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March 8, 2013

Deuser takes job at Hanover

Former New Albany girls’ soccer coach leaves after leading Bulldogs to first sectional crown

By GREG MENGELT greg.mengelt@newsandtribune.com

NEW ALBANY —  One season after leading the New Albany girls’ soccer team to its first sectional title in school history, Julie Deuser is leaving the program to take an assistant coaching job at Hanover College.

Deuser met Hanover head coach Jim Watts a few years ago and Watts had offered her a job between seasons in the past.

Although her personal dream was to coach at the college level, Deuser wanted to accomplish winning a sectional championship before moving on.

“That’s what I’ve always wanted to do, coach in college,” Deuser said. “It made sense as a career move for me.”

So when Watts offered her a job again this off-season, she took it. She made the decision to move on in the middle of January before making it official last week.

“It’s heartbreaking. I have loved my five year at New Albany,” Deuser said. “I’m divided. Half of me wanted to stay and half wanted to go. It’s a very bittersweet situation.”

“We wish nothing but the best for Coach Deuser in her new role at Hanover College,” New Albany athletic director Don Unruh said. “She did a great job with the girls’ soccer program at New Albany.”

In the fall, Deuser’s Bulldogs trailed Floyd Central 2-0 early in the sectional semifinal before coming back for a 3-2 win in penalty kicks. Two days later, Deuser finally reached her goal of leading the program to its first sectional championship ever with a 1-0 win over Jasper.

“That had always been a goal,” Deuser said. “I hate that it took five years to get there, but it is great to go out as a sectional champion. That made it all worth it, for sure.”

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