Lady Blues picked eighth in MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll

Dec. 23, 2002

Washburn Athletic Director Loren Ferre’ has announced former Topeka West and Seaman (Topeka) High School soccer coach Tim Collins has been named the first coach in Washburn Lady Blues soccer history. The Lady Blues will start full varsity action in the fall 2003. Collins has lead the Washburn Club team the past two seasons.

“I am confident Tim will do an outstanding job,” Ferre’ said. “He has a tremendous coaching resume from the high school ranks and he has won everywhere he has coached. He is a great person to be around and we are excited to have him on our coaching staff.”

Collins most recently coached the Seaman boys team to a fourth-place 5A state finish and a Regional Championship after finishing second in the Centennial League race. Prior to coaching at Seaman, Collins headed the boys and girls programs at Topeka West High School for 10 years he coached the girls’ program to the 2001 5A State Championship. He also coached Charger teams to seven regional championships, two tournament championships and two state finalists. He was named the Topeka City Coach of the Year four times and the Kansas Coach of the Year once.

“I am enthusiastic about building this program,” Collins said. “This is a dream job for me and it’s something I have wanted for quite a while.”

Since 1995 Collins has been the Girls Director of Coaching for the Kansas State Olympic Development Program organizing tryouts and managing camps. Collins also has his National Class “A” Coaching License.

“With Washburn starting its program, this opens the door for local talent, not only from Topeka but state-wide as a whole to receive their education from a great institution and continue to play soccer as well,” Collins said.

Collins is a 1991 graduate Ottawa University where he was a four-year letterwinner for the Braves. He was the team’s MVP and captain his junior and senior seasons while garnering first team all-conference and all-district accolades.

“I want to thank my wife, Tina, for her support through this change,” Collins said. “The support I have had from local club teams in purchasing uniforms and equipment for the club team has been great asset and I have appreciated their support and help.”