Joe Sagar

Joe Sagar is the new head women's soccer coach at Lawrence University.

Sagar came to Lawrence from Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill., where he had been serving as an assistant coach with the both the women's and men's programs.

"As soon as I got to campus I was excited about the possibility of working with the group of players," Sagar said. "Lawrence University is an exceptional learning institution and has athletic facilities to match. After talking with Christyn Abaray and current players it was clear theirs was a drive for success. It is an honor to be selected as the next leader of the Lawrence women's soccer program, and I am looking forward to getting to work as soon as possible."

A native of Manchester, England, Sagar has been working at Augustana since the 2014 season. During his four seasons with the Augustana women's program, the Vikings put together a 44-26-4 record and made one NCAA Division III Tournament appearance.

Sagar, who also serves as assistant director of residential life at Augustana, holds a United States Soccer Federation Class D coaching license. He also has earned an advanced national diploma and Level II goalkeeping diploma from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Sagar was a standout goalkeeper at McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill., and is the school's career record holder in saves (205), goals against average (0.90), victories (50) and shutouts (19). Sagar earned a bachelor's degree in physical education from McKendree in 2012 and graduated with a master's degree in educational leadership with an emphasis in higher education administration from the University of Nevada-Reno in 2014.

Before attending college, Sagar played professional soccer in Great Britain. He played with Glasgow Rangers FC for two years and helped that team win the Scottish Premier League Under 19 title and the Scottish Premier League Youth Cup in 2007. He also played for Porthmadog FC in the Welsh Premier League and made starting appearances for Porthmadog in the Welsh Cup.