Crooks resigns at VU

Kerry McGrath Crooks, who guided the Vanguard University women’s soccer team to two NAIA Region II playoff appearances in six seasons, has resigned, Lions Athletic Director Bob Wilson announced Thursday.

In addition, Migel La Motte, an assistant coach in each of the program’s 13 seasons, has resigned.

Crooks, who played collegiately at UC Irvine, compiled a 52-46-8 record as head coach. She was an assistant at Vanguard for two seasons, before replacing Scott Dameron as head coach.

The Lions were 10-6-2 in 2005, when they finished tied for fifth in the Golden State Athletic Conference and lost in the first round of the Region II Tournament.

“Kerry has done a very good job with the women’s soccer program since she became the head coach,” Wilson said in a statement. “She made a positive impact on the program the last eight years since she has been involved and leaves the team in good shape for the future.”

LaMotte, who had an all-conference and All-American career on the Vanguard men’s soccer team, had been involved with the women’s program since its inception in 1993, with the exception of a few stints playing professionally in Europe. He was a part-time assistant.

The Vanguard women are expected to return nearly all of their players, except for seniors Heather Tape and Tori Lettin.

Juniors Stacia Hoover, Heather Hutton and Marissa Welliver each earned All-GSAC honors in 2005.

Hoover, a three-time all-conference honoree, was also named All-Region II for the second time. She also received honorable mention in All-American voting.

Hutton led the team with 11 goals and seven assists, while Welliver, a goalie in her first season after transferring from UC Irvine, posted a 0.95 goals-against average.dpt-crooks07.IMGGraphicInfoIN1PNORP20060407IN1PNORPNo Caption