COMMERCE – Texas A&M University-Commerce has announced the resignation of Head Soccer Coach Neil Piper, effective later this month.  
 
Piper recently completed his 24th season as head coach of the Lion program, with an overall record of 271-154-40, while leading the Lions to eight Lone Star Conference titles in six different seasons (regular season champions in 1999, 2003, 2014 and 2016 and tournament champions in 1999, 2004, 2014 and 2015).

"I have truly enjoyed my 24 years as head women's soccer coach at A&M-Commerce," Piper said. "Taking over a young program and building it up into a regional and national contender has been a great honor. I was able to develop great relationships within the university and Commerce community. I would especially like to thank all of the student-athletes who I have been fortunate to coach over the years. I will take with me many special memories. I do feel it is the right time to look for a new challenge and I can't wait to see what lies ahead."

A two-time LSC Coach of the Year, Piper has coached 30 players who have earned a combined 51 First Team All-LSC honors.  Piper's 271 career victories ranks him in the top 20 of active Division II head coaches for total wins, while his .626 winning percentage also ranks among the nation's top-40 active coaches with five years or more of Division II coaching experience.
 
"After our annual program evaluation and conversations about the program's future in its ascent to NCAA Division I, we agreed that it was an appropriate time for a transition in leadership," A&M-Commerce director of athletics Tim McMurray said. "Neil's contributions to A&M-Commerce and the Lion community during his time in Commerce are greatly appreciated, and we wish Neil and his family well in their next chapter."
 
A 1996 graduate of Wichita State University, with a bachelor's degree in education, Piper went on to complete his master's degree in Sports Administration in 1998 from WSU.