Amy Winslow was the only soccer coach the University of Utah has ever known. In her seven years at the helm, Winslow compiled a 77-53-5 record?a winning percentage of 57 percent.
But when she announced that she was resigning (along with husband and assistant Jim) on Nov. 15 at a team meeting?just one week after the Utes were ousted in the MWC Tournament semifinals?some of her players questioned whether it was her choice, especially when her release included the phrase, “pursue other interests”?which tends to imply the decision came from elsewhere.
“I feel really bad for [Amy and Jim] because I think that we were improving as a team,” co-captain Maren Harper said. “It’s unfortunate the administration maybe doesn’t think we were.”
After the Utes spent all season hoping for their first ever trip to NCAAs, their failure to get there (after getting beaten by BYU for the 11th consecutive time), may have encouraged administrators to make the change.
“I don’t think there could have been any two better people [than the Winslows] to build a program,” midfielder Esther Imotan said. “I guess they’re just looking for someone to take us to the next level.”
Winslow herself declined comment about those allegations, but did add that, “We are in the process of talking to colleagues across the country and finding out what’s available out there.”
Meanwhile, Associate Athletics Director Amy Hackett, Winslow’s supervisor, was not available for comment, and Athletics Director Chris Hill refused to add anything more about the situation, saying, “The statement we sent out [about Winslow resigning] speaks for itself.”
Whether the choice was Winslow’s or not, her former players were shocked to hear that their leader was moving on.
“It was surprising to me when I heard it,” said co-captain Shauna Gurr-Bingham. “I was sad, of course, and I’ll miss them. They did all they could while they were here and ended on a positive note.”
All of the athletes will miss the Winslows and wish the best for them.
“I especially appreciate those two,” said Imotan. “Last year, I was kind of a problem. [Amy] stuck with me the whole time and was really positive with me. I appreciate those two a lot.”
Now, though, the Utes are resigned to moving on, and are optimistic about their future. Though a coaching change can be very trying for any athlete, the U players say they are ready for it.
The Ute players don’t feel this change would set them back as a team.
“When the new coach comes in, we’ll just have to work with him or her and we’ll be fine,” Gurr-Bingham said.
The players agreed that getting to the NCAA Tournament is an important step, one they were never able to accomplish with Winslow, even with the expansion of the field from 48 to 64 teams this year. BYU was the only Mountain West Conference team to qualify for NCAAs this year.
“Amy and Jim did a great job, but we’re going to have to accept this change and move on,” Harper said. “As a team, we just need to have confidence in them and be loyal to them and move on.”
Eric Walden also contributed to this story.