Mateus Named Loyola Women's Soccer Head Coach

April 18, 2005

Chicago, Ill. - Frank Mateus (pronounced Mah-toose), who has coached at all levels, has been named head women's soccer coach at Loyola University Chicago it was announced today. A USSF National "B" licensed coach, Mateus has previously coached three current Loyola soccer players.

"Frank Mateus has worked on every level of coaching in the greater Chicagoland area and has been successful at each stop," Loyola Director of Athletics John Planek said. "He has coached some of our Loyola student-athletes at the club level and those that he has instructed were impressed by his coaching ability. With his experience in developing players and his experience working with Loyola athletes, his candidacy became an attractive one. We are excited and confident that he can continue to elevate our program."

Since 1997, Mateus has served as the President and Director of Coaching for the Rockford Raptors and Dactyls F.C., a club that has been recognized as one of the elite clubs in both Illinois and the Midwest, and has produced over 130 college players in the last seven years. Mateus coached current women's players Mary Dale and Megan McDonald with the Raptors, while also coaching Rambler men's player Jon Zabikow.

"I am extremely excited about this opportunity and can't wait to get started," Mateus said. "I have always thought highly of Loyola and of the soccer program there. Being familiar with some of the current athletes and coaches makes me feel even more comfortable."

In addition to his coaching at the club level, Mateus has also served stints as head boys coach at Notre Dame High School in Niles (1994-96) and head girls coach at St. Viator High School (1994-96). He guided St. Viator to a 42-13-6 record and a regional championship.

Also an experienced coach at the collegiate level, Mateus was the head men's and women's coach at Rockford College from 2002-03, earning NIIC Coach of the Year honors in 2002. He got his feet wet at the collegiate level from 1991-94 as head women's coach and assistant men's coach at Benedictine University.

Story Courtesy of Bill Behrns, Loyola Sports Information