ELMHURST, Ill.- Elmhurst University and Director of Athletics Glen Brittich have announced the hiring of Susie Foster as head women's soccer coach.

"It was clear to the committee and me that Coach Foster was the right choice to lead our women's soccer team," Brittich said. "Her years of experience in the CCIW and ability to connect with and develop student-athletes will be a great asset to Elmhurst University. We are excited to welcome Coach Foster and her loved ones to the Bluejay family."

"First and foremost, I would like to thank president Troy VanAken, vice president Phil Riordan, athletic director Glen Brittich, the committee, and all those who have already welcomed me for this incredible opportunity to lead the women's soccer program" Foster said. "I am thrilled at the chance to represent a University and athletic department that is student-centered and committed to providing an inclusive and empowering environment where student-athletes can compete, succeed and thrive. The potential of this program is limitless, and I am so excited to work with the student-athletes already here and recruit future Bluejays who will also be dedicated to achieving athletic and academic greatness here at Elmhurst University."

Foster has established nationally and regionally recognized programs during her career, leading four teams to NCAA Division III National Tournament appearances and eight conference postseason appearances. Foster won two Midwest Conference Tournament championships and one Midwest Conference championship, and has reached as high as 20th nationally and fifth in regional rankings.

Under her leadership, 71 student-athletes have garnered All-Conference selections, as well as 10 National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-Region honors, a pair of Conference Player of the Year awards, and one NSCAA All-American.

Foster comes to Elmhurst following 11 seasons as the head coach at Carroll University. Since 2011, Foster led the Pioneers to a 118-65-26 record and made two appearances in the NCAA tournament. Her most successful season came in 2015, where her team earned a 15-5-1 record, an NCAA tournament appearance, and Foster was named the 2015 Midwest Conference Coach of the Year. At Carroll, Foster coached defender Sarah Mahoney to the school's first ever NSCAA All-American selection, and Mahoney was named the 2015 Midwest Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2015.

In addition to her coaching duties, Foster was the Senior Woman Administrator and Assistant Director of Student Success for the Pioneers.

Prior to her time at Carroll, Foster spent eight years at Carthage College as an assistant coach (2003-2004) and head coach (2005-2011). As head coach, Foster led the Firebirds to a 68-41-9 overall record, coaching 24 CCIW All-Conference selections in her time in Kenosha.

Foster was also a standout student-athlete at Northwestern University, where she holds the Wildcat career record for lowest goals against average. A two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, Foster was also a CoSIDA Academic All-American and served as president of Northwestern's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). She also was the Wildcats' student-athlete representative on the Big Ten committee.

Foster lives in Mundelein, Ill., with her two children—her daughter, Rylan, and son, Trey. She will begin her duties as head women's soccer coach immediately, and a formal introduction of Coach Foster to the Elmhurst community will be announced at a later date.