Andrea Neil has chosen to resign from her position as head coach of the UBC Thunderbirds women’s soccer program, effective November 10, 2014. After two years with the university, Neil is leaving to pursue other opportunities beyond coaching.
“I am very proud of my time here at the university, both as a coach and as a player,” Neil said. “I think the program has a very bright future, and I’m very excited that UBC was able to secure the 2015 CIS Women’s Soccer Championship.
I think the program is headed in a great direction and will continue to do well.”
In her two years at the helm as head coach, Neil’s career record was 15-8-5.
Neil took over as head coach in 2013 and led the Thunderbirds to an 8-1-3 regular season. UBC eventually would lose in the Canada West bronze medal game. In 2014, the Thunderbirds finished 6-4-2 in the regular season and were knocked out of the playoffs in the Canada West quarter-finals by Trinity Western.
A former captain of the Thunderbirds, Neil played in the midfield for UBC for 5 years leading the team to a CIAU (CIS) Championship in 1994, before going on to a long career with the Whitecaps and the National Team.
“Neil, in a relatively short period of time, has reinvigorated the foundation of the UBC women’s soccer team, setting the team up for future growth.
This was only possible through strong leadership, planning, and expertise, said Ashley Howard, UBC’s Managing Director.
“On behalf of UBC, I am grateful to Coach Neil for all that she has brought to the transformation of the program, and look forward to celebrating Neil’s future successes.”
The search for a new head coach will begin immediately.