Barrett leaving IWU women’s soccer for D-I Fairfield

Posted on January 16, 2018

Dave Barrett served 17 seasons as Illinois Wesleyan women’s soccer coach. (Photo courtesy www.iwusports.com)

By Greg Halbleib

BLOOMINGTON – David Barrett is leaving his post as women’s soccer coach at Illinois Wesleyan to take over the program at Division I Fairfield University in Connecticut.

Barrett has a record of 234-84-35 in 17 seasons at IWU. His Titans received 10 NCAA bids, including in eight of the last nine years and a trip to the national semifinals in 2014.

Barrett is a native of Hadley, Massachusetts.

“It is with mixed emotions that I take the position at Fairfield,” Barrett said in a release. “I’ve loved my time at IWU and am grateful to (former athletic director) Dennie Bridges for hiring me in 2001. It’s been a pleasure to call IWU home for the past 17 years. The program is in great shape and i know it will continue to thrive as one of the best in the nation. I’ll miss the people and players I’ve coached but hope to stay connected to them all as we move ahead on our journey.”

“This is a great professional and personal opportunity for Dave at a Division I institution that is very close to friends and family for (him) and his wife, Kelly,” said IWU athletic director Mike Wagner, who will immediately undertake a national search for a new head coach. “After 17 years of leading our soccer programs and being an instrumental part of our department’s success, it is difficult to say goodbye to one of our family members. We extend our gratitude to Dave for all he has done for IWU and wish him and his family the best of luck in this new endeavor.”

Greg Halbleib can be reached at [email protected].

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