Head Coach Dean Ward Media Day Transcript

Q. It's been a while since there's been a first-year head coach at Iowa. What has it been like going through these practices, getting to know the team, and getting ready for the season?
COACH: Spring was good for us. It gave us a chance to get to know the team and lay a foundation. Because of that, we’ve been able to seamlessly transition into attacking the fall and preparing for games.

The team's been great with accepting new ideas and new ways of doing things. Sometimes freshening things up can be a real benefit, so we're in a good spot.

Q. Once you got here, looked at the roster, and started going through the spring, what surprised you about this team? What do you like about them?
COACH: Not too many surprises, to be honest. I came from a Top 25 team at Xavier, so the talent levels are very similar.

The main difference is that the infrastructure around the program and the university is bigger, with more people involved. That can be both a blessing and a bit of a challenge. But the facilities and the team are great. We're in a really good place.

Q. What were you trying to establish with the program throughout the spring, and what do you want this program's identity to be in your first year?
COACH: We were already starting in a good spot. There was a high level of competitiveness, and solid habits and details were already in place from the previous coaching staff.

My view of the game is a little different than how it was previously played. There are different ways to win, and I want to give the players freedom to express themselves from an attacking perspective. Shifting toward a more possession- and attacking-based style is a bit of a change and tweak for us.

Q. A couple of your players mentioned that your coaching style is very different from what they're used to. Where does that style come from?
COACH: I'm just a calm, even-keeled individual, and that helps the players know what to expect.

I don't have many bad days. I get to coach soccer for a living, so I feel very blessed and lucky. It's just my nature—I don't get too high or too low, and that stability benefits the players.

Q. What was key in getting returners like Josie and Sophie to stay with the program through the coaching change?
COACH: The spring was important for building their comfort level with the new staff. The togetherness of this group was tight regardless of the coaching change, which speaks volumes about the program. They're a tight-knit group, and no one wanted to leave.

Once they saw the benefits and liked the stylistic changes we were making, it helped retain everybody. That was crucial because it allowed us to build on what was already established rather than starting a complete rebuild.

Q. Did you keep track of Iowa's growth as a program over the last few years while you were at Xavier?
COACH: Yes, you always pay attention to other programs around your level. I was fully aware that the program was growing, making consistent runs in the NCAA Tournament, and performing well. I came in fully aware of the standards and expectations here.

Q. What has it been like working with Athletic Director Beth Goetz, given her background in soccer?
COACH: That was actually part of the attraction of this job—having a female athletic director who played the game, coached, and truly values soccer. Having leadership at the top that values what we do is a huge plus for our team.

She gives us space to do our jobs and doesn't interfere with practices, but she and the entire administration have been incredibly supportive.

Q. You have a scrimmage today and an exhibition against Kansas coming up. What are you hoping to get out of these exhibition games?
COACH: We want to figure out player relationships and see who plays well alongside each other. We have a deep group, which means I'll have to make some tough decisions. That's a great problem to have because we can rotate players without lowering our standard.

Right now, it's about building on-field chemistry and structure while letting them play, express themselves, and compete.

Q. What goals have you discussed as a team, and how does your schedule set you up to achieve them?
COACH: Our main goal is to get better every day. If we focus on the process, the results will take care of themselves.

We have significant travel and challenging opposition ahead, but we can only control how we practice, prepare, and recover. Focusing on our process rather than our opponents is the priority.

Q. Iowa was ranked 10th in the preseason Big Ten poll. Do you use that as motivation, or do you prefer to ignore preseason rankings?
COACH: It can serve as motivation. It reflects outside opinions, but to be honest, I don't focus on outside noise. I care about the opinions within our team. It can light a fire under us to prove people wrong, but it’s not our main focus.

Q. You built a successful program at Xavier. What made you want to take on this new position?
COACH: I'm naturally competitive and driven to compete at the highest level. The Big Ten and Power Four conferences represent where top-tier college athletics are going, and I wanted to be a part of that environment.

Q. How do you plan to sustain the momentum with home attendance and fan engagement that the program has built recently?
COACH: It comes down to connecting with the community. We’ve done that through our summer camps and opening our doors for events like the Black and Gold scrimmage.

Ultimately, it depends on whether we can play an entertaining style of soccer, score goals, and get results that make people want to come out and support us.

Q. What key factors are you looking at when deciding on your starting goalkeeper?
COACH: It's a complex decision because it's not just about stopping shots. We need a goalkeeper who can distribute the ball and help us build attacks from the back.

We have younger goalkeepers who may lack extensive game experience, but learning on the job is often the best way to grow. We're looking for a balance of presence, shot-stopping, command on crosses, and distribution skills.

Q. How close are they to reaching that standard right now?
COACH: They're doing well. It's a difficult decision right now, which speaks to our depth and competition at the position. I won't reveal which way I'm leaning just yet, though (laughter).