American University's women's soccer program announced the hiring of Don Overmier and Michele Rodriguez-Smith as assistant coaches under new head coach Phil Casella. Overmier brings 19 years of experience from Drexel University, where he achieved notable success, while Rodriguez-Smith comes from Johns Hopkins University, having led strong NCAA Tournament runs. Casella emphasized their invaluable experience, winning mentality, and dedication as key factors in their selection, aiming to elevate the program's performance.

By the Numbers
  • Drexel's women's soccer team secured a 6-2-1 home record, their best since 2017.
  • Johns Hopkins achieved NCAA Tournament finishes of quarterfinals in 2024 and third round in 2025, with a combined record of 35-8-4 during those years.
Yes, But

While the hires are promising, there could be challenges in transitioning to American University's specific culture and expectations, which differ from their previous institutions.

State of Play
  • Phil Casella is entering his first season, looking to build a competitive women鈥檚 soccer program.
  • Overmier鈥檚 and Rodriguez-Smith's roles will be critical in shaping team dynamics and performance.
What's Next

The duo will focus on implementing strategies to enhance team cohesion and skill development ahead of the 2026 season, aiming for immediate competitive improvements.

Bottom Line

The addition of Overmier and Rodriguez-Smith signals a strategic commitment to rejuvenating American University鈥檚 women鈥檚 soccer by leveraging their extensive coaching resumes and experiences, with hopes of achieving greater success on the field.