CHENEY, Wash. - Eastern Washington University Associate Vice President/Athletic Director, Lynn Hickey, announced the hiring of the fourth head coach in EWU women's soccer history, Missy Strasburg, today (June 23). Strasburg takes over at the helm following a five-year stint at the United States Air Force Academy where she served in an assistant coach role.
 
"I am so honored to be selected as the next head women's soccer coach at Eastern Washington University. It has been a long-time dream of mine to take the helm of a program like this and contribute to the local community that has had so much to do with my own growth and development," said Strasburg. "I am humbled by the trust of Lynn Hickey, Don Ross, Mikayla Anderson and the rest of the EWU community has shown in me. I look forward to getting to the work of helping these young women grow into champions and leaders of character on and off the field."
 
"We are very excited to have Coach Strasburg as a part of the Eagle athletic family. She has great experience both at the collegiate and club level as a coach and a recruiter," said Hickey. "It was even more special to bring someone back home, for she grew up in this area and has a true feel for Eastern Washington. She is a competitor on the field and is also known for her work in developing leadership programs for student-athletes. We look forward to working with Missy as she continues the success of Eastern Washington soccer."
 
At Air Force, Strasburg coached the Falcons to a 10-7-1 record in 2019 for the best single-season win percentage in the program's Division I history. That season also saw the team score 36 goals with seven shutouts and a program record 28 assists. Three players also earned All-Mountain West honors, including the MWC Player and Newcomer of the Year.
 
Strasburg guided the Falcons to 14 total wins in 2017 and 2016, qualifying for the Mountain West Tournament for the first time since 2005 during the 2017 season.
 
"As I transition into this incredible opportunity, I need to make sure I thank my family and all of the incredible coaches and people I have worked alongside during my journey," continued Strasburg. "This includes my entire Air Force Academy family, especially coaches Larry Friend, Kiha Sutta and the exceptional group of young women in that program who inspired me and challenged me every day to bring my very best. I wish them nothing but success in the future and am so grateful to have their full support as I become a proud member of Eagle Nation. Go Eags!"
 
Prior to her time in Colorado Springs, Strasburg had assistant coaching stints at the University of New Mexico, Saint Mary's College (Calif.), Texas-San Antonio, Georgia Southern, Washington and North Carolina-Greensboro.
 
Strasburg is no stranger to the Spokane area, as she was heavily involved in the youth soccer scene to begin her coaching career. She first served as the head varsity girls' soccer coach at Riverside High School in Chattaroy, Wash., from 2001 to 2003. There, she guided the program to three state tournament appearances and was named Great Northern League Coach of the Year in 2003.
 
She spent seven years as the program director and team coach for multiple age groups for the Spokane Shadow Soccer Club.
 
Strasburg played collegiately at nearby Gonzaga University from 1997-2001 where she earned her degree in Business Administration. A four-year starting defender, Strasburg ended her career third all-time in career assists and second all-time in single season assists.
 
She continued her education at the University of Washington where she earned her Master's of Education in Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership in 2010. Currently, she is the founder of the BlueFire Leadership Academy, LLC.