BEREA, Ohio -- Baldwin Wallace University Director of Athletics Kris A. Diaz '78 has announced the hiring of Jim Wojtkun as the new women's soccer head coach. He becomes the fourth and just the second full-time women's soccer coach in BW history.
Wojtkun is no stranger to BW as he has served as the associate head coach, goalkeeper coach and recruiting coordinator with the women's program for the past 11 seasons. He replaces Reid Ayers, who served as both the men's and women's head coach for the past 14 seasons, as Ayers will direct his attention fulltime to the men's program. In addition, Wojtkun also assisted the Yellow Jacket men's soccer team as their goalkeeper coach during his tenure.
"I am very grateful to the BW Administration, President Bob Helmer, Senior Vice President Dick Fletcher and Athletic Director Kris Diaz for this incredible opportunity," commented Wojtkun. "Coach Ayers has built a solid program and has put all the pieces in place for success. Personally, I am beyond excited for the chance to lead this great group of young women as we not only chase championships but find ways to contribute to the Yellow Jacket community."
"Splitting the programs is a bit bittersweet," stated Ayers. "I am extremely excited for our programs to take the next step but I am sad to be moving on from a great group of young ladies. Jim is a tremendous choice as the next coach of the BW women's program. He is an established leader within our program, who has earned the trust and respect of our players. The past 15 seasons have been a delight as we building the soccer program into one the BW community could be proud of. I am looking forward to the growth of both teams moving forward. Special thanks to President Helmer, Senior Vice President Fletcher and Athletic Director Diaz for making this commitment to the BW soccer programs."
During his time at BW, Wojtkun recruited the program's first All-American and Academic All-American. He also recruited and retained more Academic All-Ohio Athletic Conference and Academic All-Great Lakes Region student-athletes than any other school in the OAC.
"We are excited to have Jim assume this new responsibility at BW," said Diaz. "He has been a valued member of our staff after serving both the men's and women's programs on a part-time basis. Over the past few years, he has assumed more responsibility for the women's program and has earned the respect of many inside and outside of BW for what he has achieved at BW and in the soccer community. We look forward to his leadership in taking over a quality women's program and striving to reach new heights."
Wojtkun has been a coach at both the club and Olympic Development Program (ODP) level. He currently serves as Regional Director at the GK1 Goalkeeper Academy and as the Head Coach of the Pennine Soccer Club. He previously served as the Director of Operations and Age Group Coach for the Cleveland Cobra Soccer Club from 1994-2012 and as the Age Group Coach and Goalkeeper Trainer for the ODP from 2007-16.
Wojtkun earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications arts from the University of Dayton and received a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in marketing from Xavier University.
He holds his United States Soccer Federation (USSF) National "C" license as well as a National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Goalkeeper Level 1 Certification and a NSCAA National Diploma.
Wojtkun and his wife, Sue, reside in North Olmsted. The couple's daughter, Allie, is a 2009 graduate of the University and a 2008 College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Division III Academic All-American.
