BU Women’s Soccer Coach Departs
The Bluefield University Athletics Department and members of the BU women’s soccer team are searching for answers and new leadership in the wake of the departure of head coach Patrick Ritter in January.
Athletics Director Corey Mullins spoke about the impact Coach Ritter had on the program in just three years at the helm.
“It was a pleasure to work with Coach Ritter,” Mullins said. “He understood what made Bluefield special, and he was a great mission fit. I am most proud of the way he cared for the young ladies on the team. We are grateful for (his) time here at Bluefield and the contributions he made to the women’s soccer program. At the same time, I am excited for his next step and the opportunity he has at Upper Iowa (an NCAA Division II program in Fayette, Iowa).”
Mullins also spoke about what his hopes are for the women’s soccer program going forward.
“Change is never easy,” he said, “but it is an exciting time for us to focus on where the team is now and how to find the leader to help us take the next step. Certainly, we are looking for someone who will continue to build on the foundation that has been built by Coach Ritter and those before him. I look forward to growing our competitiveness in the conference and continuing to excel in the classroom and in the community.”
Emily Spaulding, a freshman on the women’s soccer team, spoke about the mixed feelings she has about Coach Ritter’s departure.
“As a member of the team, I’m a little hurt Coach Patrick left after the season we had last fall, but as one of his players who got to know him, I understand him taking a new position elsewhere,” Spaulding said. “A new and better opportunity came up for Coach to grow in his career, and no one can fault him for that. We would all do the same. I enjoyed being coached by Coach Patrick. I learned a lot not just about soccer, but as who I am as a person and a player, too. Upper Iowa is lucky to have him.”
Spaulding also spoke about the mixed feelings she has moving forward with a new coach.
“Adjusting to a new coach is always difficult,” Spaulding said. “You don’t know about what they expect from you, but it’s exciting. The pressure of someone new has been sort of motivation for me, and I’m excited to start working with someone new to see how they will impact not just the team, but the Bluefield community, as well.”
Spaulding added that she’s optimistic about the upcoming season.
“I’m looking forward to next season,” she said. “I hope we’ll continue to move up in the conference. I’d like to see us move up one or two places to make tournament play. I believe it’s very doable for us given that we adapt to a new coach quickly and continue to work hard in this off-season.”
Mollie Bolton, a junior women’s soccer player, shared similar sentiments. She said she was disappointed to see Coach Ritter go, but she, too, understand the opportunity he had to develop his career and be closer to his family. She also spoke about adjusting to a new head coach.
“Adjusting to a new head coach is going to be quite the process,” Bolton said, “but the team has the support of assistant coach Jacob Key, who has taken over spring training, and Athletics Director Mullins, who is working in the hiring process to find the best candidate.”
Bolton also shared her hopes for next season.
“Seeing that next season will be my senior year, my hopes are that despite having a new coach, the program will be able to maintain the momentum it has had over the last three years,” Bolton said. “Since my freshman year, the program has grown in size, skill, and number of wins per season. I am so glad to be a part of the team and the development of the program.”
Senior Liberty Wolfe said Coach Ritter’s departure came as a surprise to her. She said the team had progressed under his leadership, so she was looking forward to seeing what he could do in 2025. Now, she said, the success of the upcoming season will depend on how well the team adjusts to a new coach and coaching style.
“When it comes to having a new coach, it is something that takes some time getting used to,” Wolfe said, “and as players we must learn a new coaching style, which could be challenge. Although, I am very excited to see what a new coach will bring to this program.”
Despite the challenge, Wolfe said she’s confident the team will do well.
“I am very optimistic about next season because we have so many talented women that have plenty to offer to the program,” Wolfe said. “I hope that we can keep growing as a program and keep an environment that allows the women on the team to love the sport they are playing.”