Photo by: McMurry Athletics
Rigney stays in Abilene, joins ACU Soccer family
9/3/2020 12:00:00 PM | Women's Soccer
ABILENE – Former McMurry assistant Natalie Rigney is about to embark on her first season as an assistant coach for Casey Wilson and the Abilene Christian women's soccer program, a position she was hired for in June 2020.
Rigney brings plenty of knowledge and experience to the position, having spent 2018 and part of 2019 as the assistant coach for both men's and women's soccer teams at McMurry University. And now, her inaugural season at ACU is about to get underway.
"I'm excited to join the ACU staff," said Rigney. "My personal coaching philosophy revolves around the development of essential life skills for athletes through the use of sports participation. The importance of strong work ethic, discipline and teamwork are just a few of the qualities that are not just encouraged but expected by [Head] Coach [Casey] Wilson and [Associate Head] Coach [Neal] Ozmun. The environment created at ACU is one that promotes high performing athletes and high quality people. I am grateful and proud to be a part of this culture."
The Brandon, Fla. native became a McMurry War Hawk after a two-year stint coaching both the men's and women's programs at nearby Ranger College.
Rigney served as the head women's soccer coach and assistant men's coach in the fall of 2017 at Ranger. She served as the women's assistant coach in 2016, and was named the interim men's head coach in the spring of 2017 before taking over the reins as head coach for the 2017 campaign.
Rigney also spent time as the assistant varsity soccer coach at Glenvar High School (Va.) in 2015. Additionally, her experience on the pitch includes numerous clubs, clinics and private instruction from 2010-2014.
As for her own playing career, Rigney lettered three seasons at Tennessee Temple University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in psychology in 2014. She graduated Summa Cum Laude and was the Psychology Department Graduate of the Year.
Rigney holds a Level "E" coaching certificate from the Virginia Youth Soccer Association, as well as a Level 1 Coaching Certificate from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.
"Natalie will bring a great balance to our staff," said head coach Casey Wilson. "She is an experienced soccer coach and has a lot of other abilities in terms of strength and conditioning and sports psychology. We are excited about her being here."
Rigney brings plenty of knowledge and experience to the position, having spent 2018 and part of 2019 as the assistant coach for both men's and women's soccer teams at McMurry University. And now, her inaugural season at ACU is about to get underway.
"I'm excited to join the ACU staff," said Rigney. "My personal coaching philosophy revolves around the development of essential life skills for athletes through the use of sports participation. The importance of strong work ethic, discipline and teamwork are just a few of the qualities that are not just encouraged but expected by [Head] Coach [Casey] Wilson and [Associate Head] Coach [Neal] Ozmun. The environment created at ACU is one that promotes high performing athletes and high quality people. I am grateful and proud to be a part of this culture."
The Brandon, Fla. native became a McMurry War Hawk after a two-year stint coaching both the men's and women's programs at nearby Ranger College.
Rigney served as the head women's soccer coach and assistant men's coach in the fall of 2017 at Ranger. She served as the women's assistant coach in 2016, and was named the interim men's head coach in the spring of 2017 before taking over the reins as head coach for the 2017 campaign.
Rigney also spent time as the assistant varsity soccer coach at Glenvar High School (Va.) in 2015. Additionally, her experience on the pitch includes numerous clubs, clinics and private instruction from 2010-2014.
As for her own playing career, Rigney lettered three seasons at Tennessee Temple University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in psychology in 2014. She graduated Summa Cum Laude and was the Psychology Department Graduate of the Year.
Rigney holds a Level "E" coaching certificate from the Virginia Youth Soccer Association, as well as a Level 1 Coaching Certificate from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.
"Natalie will bring a great balance to our staff," said head coach Casey Wilson. "She is an experienced soccer coach and has a lot of other abilities in terms of strength and conditioning and sports psychology. We are excited about her being here."
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