OKLAHOMA CITY – With the departure of co-Head Coach Zach Bice, the Mid-America Christian University soccer teams needed to fill a spot on the coaching staff for the 2019 season. On Friday afternoon, the Evangels announced the hire of a man to fill the vacancy.
MACU introduced Mitchel Sowerby as the new Men's Soccer Coach on Friday, taking over a program that had been led by Bice and Evan Dresel as co-head coaches.
When introducing Sowerby, Athletic Director Marcus Moeller said, "We are ecstatic to bring on Mitchell as our new head men's soccer coach. He is a dynamic leader of young men whose combination of passion, energy, poise and confidence make him a great fit among the rest of our athletics' family. Coach Bice and Coach Dresel have set the program up for great success moving forward and we're excited to watch the program's continued rise under Mitchell."
Dresel will move over and become the head coach of the women's program as Sowerby takes over the men's reins.
"I would like to first thank Marcus, the president, the hiring committee including Zach and Evan for trusting in me and giving me this opportunity," Sowerby said upon the announcement. "I am excited to work with Evan and all the other coaches in the MACU coaching family going forward. I can not wait working with such an amazing team that has already built such a strong culture."
Sowerby joins the Evangels after a stint on the staff with the Rogers State University Hillcats in Claremore, Oklahoma. Sowerby joined the coaching staff in 2017 after his playing career at RSU wrapped up. He was a part of a staff that posted a 26-21-8 record in his three seasons on the staff. In 2017, the Hillcats were 10-6-3 overall, including a 7-5-2 mark in the Heartland Conference that put them in a tie for second in the HC's north division. The record was also good enough to advance RSU to the HC tournament for the first time in program history. The Hillcats finished alone in second in the division in 2017 with an 8-7-3 record overall, and a 5-6-3 mark in the HC; and in 2018, RSU posted an 8-8-2 record overall and a 6-6-2 mark in conference.
Sowerby is the only three-time All-Heartland Conference selection in RSU history, earning the nod as a first team defender during his sophomore season in 2013 and as a second team selection in his junior and senior campaigns. In his final two seasons, Sowerby earned NSCAA All-South Central Region honors, and he was a NSCAA Scholar All-South Region. Sowerby appeared in 70 games and started in 66, including every game in his final three seasons, and played more career minutes than any other field player in RSU program history.
He has also served as the youth academy director for Northeastern Oklahoma FC since 2017. During his time at NEOFC, he was responsible for overseeing daily operations and implementing new curriculum. Sowerby also coached multiple club teams and directed all on-field training sessions. He also monitored player developments.
Sowerby holds a pair of coaching licenses. He holds a United States Soccer Federation (USSF) National "B" License, and he also has an English F.A. Level 1 License.
"I am extremely grateful to coach Larkin for giving me my first chance to prove my ability," Sowerby continued. "I will never forget that. I am thankful to all the members of the RSU athletic department who have supported me and treated me like family since my arrival. Finally, I would like to thank all the members of NEOFC, the board, coaches, players, and parents for trusting in me and helping my development as a coach."
