Courtesy Photo and Graphic | Cornerstone University Athletics, Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference
MICHIGAN SOCCER NETWORK: MSN NEWS: www.michigansoccernetwork.com/msnnews
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – It is now the Sam Tracey era for Cornerstone University’s women’s soccer program.
Tracey was named the Golden Eagles new head coach back on July 10 and she began the 2024 campaign this week at the Grand Rapids-based NAIA school, as many colleges and universities across the country began training camp or official practices this week.
Longtime coach Randy Strawser announced his retirement last spring after 24 seasons at the helm of the Golden Eagles program, leaving the door open for a new head coach to take the reins.
“I am very excited to have Sam join our athletic team here at Cornerstone,” said Cornerstone University Director of Athletics Aaron Sagraves in a press release. “From day one of the process, I could see that her mission fit in exactly with what we want to strive for here on campus. She desires to create a program that strives for excellence in spiritual growth, academics achievement, and athletics success. She experienced all of those as a student athlete at Spring Arbor and now wants to create that for the next generation.”
Tracey comes to Cornerstone University with a significant soccer background, spending her life around the sport and wanting to teach and grow other athletes. In coaching, she has spent the last two years as an assistant at Grand Valley State University where she helped them to a GLIAC championship, NCAA Division II regional championship, and earning the GLIAC Goalkeeper of the Year honors.
On the youth club side of the soccer pyramid, Tracey also coaches for Midwest United FC, mentoring young female soccer athletes on various levels.
Prior to coaching, Tracey played for Spring Arbor University where she was an NAIA National Tournament champion and three-time Crossroads League Champion along with numerous postseason honors, including NAIA All-American, CoSIDA Academic All-American of the Year, CoSIDA Academic All-American First Team, All-America Second Team and All-Conference First Team as a standout goalkeeper. Tracey would graduate from Spring Arbor University after four years where she earned her Bachelor's in Arts, Mathematics Secondary Education.
Tracey is thrilled to get her start as a head coach in collegiate soccer.
“I could not be more excited for this opportunity to lead the Cornerstone University women’s soccer program,” said Tracey in a press release “I have a passion for leading and empowering women to be their absolute best in their academic, athletic, and faith journeys, and I feel so blessed to be afforded this opportunity at Cornerstone University. I'm thrilled for the opportunity to stay in Grand Rapids and be back in the NAIA at an institution that prioritizes both the pursuit of excellence and equipping athletes for their kingdom work beyond their time as a student-athlete. I cannot wait to begin growing our community partnerships and alumni network to surround these athletes and build the kingdom of God.”
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MICHIGAN-BASED PMG NOW BOOKING BROADCASTS FOR ALL LEVERLS OF SOCCER
BY DAN STICKRADT
DIRECTOR OF NEWS
BUSINESS LINE: (248) 525-2349
TW/X: @msn_stickradt @MiSoccerNetwork
SHELBY TWP., Mich. – The Premier Media Group is expanding its broadcast net.
And we want you.
The Michigan-based PMG, founded in 2022, its flagship production the Michigan Soccer Network and all other affiliates, is actively scheduling games in a wide variety of high school leagues and conferences, small colleges, amateur, pre-professional, youth club, and other avenues of the beautiful game in Michigan.
The schedule for the fall semester is starting to fill up across Michigan.
The daily connections are being made and the spreading of our brand has brought in great reviews.
Would the coaches, administration, student-athletes, players and fans like for us to broadcast a game near you?
Regardless of the now-popular remote broadcast games, on-location broadcast games, on-location shows or in-studio daily shows, there is a simple process. Visit the website www.michigansoccernetwork.com or click below for details.
PMG will also be holding various “Win A Free Broadcast” contest at various parts of the fall, winter (indoor) and spring seasons.
"(Michigan Soccer Network) has does a great job making these kids feel special,” offered Michal Hatfield, girls soccer coach at Trenton High School who also coaches in the Detroit City FC youth club system. “The broadcasts were professionally done and we were very pleased when they did our games. They did a great job with (play-by-play), graphics and postgame interviews with the kids. And a lot of people saw it. We had uncles and aunts that have never seen their nieces play get a chance to watch them on YouTube). And all of the kids were able to jump on there (the YouTube channel) afterwards and watch the game.”
