HICKORY, N.C. – The Lenoir Rhyne University Bears announced on Apr. 22 that former University of Dayton Assistant Women's Soccer Coach Dean Ward would be named the school's next head coach for the 2022 season.
 
"This is a tremendous opportunity for Dean and his wife Jeri, to take the next step in his career while leading what has been a highly successful program," commented Flyers head women's soccer coach Eric Golz. "I am incredibly excited for this next step in the continued growth of his career, while also being incredibly grateful for his many and significant contributions in his time here at the University of Dayton. Dean has had a tremendous impact on the growth of our program, and his legacy will live beyond his time here in his impact on the women he coached as well as the incredibly talented women he has played a vital role in recruiting to Dayton.  He is a first class person, and a talented professional; he has been extremely loyal and committed to our program."
 
Ward joined the Flyers staff in 2017, following a five-year stint with the University of Tennessee. During his time with Dayton, Ward helped the Flyers earn Atlantic 10 Tournament berths in every season he was with the program and helped develop seven A-10 All-Rookie team players. Additionally, Ward coached seven players who were named to the A-10 All-Conference Team and seven to the A-10 All-Academic Team. Alexis Kiehl was named A-10 Offensive Player of the Year in 2017-18 with Itala Gemelli picking up the A-10 Rookie of the Year in 2020-21 and the league's Player of the Year in 2021.

Changes to the Flyers coaching staff as a result of this move will be announced in the near future, through DaytonFlyers.com and the team's social media accounts.