Great Lakes Wire

The Northern Michigan University women's soccer team has announced the promotion of Laura Wayland to Associate Head Coach. Jon Sandoval, head coach of the team, expressed his satisfaction with Wayland's new role. "We couldn't be happier for Laura. She is very deserving of this promotion to Associate Head Coach," he said. Sandoval highlighted her significant contributions since joining the staff in 2021 as a volunteer assistant coach.

Wayland joined the team a year after Sandoval was appointed head coach and quickly made an impact by helping lead the team to an 11-8-3 record, marking their most successful season since 2008. In 2022, she was named assistant coach and played a crucial role in guiding the Wildcats to a remarkable 29-6-9 record over two seasons. During this period, the program achieved its first-ever GLIAC Championship, consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, and reached a program-high no. 8 national ranking.

Sandoval praised Wayland's work with the team's defense: "Laura works directly with our defense, leading them to new program heights each year." The statistics reflect her influence; in the past season alone, the Wildcats conceded only 12 goals, setting a new program record for fewest goals allowed in a season. This surpassed their previous best of 13 goals against from last year under Wayland's guidance.

In addition to allowing fewer goals, shutouts increased significantly under her leadership—from ten in 2022 to fourteen in 2023—breaking a long-standing record set in 2006. "[Wayland] continues to raise the bar with her hard work and dedication," added Sandoval.

The Wildcat family extends its congratulations to Laura on her well-deserved promotion and looks forward to what lies ahead.