The MSN staff had the pleasure of broadcasting multiple games the last two school years for schools in the Oakland Activities Association and have received its fair share of feedback. The goal is to conduct broadcasts of games throughout the state of Michigan, especially in the larger populated regions.
“MSN has done a great job with broadcasts in our league (Macomb Area Conference),” said Trevor Foster, current head coach of the Romeo girls soccer program, goalkeepers coach for Oakland University’s soccer programs, and director at the Michigan Goalkeepers Academy. “I know the girls love it. And I know some of the parents were putting their earphones on and listening to the game when they were (in the stands) and it gives relatives a chance to watch games that they normally wouldn’t be able to.
“It’s as close to professional (broadcast) as any broadcast of high school soccer that you will see out there,” added Foster. “Plus, they do all types of (amateur and pre-professional) leagues out there (in Michigan).”
“We were very pleased, especially with the knowledge of high school soccer in the state of Michigan from the play-by-play announcers and color commentators,” said Todd Heugh, the current director of athletics at Troy Athens High School and a former coach at the school. “They put together a valuable (product) and the games are live on YouTube for everyone to watch, even if you are (a relative or an alumni) not in the area. I know coaches go on there (YouTube), too, to watch games of an upcoming opponent.”
The PMG staff has a goal of 100-plus games this fall from mid-August through November. The Michigan Soccer Network conducted a record 50 remote or in-person broadcasts during the month of June.
PMG also has contacts within Michigan, the Midwest and even in different parts of the U.S. and have become broadcast partners for more than 15 different leagues or franchises within those leagues over the past three years. PMG has multiple broadcasting rights for within the USL-League Two, USL-W League, UPSL, MWPL, NISA, WSPL and more and constantly expanding its web of coverage both on various YouTube channels and on our website at www.michigansoccernetwork.com. It has broadcasted more high school boys soccer and high school girls soccer at more than 75 high schools in Michigan.
“MSN has been a great media partner for the Bucks and AFC,” said Costa Papista, President of the Flint City Bucks and Flint City AFC of the USL-League Two and USL-W League, respectively. “The production and overall quality of our live broadcasts are professional grade. Flint City fans, sponsors and supporters greatly appreciate the MSN quality. We are always receiving excellent feedback and comments from our fans and visiting fans as well.”
And now the busy season starts in earnest with high school, college and youth club team beginning the 2024-25 school year.
To schedule a game or to consult team members of our broadcast, reach out to the following persons in the PMG family of networks: Broadcast Director Jonathan Turner, 248-525-2083, jonathan@thepremeiermediagrp.com or new Director of Scheduling / Office Manager Alaina Gagnon, at agagnon@thepremiermediagrp.com and inquire about the broadcast options, packages, special packages and more.
For news on the soccer scene in Michigan, check out the MSN website at www.michigansoccernetwork.com for daily updates, game recaps, feature stories, previews and more for teams, players and coaches from a wide variety schools, amateur teams, colleges and youth club teams.
The PMG and MSN staff will continue to reach for its goal of providing quality broadcast on any network and in-depth coverage and content on it website.
INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE
Interested in internships in broadcasting, communications, journalism, public relations or sales and marketing in the sports world? The Premier Media Group is seeking applications for current college students or students entering their senior or junior years of high school that have a career interest in working in different capacity of a constantly-evolving media world.
Contact both Broadcast Director Jonathan Turner at 248-525-2083 or jonathan@thepremeiermediagrp.com and Web and Content Editor / Director of News Dan Stickradt at (248) 525-2349 and dstickradt@thepremeiermediagrp.com.
(Have a story suggestion for the Premier Media Group and the Michigan Soccer Network regarding club soccer, high school varsity, amateur soccer, collegiate soccer or professional soccer involving teams, players or coaches with Michigan ties, contact Communications Specialist/Web and Content Editor/Director of News Dan Stickradt via email at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com or dstickradt@thepremiermediagrp.com, or call 248-884-1051 or 248-525-2349. Dan Stickradt is a 31-year veteran of the Michigan Media circles and recently joined the staff full time in March of 2024. Want to schedule a broadcast game or live show, contact PMG/MSN Director of Broadcasting Jonathan Turner for availability and pricing at jonathan@michigansoccernetwork.com and jonathan@thepremeiermediagrp.com.)
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