ALVA, Okla. – Northwestern Oklahoma State University director of athletics Brad Franz is happy to announce the appointment of Erik Solberg to lead the women's soccer program into the 2019 season.
Solberg becomes the fifth head coach in program history as he replaces James Ross who resigned at the conclusion of last season.
"I am tremendously excited to take the reins of the Lady Rangers soccer program," said Solberg. "First, I'd like to thank University President Dr. Janet Cunningham and Coach Franz for entrusting me with this opportunity and responsibility. Their commitment to success not just on the field but also in the classroom is something I value highly and thankful for.
"Most importantly, I would like to thank my wonder wife Shelby for letting me follow my dreams and for her continued support of my career. I would also like to thank East Texas Baptist University President Dr. Blair Blackburn, VP of Athletics Ryan Erwin and Sr. Associate Athletic Director Kent Reeves. I will forever be grateful to them for giving me the opportunity to begin my head coaching career."
"I'm very pleased and excited about the hiring of Erik Solberg," said Franz about the appointment. "Erik brings experience at the NCAA level and has been successful there, including experience in the Great American Conference which is vital and understands the league and its competitiveness."
Franz added Solberg "understands the core values of Ranger athletics. He brings a level of energy and leadership to the program and will be a great fit at Northwestern. We are excited to have him and his family join our Ranger family."
Solberg comes to Northwestern after three seasons at East Texas Baptist where he was 27-21-7 as the head coach. In 2017, he led the Tigers to a program record 13 wins, including an upset victory over NCAA Div. I Alcorn State.
Under his leadership, two Tigers earned DIII All-West Region selections and 17 players were named all-conference, including the American Southwestern Conference Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year.
Prior to his time at ETBU, Solberg was an assistant coach at East Central in 2014 when the Lady Tigers reached the conference semifinal game, as well as a volunteer assistant at NCAA Div. I Nicholls State in 2013. He also was the head boy's soccer coach at Ponchatoula High School for two season.
Solberg holds an Advanced National Diploma and National Diploma with the United Soccer Coaches (formerly the National Soccer Coaches Association of American), as well as certification with the National Federation of State High School Associations. He was the Skyhawks, Inc. Camp Director for two years, and has worked various soccer camps including at Wisconsin, Oregon, Nicholls State and ECU.
Solberg is a graduate of the University of Mississippi where he obtained a degree in Liberal Studies in 2012, and earned a Master's of Education with a concentration in Sports Administration from East Central in 2015.
A native of Arlington Heights, Illinois, Solberg was a two-sport athlete at Ole Miss, competing at the varsity level on the track and field team and playing midfield for four seasons on the men's club soccer team. He was named to the Southeast Conference Honor Roll in 2009-10, and during a season of graduate eligibility at NCAA Div. I Southeastern Louisiana, he was named to the Southland Conference Honor Roll.
Solberg is also skilled away from the sideline as a violinist, playing with the Lafayette-Oxford-University Orchestra from 2009-11. He married his wife, Shelby, in December of 2017.
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