Conference Western Division crowns.
For additional information on WSU Soccer, click the following link to the WSUCougars website.