ALVA, OKLAHOMA - Northwestern Oklahoma State Head Women's Soccer Coach Alex Piekarski has announced he is stepping down to pursue a coaching opportunity at St. Cloud State University.

"Coach Piekarski has led our program with the utmost class and integrity and I appreciate all of his hard work on the pitch, in the classroom and in the community. He has been successful in all three areas and I appreciate all his hard work. He is an excellent coach as his record speaks volumes and is excellent leader of young people. I know he will have continued coaching success", stated athletic director Brad Franz.

Piekarski has been with the Rangers for the last five seasons, taking Northwestern to the conference tournament in three straight seasons. The five seasons make him the longest-tenured coach for Northwestern Soccer since joining the NCAA back in 2012. In 2021 he led the Rangers to an 11-6-2 season in 2021 for the most wins in the Division II era and was named the Great American Conference Coach of the Year.

"I am truly grateful to Dr. Hannaford, Dr. Cunningham and Mr. Franz for the opportunity to Coach at Northwestern. I wanted to thank our outstanding Assistant Coaches Maddy Reed, Carla Briscoe and Lily Anderson who have contributed so much to our program. Lastly I wanted to give a heartfelt thank you to all of our current players and former players for all that they have given to the program. I am so proud of all they have achieved in the classroom and on the field these past 5 years and I am confident the team is well-positioned to be successful next year as well," stated Piekarski.

With the Rangers, Piekarski has coached the conference newcomer of the year, along with 22 all-conference accolades, including three first-team members during his tenure. He had one All-Central Region Team member in 2021.

Other highlights at Northwestern included eight shutouts in the 2022 season, and during the 2021 season, the Rangers had a seven-game unbeaten streak and the first-ever coaches poll regional ranking.

Piekarski is a 2013 Graduate of Lakeland University in Wisconsin where he was a 4-time All-Conference performer for the Muskies. In 2016, Piekarski received his Master's Degree from St. Cloud State.

Brad Franz, Northwestern's athletic director, will begin a national search for Piekarski's replacement effective immediately.

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