NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion women’s soccer head coach Angie Hind promoted Michelle Barr from Assistant Coach to Associate Head Coach on Thursday afternoon.
“I am really delighted for Michelle,” said Hind. “This promotion to Associate Head Coach reflects the experience and commitment level she brings every single day and recognizes the positive impact her expertise and dedication has had on this program. She has a lot of experience at two strong Division I programs and this has allowed her to take responsibility in key areas of our program, especially our recruiting and athlete development, both of which we have grown tremendously in. I’m excited for the continued contribution Michelle will make to ODU women’s soccer and our aim of taking this team competitively to the next level.”
Barr, in her fourth season at ODU, joined the Monarch family after spending three years in her native Scotland developing the women’s soccer game at the Scottish Football Association as a National Youth Coach responsible for the Scottish National U15, U16 and U19 teams. Prior to her time in Scotland, Barr spent five years at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire as an assistant coach under the leadership of Hind.
During her time with the Big Green, she helped the team to a 47-31-6 record, an appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2005 and a national ranking as high as No. 13 in the nation in 2006.
“I am delighted and very proud to be named Associate Head Coach,” Barr said. “I absolutely love what I do here at ODU and it is always nice to receive recognition for the contributions I have made towards the program. I remain extremely passionate and focused to help drive this program forward to the next level, it is an exciting time for ODU women’s soccer and I am very grateful to a part of it.”
As a former Scottish National Team defender for over a 10-year period, Barr represented her country with 87 contest appearances. Barr brings valuable wealth of playing experience from across Europe and the United States. Barr played professionally in England, Iceland, USA, and most recently as a player-coach with Rangers FC in Scotland.
Barr holds a NSCAA National Diploma, UEFA ‘A’ License, as well as the Scottish Football Association Children and Youth pathway. Barr has also obtained strength and conditioning qualifications from the UKSCA and has served as a National Scout.
A 2008 graduate of Loughborough College in Leicestershire, England, Barr received her Bachelor of Arts honors degree in Sports Development and Leisure Management.
“In receiving this recognition I would of course like to thank Angie for her continuous mentorship, she is a fantastic leader and continually challenges not only the players but her staff each and every day,” Barr concluded. “I would also like to thank the ODU Athletic Administration for their tremendous support and belief in what we are striving to achieve with our women’s soccer program.”
The Old Dominion women’s soccer team will play host to Longwood for the Monarchs only exhibition match on Friday, Aug. 11 at 7:00 p.m. at the ODU Soccer Complex. Admission for all is FREE.