Oklahoma State University Athletics
Hancock Hands Off Head Coaching Duties To Carmichael
January 26, 2007 | Cowgirl Soccer
Director of Athletics and Vice President for Athletic Programs Mike Holder made the announcement Friday.
“This was completely my decision,” said Hancock. “I'm a single mother and the job responsibilities of a head coach take up a lot of time. At this juncture, I think it's in my best interest to pass along those duties to Colin.”
Hancock and Carmichael coached together at South Alabama before they came to Oklahoma State in 1996 with Hancock serving as head coach and Carmichael as an assistant. Prior to the 2005 season, Hancock requested that Carmichael be elevated to co-head coach.
“Colin and I have one of the longest professional relationships in women's soccer,” Hancock said. “I am still committed to Oklahoma State, but I feel this move will provide more stability for our program. I think my decision meets the needs of both Colin and myself.”
OSU women's soccer is coming off the best season in the history of the program. The Cowgirls were 17-3-3 in 2006, finished second in the Big 12 Conference and climbed as high as seventh in the national polls. The program also recorded its first-ever NCAA Tournament win, 2-0, over UNC-Greensboro. Hancock and Carmichael, as co-head coaches, were the 2006 Big 12 and regional coaches of the year and runners-up for national coach of the year.
"Karen is truly dedicated to our players and our program and I know this was not an easy step," Carmichael said. "We've spent the past 11 years building a nationally competitive program and I look forward to continuing to work with Karen to take OSU to even greater success. This is an exciting opportunity for me at a school I love."
