Feb. 21, 2008

DAYTON, Ohio - University of Dayton assistant women's soccer coach Amy Berbary announced on Thursday she will be joining the coaching staff at Auburn University. Berbary, who had been the assistant coach at UD for four seasons, will serve in a similar position for the Tigers.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for me to take the next step in my coaching career," said Berbary. "I am also very excited to rejoin the Southeastern Conference, where I spent my collegiate career. I will also be moving closer to my family, which was a significant factor in my decision to leave UD."

Berbary joined the Flyers staff in the 2004 season after a standout playing career at the University of Georgia. She finished her career third on Georgia's all-time scoring list for goals (26) and points (58). The forward helped guide the Bulldogs to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament in 1998 and the Second Round in 2001.

"I leave the University as a much more polished and well-rounded coach, thanks to the leadership of Coach Mike Tucker and the support of the entire athletics department," said Berbary.

"It has been a great learning experience for me and I can't think of a better place to have spent the last four years. The talent and success of the women's team will continue to grow under Tucker and I look forward to following their success as a fan of the program forever."

Under her leadership, Berbary has helped the Flyers become one of the Atlantic 10's premier programs. She helped guide Dayton to an A-10 Championship title, an A-10 Regular Season title, and an NCAA tournament appearance in 2004. During her four years on campus the Flyers compiled an overall record of 51-20-10, including 28-8-4 in league matches.

In addition to on-field coaching, Berbary has primarily been responsible for coordinating recruiting, and served as the compliance and academics liaison for the Flyers. She has coached two Atlantic 10 Offensive Players of the Year in Reba Sedlacek (2004) and Mandi Bäck (2007) and seven All-Conference First Team selections. At Auburn, she will also be taking over the role of recruiting coordinator. While at UD, she landed four A-10 All-Rookie selections and all of her recruiting classes have been ranked both regionally and nationally.

"It's with mixed feelings that I congratulate Coach Berbary on her new position at Auburn. She has matured and grown immensely as a coach during the past four years, and has meant a great deal to the success of our program," said head coach Mike Tucker.

"So I am sad to see her leave, but very happy in knowing that she will continue the tradition of success that our former assistant coaches have displayed. Amy has become almost like a daughter to me, and I wish her nothing but the best as she continues in her career".

The search for a new Flyer assistant women's soccer coach will begin immediately.