GREEN BAY, Wis. (GreenBayPhoenix.com) --- Green Bay Director of Athletics Charles Guthrie today named Jason Spain as the new head coach of the Green Bay women's soccer program. One of the nation's premier coaches within the NCAA, Spain comes to Green Bay as the 12^th head coach in program history after nine seasons at Minot State University (ND), where he served as head coach from the creation of the program to its four NCAA Division II Tournament appearances.

"Jason quickly accelerated to the top of an outstanding pool of candidates, and it was encouraging and thrilling to have such interest in this position," said Guthrie. "Jason brings a proven championship mentality and a track record of stability to our women's soccer program. He's built successful programs and has been regarded by many as a tireless worker, especially in recruiting."

Spain was named as the first and only coach in Minot State women's soccer history, with the program starting in 2010. During his nine-year career with the Beavers, an NCAA DII member of the NSIC, Spain racked up 109 wins and a .656 winning percentage (109-53-18). He led the program to four NCAA Division II Tournament appearances, and both a NSIC regular season and tournament championship during his tenure.

"I want to thank Charles Guthrie for this opportunity. It's been a dream of mine to coach at the Division I level, and not only do I now get to coach at this level, but I get to stay in the Midwest," said Spain. "I'm looking forward to this challenge and meeting the team and the Green Bay community. I also want to thank my beautiful wife, Catherine, for not just supporting my career but being a huge part of it."

Under Spain's direction, Minot State had two All-Americans (Ninfa Ramirez and Marianna Danna) and two Academic All-Americans (Breanne Hatfield and Ashley Franco).  Twelve different Beavers earned All-Region honors.  The women's soccer team was the first Minot State program to earn a trip to the NCAA Division II National Tournament as the Beavers captured the 2012 NSIC Postseason Tournament title, also a first for the school. Minot State won its first NCAA Tournament match in 2015. The Beavers won the school's first NSIC regular season championship in 2016, posting a school record 15-3-1 and a 14-0-1 mark in league play.

While his collegiate coaching numbers are impressive, they pale in comparison to his prep. Spain coached Sutter Union High School (Calif.) to a 229-29-29 record, winning 11 conference titles, seven section titles and set records in 2005 and 2007 for allowing zero goals during the season. He was named Appeal Democrat Varsity Girls Coach of the Year six times. Sutter Union set a California record of 97-straight wins, second longest in the nation.

Spain served as the Director of the Azzurri Soccer Club from 1999 until moving to North Dakota. During his time with Azzurri, the Girls Under 18 team was ranked as high as No. 3 in Northern California, the Girls Under 14 team won a State Cup and the Boys Under 16 and Girls Under 19 teams each went to the state finals.

His overall record as a coach at the prep and collegiate level stands at 542-130-85 for an impressive .772 winning percentage.

Spain played soccer for Thomas Downey High School, Stockton United Soccer Club, Modesto Ajax Soccer Club, Modesto Junior College, Humboldt State University and Westminster College, where he earned All West Region honors in 1995.

He holds a Bachelor's Degree in History/Education from Central Connecticut State in New Britain, Conn. 

"I'm excited to get to know my players and to get working with them. I want Dr. Gary Miller and Charles Guthrie, along with the community, to know that I will work as hard as I can and never give up. Our team will follow suit and I can't wait to get started," said Spain.
 
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