Rhode Island and Temple hire new coaches

[ATLANTIC-10 WOMEN] Rhode Island and Temple have hired Michael Needham and MattGwilliam, respectively, as their new women’s head coaches.

Needham, a 1996 graduate of Rhode Island, returns to Kingston after a two-year stint as head coach at New Mexico State,where he oversaw the launch of the Aggies’ women’s program.

“We are very excited about having Michael Needham return to URI to lead our women’s soccer program,” said Director of AthleticsThorr Bjorn. “He is a proven winner with a passion for URI soccer. I believe our women’s soccer program should compete year-in and year-out for an A-10championship and the NCAA tournament. I am very confident that Michael is the person that will be able to achieve those goals for the University of Rhode Island.”

Zac Shaw resigned his position at Rhode Island in November after six seasons at the helm. He compiled a 51-59-8 overall record. The Rams were 3-13-2 in 2010.

Gwilliam, a native of Quakertown, Pa., spent the past three seasons as the assistant women’s coach at Virginia Tech.

 “We are excited to have someone of the caliber of MattGwilliam take over our women’s soccer program,” Temple Athletic Director Bill Bradshaw said. “Matt brings a wealth of high Division I level experience to theprogram, and truly understands what it takes to make the Temple women’s soccer program competitive on a regional and national level.”

David Jonesresigned as the Owls’ coach after guiding the program for the past eight seasons. He compiled an overall record of 38-95-14.