Ottawa, Kan. - Ottawa University has announced the hiring of Marc Gordon as the new Women's Soccer Coach. Gordon succeeds Craig Shaw, who led the Lady Braves for the last three seasons.

"I have been blessed with the opportunity to be coaching at the collegiate level again," said Gordon. "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to coach these women who have created such excellence in a very short time."

The Lady Braves are coming off a 16-5-0 season, a regular season KCAC Championship, a KCAC Tournament Championship and an appearance in the NAIA Women's Soccer National Tournament for the first time in program history. A good number of players from the 209 squad are returning for the 2010 season. "With so many returning players and the addition of new ones, I have high expectations for a very successful season," said Gordon.

For the past six years Gordon has been a staff coach with the Pride Soccer Club in Colorado Spring, Colo. Prior to that he was the head men's soccer coach and athletic director at Holy Names University in Oakland, Calif., where he started the men's program. During his tenure between February of 2002 to October of 2003, the team finished with a record of 7-5-1 in 2002. The 2003 season boasted a 13-6-0 record and an appearance in the conference tournament finals.

"Coach Gordon is a highly dedicated professional who brings a great blend of coaching experience and strong leadership skills to our program," said OU Athletic Director Arabie Conner. "His coaching knowledge and student-athlete/team centered approach makes him a great fit and addition to our staff and community. Additionally, I couldn't be more pleased with the way he exemplifies and positively role models his expectations for his team. His familiarity with the NAIA and KCAC will help make for a smooth transition as we continue to build on the success of our program."

Gordon is very familiar with the KCAC. Before coaching at Holy Names University he spent ten years as the head men's coach at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kan. While at Bethany, Gordon had 47 players earn All-KCAC honors, 11 named All-District 10, seven named All-Region IV, eight Daktronic NAIA Scholar Athletes and four NAIA All-Americans. Gordon led Bethany to seven playoff berths and a KCAC Championship. He was named KCAC Coach of the Year in 1993 and 1999.  

Gordon played soccer and earned his bachelor's degree in physical education at Saint Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City, Kan., A KCAC institution from 1968-1992. Gordon earned his master's degree in sports management and administration from the United States Sports Academy.  

As a player, Gordon was a four-time All-KCAC selection at forward for the Cavaliers. He earned All-District 10 honors three times, was named All-Area once and earned honorable mention All-American honors his senior season. From 1990-92 he was named to the Colorado Region IV Team.

Gordon has his United States Soccer Federation (USSF) B License and a National Soccer Coaches Association of America Advanced National Diploma.