SPRINGFIELD – Missouri State University has extended the contract of women’s soccer head coach Kirk Nelson three years, through the 2025 season, Director of Athletics Kyle Moats announced today.
Coming off his first season as head coach of the Bears, Nelson led Missouri State to its third Missouri Valley Conference Tournament title in program history after finishing as Valley runners-up in the regular season with a 7-2-1 conference record. The Bears then advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2017.
“I was very pleased with the transition of Kirk and the success our team had on the field and in the classroom,” said Moats. “Kirk has elevated our recruiting and the profile of our program in the short time he has been at the helm, and it is fitting that we reward him and his staff for their success.”
Under Nelson, MSU had three players earn Missouri Valley Conference specialty awards in 2022. Grace O’Keefe was named MVC Player of the Year, Carly Raunig earned MVC Defensive Player of the Year, and Hailey Chambliss was presented with MVC Freshman of the Year laurels. The Bears also nabbed eight All-MVC selections, and O’Keefe was named Valley Co-Scholar Athlete of the Year.
Additionally, Nelson’s 2022 squad featured a defense that tied the program’s all-time record for shutouts in a season (11), including eight in 12 games against MVC competition.
“I am so proud of this team and our amazing first year together,” Nelson said. “I want to thank Kyle Moats, Casey Hunt, and Clif Smart for trusting me with this extended opportunity to be a part of something very special. My family and I love it here and are excited to continue being a member of the Bears community.”
Recently, Nelson added eight freshmen newcomers for the 2023-24 season alongside two transfers for the upcoming 2023 campaign.
His extension is contingent upon formal approval by the Missouri State University Board of Governors at its next scheduled meeting.
