MOSCOW, Idaho Peter Showler, who spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach at Portland State University, has been hired as the next coach of the University of Idaho womens soccer program.
Showler, who holds a United States Soccer Federation (USSF) A coaching license, was hired as the third head coach in the seven-year history of the Idaho womens soccer program Wednesday. He replaces Royce Arby Busey, who resigned after three seasons.
I am very excited to take this position on, Showler said. I got a great feel for the staff and campus while I was here for my visit and the enthusiasm and family feeling are things I am really looking forward to becoming a part of. I plan to bring a lot of energy and passion to the position and hope it rubs off on the players in order to get this program turned around the way it is supposed to be.
Showler, a native of England, brings more than 17 years of coaching experience to Idaho. He began his coaching career in 1987 and was a player/coach for the University of Sunderland men's first team - equivalent to NCAA Division I - from 1989 to 1994. He started a women's program at the university in 1990 and guided the squad to a National Championship in 1990-91. He also served as the English Universities Women's National Team head coach from 1992 to 1994, winning the Four Nations Cup in 1993-94 and remaining unbeaten during his tenure. Showler also has worked in the professional game for Everton F.C. (English Premier League), Sunderland AFC (English League Division I), and Huddersfield Town F.C. (English League Division II).
In 1999, Showler headed to Oregon where he took on a variety of positions in the sport over the next five years. He began as an assistant director for Goal-Line Soccer Camps and was an Academy Coach for the FC Willamette Soccer Club in Eugene through 2001. He also was the Head Coach and Director of Player Development for the Salem United Soccer Club until 2003.
In 2000, Showler began working with the Oregon Youth Soccer Association (OYSA) as the head coach of the Olympic Development Program. He was awarded the OYSA/Nike Coach of the Year award for his work in leading the team to the 2001 Regional Championship. His work with the ODP team continued until 2004.
Showler gained more coaching experience in 2002 when he began working as a Staff Coach for the USSF Region IV OPD Program. He will continue to hold the position while coaching at Idaho.
In 2003, Showler signed on as an assistant coach at Portland State University where he helped guide the Vikings to a Big Sky Championship last season. While coaching at PSU in 2004, Showler also filled his time as a team head coach for the New Mexico Youth Soccer Association ODP Program and as a USSF License Clinician.
As a player, Showler most recently suited up for the Cascade Surge, playing in the PDL division of the United Soccer Leagues. He played college and semi-pro soccer in England before coming to the United States in 1999.
We are extremely excited to have Peter join our staff, said UI Director of Athletics Dr. Rob Spear. He comes with excellent credentials and is considered to be one of the best on-field coaches in the country. His maturity, teaching background and enthusiasm will make our soccer program competitive with other Western Athletic Conference teams.
Showler is single and has one daughter, Jemma Blythe, age 10.