Derek Pittman joined the Arkansas State athletic staff as the new head women’s soccer coach Dec. 13, 2006.
Pittman, an assistant coach for the University of Missouri’s women’s soccer program for the last three years, worked primarily with goalkeepers and defense at Missouri. He assumed his duties at ASU Jan. 4, 2007.
"I am honored and thankful that Dr. Lee and the rest of the administration feel that I am someone who can lead Arkansas State Soccer into the future," said Pittman. "I feel that everything is in place (facilities, administrative support, and schedule) for us to have success as a soccer program."
The 32-year-old Pittman joined the Missouri staff in 2004 after spending the 2003 season at the University of Georgia. At Missouri, he was responsible for coaching the Tigers’ goalkeeper to career bests in shutouts and saves as well as the team to season bests in shutouts and fewest goals allowed.
“We are delighted to bring in somebody of Derek’s skills and ability to lead our women’s soccer program,” said Dr. Lee. “His ability to recruit the Mid-South region and his superior coaching knowledge makes him a tremendous fit for Arkansas State University. He will be an excellent fit for ASU.”
At Georgia, he was responsible for the Bulldogs’ recruiting in addition to his coaching duties. While there he coached the goalkeeper to career bests in wins, shutouts, and goals against average. In 2003, the Bulldogs finished 13-10-0 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
"I am excited to be a part of the Sun Belt Conference and have the opportunity to compete against some tough opponents week in and week out," continued Pittman. "The 2007 schedule is in place and will provide our program a great opportunity to take a positive step forward. I've met with the players already and we are all ready to get to work this spring so that we can be prepared for next fall."
A 1998 graduate of Tulsa, Pittman also served as a graduate assistant coach for the school’s men’s soccer program from 2001-03. Under his direction, Tulsa’s goalkeepers had career bests in saves, shutouts and goals against average in a season. During the 2002 season, the Hurricanes were ranked 12th nationally and fifth in the Midwest Region.
Pittman, who is licensed by the United States Soccer Federation with a USSF "B" coaching license, has also coached on the club level including stints with the Pride Soccer Club of Missouri, the Tulsa Soccer Club of Oklahoma and the Little Rock Futbol Club of Arkansas. As a four-year letterman, he was the starting goalkeeper at the University of Tulsa from 1993-96 and was a second-team Missouri Valley All-Conference pick in 1995. As a senior, the Hurricanes were ranked in the top 25.
Professionally, Pittman played for the Amateur Football Club in England while studying at Lancaster University. After training with the Division I Sheffield United and Burnley Football Club, he returned to the United States and played with the Columbus Comets and the Savannah RugRatz.
Pittman, originally from Owasso, Okla., received his bachelor’s of science degree in business administration from Tulsa and has done graduate work in education toward his masters degree.
