LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska Wesleyan University has announced Robert Lynch as the next head coach of the Prairie Wolves women's soccer program. Lynch officially began his role today and becomes the 13th head coach in program history.

Lynch arrives in Lincoln after nearly a decade in college coaching, most recently serving as Associate Head Coach at Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa. In that role, he helped guide the Pride to five consecutive Heart of America Athletic Conference tournament appearances and oversaw a roster of 62 student-athletes after launching a reserve team in 2020.

His 2022 season as head coach at Iowa Wesleyan marked a historic campaign, as the program posted its highest win percentage ever and fielded the largest roster in school history.

"Robert Lynch is a great fit for Nebraska Wesleyan," said NWU Director of Athletics Dwight Merilatt. "I'm looking forward to his leadership of our team, and I know our student-athletes will immediately recognize his enthusiasm to build a successful women's soccer program."

Lynch brings over 15 years of coaching experience to the Prairie Wolves, including high school and collegiate levels. His resume includes recruiting, academic oversight, fundraising, strength and conditioning, and player development. His collegiate coaching journey began at Benedictine University, where he helped the Eagles return to the NACC Tournament for the first time in nearly a decade.

At the high school level, Lynch's teams made history on multiple occasions, leading Independence High School to its first state tournament appearance and coaching Dubuque Senior High School to its first winning season.

"I want to thank Dwight Merilatt, Erin Dwyer, and the entire search committee for this opportunity," Lynch said. "From the moment I stepped on campus, I knew Nebraska Wesleyan was a place where we can build something special. The platform is here to succeed in the American Rivers Conference. I'm ready to get to work."

Lynch holds a master's degree in Organizational Leadership from Clarke University and a bachelor's in Exercise Science from Upper Iowa University. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA and holds a U.S. Soccer Federation E License.

He takes over a Prairie Wolves program aiming to climb the A-R-C table and return to postseason contention.