GVSU women’s soccer begins coaching search after Hosler leaves for MSU job
ALLENDALE, Mich. (BVM) — Jeff Hosler left a lasting impact on the Grand Valley State University (GVSU) women’s soccer program, one of the winningest programs in NCAA Division II history. However, this offseason, an opportunity came about for Hosler that was too good to pass up.
Resigning from GVSU, Hosler will be moving up to the Division I ranks as the new head coach of the Michigan State women’s soccer program. Hosler will replace Tom Saxton, who had led the Spartans’ program for the past 30 years.
I am so thankful for our time at GVSU and within the Grand Rapids community. Lakers will forever be close to my heart but this was the right time to come home. Couldn’t be more excited for this incredible opportunity at Michigan State!! Go Green! https://t.co/aq8joAobOh
— Jeff Hosler (@JKHosler) June 15, 2021
“I am so honored and grateful to Athletic Director Bill Beekman, Deputy Athletic Director Jen Smith, head men’s soccer coach Damon Rensing and the entire search committee for entrusting me with the opportunity to lead this program,” Hosler said in a statement. “I also want to thank Tom Saxton, Tammy Farnum and Stacy DeLonge for their dedication, and the incredible example they demonstrated to so many generations of Spartans. The pursuit of excellence for women’s soccer in all facets begins now, while competing at the highest level within the Big Ten on and off the field. MSU and this community is a special place with amazing people, and I couldn’t be more excited to come home.”
It’s an exciting new beginning for Hosler, but his time with the Lakers won’t be forgotten anytime soon. In his seven seasons at the helm, Hosler was the Lakers’ all-time winningest coach with an impressive 144-12-6 overall record. The record was also the best in NCAA soccer during that span, and his conference record of 63-2-2 was just as astounding.
Hosler helped guide GVSU to six Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) regular-season titles, seven GLIAC tournament wins and three NCAA Division II national championships. The Lakers reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament in each of Hosler’s seven seasons, and have appeared in 11 consecutive overall.
A three-time GLIAC coach of the year, Hosler led plenty of talent in his time with the Lakers, coaching 32 All-Americans and 43 All-Region performers. The 2019 Lakers featured a nation-best offense that set a program record for goals in a season with 117, and Hosler and his staff were honored as the national staff of the year by the United Soccer Coaches in the championship season.
A star soccer player and two-sport athlete at Alma College, Hosler not only made his name known during his playing days for the Scots, but also as a coach for the team across eight seasons. In 2011, he helped lead Alma to its first NCAA Tournament appearance.
The East Lansing, Mich. native returns home to take over a Spartans’ program coming off a tough 1-10-1 season. But the local product has an elite track record of success, and if anyone is set to bring the Michigan State women’s soccer program back to prominence, it will likely be Hosler.
Meanwhile, GVSU begins the search for its next leader. It might take a while for whoever replaces the new Spartans’ coach to live up to the same standard, but they will be taking over a program that is at the absolute top thanks to Hosler.
