Dye Named Urbana Women's Head Soccer Coach
Former pro player takes over as second coach of Urbana program
URBANA, Ohio (March 31, 2008) – Urbana University Director of Athletics Doug Young is pleased to announce Crystal Dye as the Blue Knights’ head women’s soccer coach, the second head coach in the program’s history. Dye comes to Urbana from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown where she was the head women’s soccer coach, as well as the women’s track and field coach.

“Coach Dye has a proven record of coaching excellence. She brings a much-needed realm of experiences from the Division II level that we will all find of value,” said Young. “Her academics-first mentality will create the foundation of our program and lead us on the right path into the future.”

“My whole goal in coming to Urbana is to, not only continue the success, but to take the team to the next competitive level,” said Dye. “I'm extremely excited to get in and start working with the girls to see what great talent we have.”

Dye is no stranger to success. She took a team from scratch and built it into the highest scoring team in the nation. She accepted the task of building the Pitt Johnstown women’s varsity soccer program as its first head coach in September of 2005.

“Through Pitt Johnstown, I have a strong understanding of the NCAA rules and regulations. And I am fully prepared to take my roll in helping the University make the move,” said Dye.

She led her 2006 Lady Cats squad to a 12-3-1 record which ranked 23rd in the nation in won-lost-tied percentage. The record was a six-and-a-half game improvement from the previous year and was tied for seventh in the nation for most improved teams. Pitt Johnstown led the nation in scoring offense that season with 5.19 goals per game. Four of her players earned spots on one of the all-West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC) teams, including one first team all-WVIAC choice, three second team selections and two honorable mention team members. 

“I would like to thank Pitt Johnstown for the opportunity that they gave me, but most importantly I would like to thank my players who believed in me and their selves and as a result experienced success after success,” said Dye. “They played with heart and dedication, and I appreciate that as a coach.”

In addition to pioneering the Lady Cat women’s soccer program, Dye took over the reigns of the Pitt Johnstown track and field program, and taught physical education classes at the university. She also coached an ODP (Olympic Development Player) for the PA-West Club Team in Pittsburgh. Four of her players achieved national pool status.  

Prior to her arrival at Pitt Johnstown, Dye was the assistant women’s soccer coach at the University of Findlay from 2001 through 2004. Concurrently, she worked several summer camps in Ohio and Michigan, and coached two club soccer teams; the Toledo Pacesetters Soccer U-14 Club and the Findlay Thunder U-13.

“Anytime I am faced with a new challenge it's exciting,” said Dye. “I'm back in Ohio coaching soccer at a University that is experiencing growth which means our program will be able to grow as well.”

Before her stint at Findlay, she spent two years as a teacher and soccer coach at South Fork High School in her hometown of Hobe Sound, Fla. where she improved the team’s winning record by more than 20 percent.

In addition to her coaching accolades, Dye has plenty of playing experience. While an undergraduate at NCAA Division III Olivet (Mich.) College from 1995-1999, Dye was a three-time first team all-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) selection and a one-time second team choice. She was a three-time team captain and a four-time Olivet College Most Valuable Player. Dye played two seasons for the semi-pro Kalamazoo Quest.

Dye earned her bachelor of arts degree in health, physical education and recreation from Olivet in 1999. In 2003, she earned her Master’s of education degree from Findlay. She also obtained her USSF “B” License in 2007.

Dye is the daughter of Grady and Vonda Dye.

“I would like thank my parents, and my sister Nicole for all their support,” she said.

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