Strickland Adds Wys and Williams to coaching staff

BOONE, N.C. - App State women's soccer head coach Sarah Strickland is excited to announce the hiring of assistant coaches, Kelsey Wys and Mitch Williams to the coaching staff. 

Both Williams and Wys bring a vast array of experience in their respective areas with invaluable skills from their playing background. Wys will be responsible for coaching the goalkeepers while Williams will act as the recruiting coordinator and coach the final third.

Kelsey Wys | Goalkeepers  

Wys comes to App State with a lauded playing career, having played four years at Florida State and has been involved with the national team three times. She played on several professional teams before coming to Appalachian.

"I want to thank Sarah and the of the administration for this opportunity. From the time I stepped on campus for my interview, it was clear that App State is a place peopled wanted to be. The University as a whole is moving in an exciting direction and I'm grateful to be a part of that. I'm looking forward to building relationships within our program and having a positive impact on the community."

Wys played as a goalkeeper for Florida State from 2010-2013 after redshirting the 2009 season. Wys' team had a winning record in all of her seasons as Seminole, claiming two ACC regular-season championships, two ACC tournament championships, and one NCAA tournament runner-up in 2013.

Wys was awarded NSCAA All-American Third Team honors in 2012. The goalkeeper was also selected for the NCAA All-Tournament Team in 2013. She racked up several ACC honors, including All-ACC First Team (2012), Second Team (2013), Tournament MVP (2011), All-Tournament Team (2011, 2013), and three ACC Player of the Week awards.

At Florida State, Wys finished her Seminole playing career holding 17 total goalkeeper records in school history. She was the career record holder for minutes played by goalkeeper (8,518), wins (74), shutouts (45.0) and starts (96); all-time leader in wins (29), shutouts (20.0), saves (132) and consecutive shutout minutes (621:10) in ACC games only; all-time leader in wins (16), shutouts (9.0) and saves (63) in NCAA Tournament games.

She was also the all-time single-season leader for minutes (2,614:01), shutouts (15), consecutive shutout minutes (788:48 – 2012), goals-against average (0.55), wins (23); all-time single-season leader in ACC games for shutouts (6); tied for the career record for all-time saves (297).

Mitch Williams | Recruiting Coordinator 

"Mitch's experience with creativity in the final third and high percentage goal scoring opportunities will also have an immediate impact on the team.  Mitch will also be adding to the program through his expertise with film breakdown for both our programs; as well as, opponents. Mitch will also serve as our recruiting coordinator."

Williams joins us from Florida State, where he graduated with his masters in Public Health in fall of 2019. During his time at FSU, Williams served as both a graduate assistant and volunteer assistant from 2017 through 2019.  The Seminoles showcased consistency in the postseason, highlighted by the 2018 National Championship and ACC Tournament title. His teams appeared in the NCAA Elite in 2019 and NCAA Sweet 16 in 2017.

Williams played soccer at Southern Illinois in Edwardsville for two years. There, he led his team to a Missouri Valley Conference Championship and made it to the second round of the NCAA tournament in 2014. After spending two years at SIUE, Williams transferred to the University of Mary Washington, where his team became a Capital Athletic Conference finalist in 2016. Williams graduated in 2017 with a bachelor's degree in Economics from MWU, and began his masters degree at Florida State shortly after.

"I want to thank coach Sarah Strickland, Jonathan Reeder, Makini Thompson and Doug Gillin for this tremendous opportunity," Williams said. "Appalachian State has a culture of excellence that runs deep in every aspect of the University. I am excited to get started with the staff, team and to help foster a culture of success on and off the field."

App State will begin its spring slate on Feb. 29 at NC State. Be on the lookout for a full release. 

Fans can meet both assistants at the one-day camp on March 1. 
 
What they're saying about Wys and Williams
 
"Kelsey was an outstanding player at Florida State and had a long career in the professional ranks. She was like a coach on the field during her playing days. I am certain that she will be a great addition to the Appalachian State women's soccer program."
- Florida State women's soccer head coach Mark Krikorian

"Mitch did an outstanding job during his time at Florida State. He is a bright young coach with a lot of great ideas. I look forward to watching him continue to grow while helping Appalachian State reach their goals."
- Florida State women's soccer head coach Mark Krikorian 

"Congratulations to Sarah Strickland and App State on adding Mitchell Williams to their soccer staff. His knowledge and passion for the game and coaching is infectious and he will be a great fit in Boone. Players love playing for him and he understands the demands of the environment."
- Virginia Tech women's soccer assistant coach Matt Gwillam 

"Kelsey is a great hire for App State. She comes with a wealth of knowledge built on an impressive playing career. Kelsey was instrumental during our most recent trip to the NEC tournament and I look forward to seeing her in this next opportunity." 
- Mount St. Mary's Women's soccer head coach Tori Krause