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When a head coaching job opened up at Edgewood College, Alexander seized the opportunity. But it wasn’t an easy task building up two programs with few resources, especially on the men’s side. Alexander tried to raise recruiting interest by booking games at Breese Stevens Field, where the University of Wisconsin’s teams played at the time. The move provided an exciting atmosphere and more credibility. With hard work, Alexander’s teams eventually broke through on the men’s and women’s sides. During his tenure, the Eagles have won a combined 11 Lake Michigan Conference regular-season titles and eight tournament championships. Alexander says that juggling both teams can get pretty overwhelming at times (he’s also had stints as the men’s baseball and tennis coach at Edgewood). But luckily for him, he hasn’t had to do everything on his own. “He’s got some assistants that share his passion and relate very well to his players,” Brisack said. “That’s important because he can’t be in two places at once, so he has to rely on those assistants quite a bit.” Lombardino, who also credited the work of an assistant coaching staff that includes former Eagles standout Kevin Winter, said Alexander is organized to the point of being laughable. “I actually don’t know how he does it year after year,” Lombardino said. “To me, it seems like an enormous challenge, but he has it so well laid out. By the preseason meetings, he not only has each team’s practices scheduled for the year, he’s even got the bus schedule for away games set.” Putting players first Alexander said he still learns new things about coaching every year. In particular, he’s had to implement varying styles between the men and women.
On the field, it’s common for him to jump into a practice drill to personally demonstrate what he wants to see occur, rather than just offer constructive criticism. And while his skills in analyzing the strengths and weaknesses both of his team and the opponent yield solid game plans, Alexander enjoys being able to turn his players loose on the field, to let them make the decisions. Off the field, he is credited with developing a loyal group of program alumni, which he honors with occasional write-ups for the Edgewood College athletics website. “He’s out for his players, through and through,” Lombardino said. While soccer is Alexander’s primary focus, he hasn’t lost sight of the importance of being a student-athlete, especially at a small college like Edgewood. “I’ve told a lot of recruits, even if you don’t come here and play soccer, go to school here,” said Alexander, who is practicing what he preaches by pursuing a master’s degree in Religious Studies at Edgewood. “That’s what it’s about, kids coming here and getting an education.” Alexander said he hasn’t thought too much about the significance of the approaching milestone, which can be achieved with three more victories by the Eagles’ men. They’ll have to press to make it happen this season, as Edgewood has just two regular-season games remaining and at least one match in the NAC tournament. Instead, Alexander gives credit to all the individuals who have helped him attain this success. “It’s an honor to be recognized, but it’s not something that I strived to get—it just comes along with the longevity of being here,” he said. “To me it’s more about the kids; they’re the ones who go out and get the victories. They’re the ones that you’re glad to see get honored at the end of the year because they deserve it.” Below Left: Head coach Tim Alexander addresses the men’s soccer team before their season opening match. Below Right: Head coach Tim Alexander and senior Anthony Colletti exchange a handshake before the game.
WINTER.09//Edgewood College magazine
“I think he’s realized over time that with the women’s team he has to be a little softer,” senior midfielder Tammi Hagensick said. “With the men he can yell at them and that gets them fired up, but with our women’s team he has to approach it differently.”
Much of Alexander’s approach, though, is the same for both teams.
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“It started out as just something fun, helping kids with something I knew,” he said. “I had just gotten done playing and thought, ‘I’ll give something back.’ The longer I stayed, the more I enjoyed it.”