June 22, 2016
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Head coach Darren Ambrose and the Vanderbilt soccer staff are excited to welcome Andrea Bigler as the program’s Director of Operations and Player Development.
Bigler joins the Commodores after one season as an assistant coach at Taylor University in Upland, Ind. While at Taylor, Bigler helped lead the Trojans to an 8-8-1 record against 2015 opponents.
“I am excited to have Andrea join our staff,” said Ambrose. “She is passionate about the profession and brings a great positive energy with her. She has a variety of experiences in her previous roles that will benefit our program.”
Before joining Taylor’s staff, the Canton, Ohio native graduated from the University of Toledo in 2010 with a degree in exercise science and a concentration in kinesiotherapy. Following her undergrad work, Bigler earned a master’s degree in biomedical science human donation science from the University of Toledo’s Medical Center in 2012. While at Toledo, Bigler was a two-year member of the varsity women’s soccer team and was part of the 2006 team that finished as Mid-American Conference Champions.
Prior to her stint at Taylor, Bigler already gained much success as a high school soccer coach for the Ottawa Hills High School girl’s varsity soccer team. Bigler led the team to consecutive Northwest Ohio High School Soccer League Championships in 2012 and 2013, and was named the league’s Girls Varsity Coach of the Year in both of those seasons. Bigler is certified as a U.S. Soccer D Licensed Coach, holds an NSCAA Goalkeeper Level 1 diploma, and participated in True North Sports’ Assistant Coach Immersion Program.
“I am excited to be a part of the Vanderbilt University women’s soccer program and the opportunity to work with Coach Ambrose and his staff,” Bigler said. “Coach Ambrose’s vision for the team and his strong commitment to player development captivated me because they align with my personal beliefs and values. I am eager to face the day-to-day challenges of my new position and begin making a positive impact on the program. It is an honor to be associated with the elite values and traditions of the Vanderbilt community.”
