Commins to lead new era in womens soccer

OSKALOOSA — William Penn University Athletics Director Nik Rule is proud to announce the hiring of Andy Commins as the new Head Women’s Soccer Coach.

A long-time resident of Iowa, Commins returns to the state after a year as head coach at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, an NCAA Division III program in Kings Point, N.Y. He was tasked with starting the program and was in charge of all duties, including the recruitment of a large inaugural class.

“Through the process, Coach Commins stood out as a truly unique candidate,” Rule said. “He brought an infectious energy, coupled with impressive leadership experience that has translated to success in developing intercollegiate soccer teams and student-athletes. His big-picture vision for the program will transform our student-athletes to not only be successful on the field, but successful in life.”

Prior to his time in New York, Commins was the program director for Global Premier Soccer and the Altoona Soccer Club from 2016-2020. During that stretch, he also served as the goalkeepers’ coach for Grand View University.

This will be Commins’ third head role at the collegiate level, beginning with a men’s coaching stint from 2014-2016 at Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, Mo. Due to his success, he was named the USCAA National Coach of the Year. Commins was also the dean of students at Wentworth for one year.

“Several people we know and trust reached out to us about Coach Commins and vouched for his character and stated boldly that he could be successful at WPU,” Rule said. “Coach Commins believes that, others believe that, and we believe that. This is a great day for William Penn University; we are excited to have him on our team.”

Commins also led the men’s and women’s club teams at Iowa State University from 2011-2014 in addition to being the head boys’ and girls’ coach at Boone High School (Iowa) for a number of campaigns. Two of his ISU club teams qualified for the NCCS National Tournament. He served as the director of coaching for the Boone Area Soccer Club as well.

“I am very excited to be coming home to Iowa and for this amazing opportunity to lead the women’s soccer program at William Penn,”Commins said. “I cannot wait to get started and look forward to forging a culture of success here.”

A retired member of the United States Army and Marine Corps, he served our country as a soldier and infantry officer from 1987-2014. Starting in 2011 and lasting until 2014, Commins was an executive officer and assistant professor of military science at Iowa State.

Commins has numerous certifications, headlined by having a USSF National “D” license, a United Soccer Coaches Goalkeeper Level 3 certification, and an NSCAA Advanced National diploma.

Commins graduated from the University of Tampa in 1997 with a degree in International Studies. He also earned his Master’s of Recreation and Sport Pedagogy and Soccer Coaching from Ohio University in 2016.

Commins is the ninth head coach in William Penn women’s soccer program history.