SPRINGFIELD, Ohio—Bowling Green State University has named Matt Fannon their next women's soccer coach, after compiling a record of 40-26-10 in four seasons as head coach at Wittenberg.

"I would like to thank former department members Garnett Purnell and Joni Williams for hiring me and giving me the chance to begin my head coaching career with such a great program. I would also like to thank Gary Williams for showing such trust in me and our staff, and giving us the opportunity to be successful both on and off the field," said Fannon.

"I would also like to thank my friends and colleagues for making my family's and my time with Wittenberg so wonderful. We have made lifelong friends, and we look forward to watching the continued success of the university and athletics department over the coming years."

During his tenure in Springfield, Fannon's teams went 21-8-3 in North Coast Athletic Conference play. In 2016 the team went 13-5-2 overall and 7-1 in the NCAC, advancing to the tournament championship and the first round of the NCAA Division III Tournament. Fannon earned NCAC Coach of the Year honors for his efforts, and was also named the Ohio Collegiate Soccer Association (OCSA) Women's Division III Coach of the Year.

"I am so proud of Matt and excited for him, Julie, and the girls. What an amazing compliment to Matt, our program, and University to have a great institution like Bowling Green select Matt to lead their program.  He is very deserving of this opportunity and on behalf of all of us at Wittenberg, I want to thank Matt for all he has done for our women's soccer program and athletic department during his time here," said Director of Athletics, Dr. Gary Williams.

Wittenberg athletics will conduct a national search to fill the head coaching vacancy for the 2017 season.