Rademacher Steps Down After 14 Years as Head Coach
11/15/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan women's's soccer program is losing the first and only coach in the 14-year history of the program. Debbie Rademacher announced today (Thursday, Nov. 15) that she has resigned as head coach of the Wolverine women's soccer team.
"It has been 14 great years at Michigan for me," Rademacher said. "But I've decided -- with a new baby and another young son -- to focus on being at home with my family."
During her tenure at Michigan, Rademacher compiled a record of 160-108-37 (.585), leading the Wolverines to nine NCAA Championship appearances, including trips to the Elite Eight in 2002 and the Sweet 16 in 2003. She also racked up a pair of Big Ten Tournament titles (1997, '99).
"We are deeply indebted for her service to help build this program," said associate athletics director Bitsy Ritt.
Rademacher was named to her post on Dec. 13, 1993, by former athletics director Joe Roberson. Building the program from the ground up, the team streaked to a Big Ten Conference Tournament semifinal finish in the inaugural 1994 season. In 2001, Rademacher guided the program to its 100th win, and the Wolverines eclipsed the 150-win plateau five seasons later during the 2006 campaign. Under Rademacher's tutelage, her student-athletes have amassed 132 Academic All-Big Ten certificates and 144 U-M Athletic Academic Achievement Awards.
"Debbie should be proud of her record and her commitment to academic success," said director of athletics Bill Martin. "There are very few people in any sport that have built programs at two schools and have stayed on this long with success."
Before undertaking the task of building Michigan's program, Rademacher was the first head coach for the Fairfield University women's soccer team. She compiled an 18-12-4 record in her two years with the Stags (1992-93). Rademacher's collegiate coaching career began as an assistant coach with Tufts University (1988-89) and then with the University of New Hampshire (1989-91). As a player she was a three-time NCAA All-American at the University of Massachusetts and a member of the U.S. National Team for six years (1986-92).
A search for Rademacher's replacement will begin immediately.
Rademacher's U-M Career Coaching Record
| Year | Overall | Pct. | Conf. | Pct. | Place | Tourn. | Postseason |
| 1994 | 10-7-2 | .579 | 1-6-0 | .143 | 7th | T3rd | -- |
| 1995 | 7-11-2 | .400 | 1-5-1 | .214 | 8th | T7th | -- |
| 1996 | 10-7-3 | .575 | 3-3-1 | .500 | 4th | T3rd | -- |
| 1997 | 18-4-1 | .804 | 7-1-1 | .833 | 2nd | 1st | NCAA 1st round |
| 1998 | 14-7-1 | .659 | 5-3-1 | .611 | 5th | T3rd | NCAA 2nd round |
| 1999 | 17-6-1 | .729 | 8-1-1 | .850 | 2nd | 1st | NCAA 2nd round |
| 2000 | 13-9-1 | .587 | 6-3-1 | .650 | 3rd | 2nd | NCAA 2nd round |
| 2001 | 13-8-1 | .617 | 8-2-0 | .800 | 2nd | T3rd | NCAA 2nd round |
| 2002 | 16-7-1 | .688 | 7-2-1 | .750 | 2nd | T5th | NCAA Quarterfinals |
| 2003 | 11-8-6 | .560 | 4-2-4 | .600 | 4th | 2nd | NCAA 3rd round |
| 2004 | 11-9-2 | .545 | 6-3-1 | .650 | 3rd | T3rd | NCAA 1st round |
| 2005 | 8-9-4 | .476 | 3-6-1 | .350 | T6th | 2nd | -- |
| 2006 | 9-7-6 | .545 | 4-3-3 | .550 | 5th | 5th | NCAA 1st round |
| 2007 | 3-9-6 | .333 | 1-5-4 | .300 | 9th | -- | -- |
| Totals | 160-108-37 | .585 | 64-45-20 | .574 |
Contacts: Bruce Madej, Ryan Sosin (734) 763-4423
