Oklahoma Baptist University has hired Michael White as head coach of the women's soccer team, it was announced Monday.

White takes over the duties from Brent Coates, who remains as head men's soccer coach. Both head coaches will have their own assistant coach.

"It's been something we've needed to do for a while," said athletic director Dr. Norris Russell. "Having one coach over two team sports is not the best situation. We're happy to have a man like Mike White here in place. He has a lot of experience with women's collegiate soccer and he's a good, stable man. This move will help both our women's and our men's programs."

White came to OBU two years ago, but has been interested in the program for much longer.

"It has been a long time coming for me," White said. "I've wanted to be a part of OBU soccer since the program began. It's a sweet time. I fell honored to take over the program."

Having been an assistant coach at OBU for two seasons, White already has built a relationship with the players.

"The support I've felt from our girls has been great," White said. "One of the reasons I wanted to be the head coach was because of how receptive they have been to my coaching style."

White, who was a four-year player and captain at Samford University from 1988-92, was head women's soccer coach at Montreat College for five seasons. He also coached both men and women at Stratford Academy in Macon, Ga.

White also is a certified United States Soccer Federation coach with a national ‘A' Level Coaching License. A graduate of Samford, he holds a bachelor's degree in physical education and a master's degree from the University of Alabama-Birmingham in sport administration.

He also spent two years as a youth sports developer in Cambodia and Uzbekistan as part of the Southern Baptist International Mission Board.