Eastern New Mexico University Hires Travis McCorkle as Head Coach of New Women's Soccer Team

PORTALES, NM – Eastern New Mexico University has hired Travis McCorkle as the head coach of ENMU’s new women’s soccer team, which will begin intercollegiate play during the 2003 season. McCorkle begins his duties immediately.

“We’re extremely fortunate to have hired such a quality candidate,” Mike Maguire, ENMU Director of Athletics said in announcing the hiring of McCorkle. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with in the sport. He really knows the area and the Lone Star Conference, having served as the assistant coach at Angelo State ... and he knows the Region, having been the head men’s coach at Mesa State (Colo.).”

McCorkle most recently was the assistant women’s soccer coach at Angelo State. He was with the Rambelles for two seasons. He was involved in all aspects of the women’s soccer program, and also taught in the Department of Kinesiology at ASU.

Prior to arriving in San Angelo, Texas, McCorkle was the director of coaching and player development for advanced teams in the Grand Mesa Youth Soccer Association in Grand Junction, Colo., from 1994 through 2001. He supervised coaches and players for all advanced teams in the GMYSA. Led one of Grand Mesa’s women’s teams to a 46-22-12 league record and a 40-15-6 tournament record over eight seasons.

McCorkle was head men’s soccer coach at Mesa State College in Grand Junction from 1987 through 1991. He earned an overall record of 25-16-9. He also was a player at MSC during the same four-year period, and earned team MVP honors in 1987 and 1988. He also was a scout and recruiter for Mesa State’s women’s soccer team in 1988 and 1999.

After completing his eligibility at Mesa State, McCorkle was a member of the Colorado State Olympic Under-23 team in 1991. Starting in 1992, he was a staff coach and instructor for the Colorado State Youth Soccer Association and was coach in the Colorado State Olympic Development Program. He continued to assist the CSYSA through 2001.

His active coaching career also includes six years as the girls’ coach (1989-94) and five years as the boys’ coach (1990-94) at Fruita Monument High School in Fruita, Colo. He coached the girls’ team to a combined record of 63-13-10, four conference titles and five State Playoff appearances. He guided the boys’ team to a 43-19-8 record, including one conference title and two State Playoff berths.

“I’m excited,” McCorkle said. “I think its going to be a great opportunity. I’m excited about building a family here ... with the team, with the University, with the community.

McCorkle wants Eastern’s first team to be competitive in the Lone Star Conference, which will have 10 teams competing in women’s soccer this fall. He wants the Zias to set reasonable goals, but wants the players to avoid selling themselves short just because they’re part of a first-year program.

“Teams have to be careful about their expectations,” he said. “Too often, people set theirs too low. Hopefully, we’ll get the right set of players ... and hopefully, we’ll be the surprise of the conference.”

ENMU’s inaugural schedule is about 80 percent complete. The Zias will open the season Aug. 30 against College of the Southwest and Aug. 31 against Adams State College. Both games will be played on the Adams State campus in Alamosa, Colo.
At the moment, Eastern’s home opener is not until Friday, Oct. 10, at 4 p.m. (MST), against College of the Southwest. ENMU is also at home on Sunday, Oct. 12, when the Zias will play West Texas A&M University at 2 p.m. (MST). Both games are part of Eastern’s Homecoming Weekend festivities.