Double duty

Page named UPEI women’s head coach

Lewis Page is back in charge of both soccer teams at UPEI.

Page has been the men’s head coach since 2000.

He takes over the women’s program from Glen Miller, who served in the role for one season.

Page previously coached both the men’s and women’s teams in 2013.

He was head coach of the Panthers women’s team in 1996-97 when he served as an assistant with the men’s program.

The women’s team hasn’t made the playoffs since 2014.

“I am extremely honoured and excited to be chosen as the new head coach of women’s soccer at UPEI,” Page said in a release.

“The coaches before me worked hard to assemble a good squad and lay the groundwork for success. There is a great group of players returning to the team. I know the players are eager to show the (Atlantic University Sport) and our fans how good they can be.”

Chris Huggan, director of athletics and recreation, made the announcement on Wednesday.

“Lewis has an incredible soccer resumé as a player and as a coach,” said Huggan.

“Now as the bench boss for both teams, Lewis will be able to focus more of his time and energy on UPEI Panthers soccer, which will enhance recruitment for our programs, player development, community and alumni engagement, and, ultimately, our ability to compete for AUS and U SPORTS championships.”

Under his leadership, the men’s team won the 2002 conference championship and a bronze medal at the 2014 nationals they hosted.

Page is an A license coach and has been named AUS coach of the year on four occasions and national coach of the year in 2002.

He served as a national team coach with the Canadian Soccer Association for 11 years, winning a FIFA silver medal at the under-19 Women’s World Cup and a gold medal in women’s soccer at the Pan Am games in 2011.