Linus Rhode has been named the new head coach for the Oregon State University women's program. Linus found out last Friday and the athletic department released an announcement on the same day. Linus succeeds Steve Fennah who resigned somewhat unexpectedly last month. Linus has been an assistant coach at OSU for eight season.

The new assignment comes at a perfect for time for Linus who was addressing some potential work visa complications as a Canadian citizen. The promotion to a head coaching position will allow Rhode to continue to work in the United States. Linus lives in Corvallis with his wife Magdalena who is an assistant coach with the OSU swim team and daughter, Nina.
Rhode faces a challenging task of competing in the PAC-10 and the powerhouse programs in California. It is an endeavor that has eluded the Beavers for most of the last decade. OSU has not reached the women's NCAA tournament since 1994. The test ahead is no secret to Linus though. He has had a front row seat to the disappointing show the program has been putting on. At the very least, Linus knows what he is getting into.

His experience in Oregon should put him in a good position for recruiting Northwest talent. Linus is charismatic which doesn't hurt bring good players to the program either. Great players don't always make good coaches but it can't hurt that Linus has played at an elite level shared by few coaches in the entire country. If he can impart some of his creativity and willingness to be responsible for the outcome of a game, it will be very positive for the program.

I should point out that I have never coached college soccer nor do I have any kind of coaching license. With that out of the way, I am going to offer some unsolicited coaching advice to Linus from the comfort of my padded chair.

Make getting the top local talent to OSU the top priority. In this way build a connection with Corvallis and Oregon.

Walk over to Pat Casey's office and ask if you can buy him lunch. Pick his brain for all its worth. Bleed him dry. Go. Now.

Get the girls involved in local grass roots coaching as volunteers. In five years those twelve year olds will be seventeen and hopefully will have been dreaming of playing for the Beavers just like their favorite players who coached them.

Hire a female assistant coach or coaches. (I asked Linus about Tiffany Milbrett and he said that she was coaching youth soccer in Vancouver. Disappointing, but I am glad he knew exactly where she was.) Local girl Kelli Conkrite would be an interesting hire.

Let the girls play with the freedom and confidence to do things that are unexpected and amazing (just like you Linus).

Don't over-extend yourself by moonlighting for clubs and camps. That's what your assistants and players are for. Devote yourself to the OSU program. Your predecessor made the mistake of taking a head coach position with CUSC and it was a disaster for everyone.

Have an open tryout for OSU students this spring or next. At least watch the intramural games. The girls are already registered at OSU and don't need athletic scholarships. If it worked for the Philidalphia Eagles...

What changes or new priorities would you like to see from Linus and the OSU women's soccer team?