Neil MacDonald
DEFENSE
Coach Neil MacDonald comes to MSU by way of Iowa Central University where he served as head soccer coach for the past five years.
MacDonald, who played collegiately at Augusta State University, will work primarily with the defensive unit.
MacDonald says he chose to come to MSU based on the fact of how excellent a coach Neil McGuire is.
“I have known Coach McGuire for many years, and I think he is one of the best young coaches in the United States,” said MacDonald. “I want to come and work for him and learn from him.”
Head coach Neil McGuire is just as animated about having Coach MacDonald join his coaching staff.
“Neil MacDonald is a long time friend who is a remarkable coach,” said McGuire. “His mind for the game is as good as anyone I know and we are very lucky to have him.”
As for the goals and expectations for the upcoming season, MacDonald is very excited about what he believes this MSU team can accomplish.
“I think we will do very well, we have a very solid defensive structure along with a lot of pace and strength offensively,” he said. “We had a fantastic spring season, and I really think things look positive.”
Ja’net Esparza
OFFENSE
Coach Ja’net Esparza will make her MSU coaching debut after brief assistant coaching positions at the University of Texas El-Paso and Birmingham Southern.
She is a graduate of the University of Texas El-Paso where she played her collegiate soccer.
Coach Esparza is very excited and eager to work with Coach McGuire at MSU.
“Coach McGuire is one of the best coaches around, and he is so educated on the game of soccer,” said Esparza. “I am also very excited about being a part of an SEC team.”
Esparza has been called upon to restore a team offense that finished in the bottom half of every major offensive category.
Head coach Neil McGuire believes that she will most definitely live up to those offensive expectations.
“Ja’net is personable, hard working, and has an innate sense of balance and perspective on when to work hard and when to have fun,” said McGuire. “She has shown to be a perfect fit for this staff.”
She has proven to be very prepared and determined to help the girls reach their season goals. “I think our main goal as a team and a coaching staff is to make our mark in the SEC Western division, and to return the team to division champions as they once were.”