LEBANON, Ill. - With the 2026 campaign for McKendree University Women's soccer set to kick off this week, the Bearcats prepare for not just their adversaries but also the capstone to the career of head coach Tim Strange. Strange, who enters his 28th season at the helm of the women's program and his 37th overall, will officially retire and relinquish the reins following the 2026 season. "It has been an honor to build and lead this program for so long. The athletes I have had the privilege to coach have allowed us to create a national brand in women's soccer and I can't wait to finish my career with another incredible season this fall.", said Strange. McKendree gets its season under way on August 27 with a road test at Saginaw Valley State before coming home to Leemon on August 30 and September 1 against Union (Tenn.) and Delta State while finishing non-conference play at Christian Brothers on September 3.

On October 11, McKendree Soccer welcomes back its alumni for a weekend of recognition and reunion as the Bearcats host William Jewell with a 2:30PM kickoff. RSVP information and further details for the event will be released and sent out soon.

Strange began his coaching career with the Bearcats as a men's soccer assistant coach immediately following his graduation from Saint Louis University in 1989. In 1994, he took over the men's soccer program while also grabbing the reins of the women's program in 1999, leading both through the 2011 season. His time at SLU saw him as a three-year starter while making trips to the NCAA Tournament every season with the Billikens along with an NCAA Elite Eight run. Before SLU, Strange was a Scott Gallagher standout, winning the 1984 State, Regional and National McGuire Cup while also making his mark at Rosary High School as an All-District, All-State, and All-American performer. In 2019, Strange was elected to the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame (https://stlsoccerhalloffame.com/member/strange-tim-2019/) with his storied success at all levels of soccer, both as a player and coach.

Under his direction, Strange has pushed a multitude of athletes to recognition with nearly 200 All-Conference performers (AMC, GLVC), over 60 postseason honors garnering Major Award, Regional, and National recognition. The four-decade head coach brought both the men's and women's programs to national prominence while creating more than just occasional successes, it set a standard in McKendree Athletics.

President Dobbins and Director of Athletics Anthony Francis on Strange's Impact
"Coach Strange has served this university with distinction for over 30 years and we celebrate his dedication and success on and off the field. Tim's passion for excellence, devotion to his craft, and overall drive are hallmarks of his contributions here at McKendree. We are excited to support Tim in his final season and celebrate what he has achieved during his amazing career coaching Bearcats." - Daniel Dobbins | President, McKendree University

"For more than three decades, Coach Strange has represented himself, his student-athletes, and McKendree University with an incredible level of professionalism, passion and class. Tim has built a soccer program that reflects the very best of who we are as an institution. One grounded in hard work, accountability, excellence, and the development of young men and women both on and off the field. His impact goes far beyond wins and losses. He has recruited and mentored generations of student-athletes, helping them grow into confident leaders, successful professionals, and outstanding members of their communities. We are incredibly grateful for the countless hours, sacrifices, and commitment Tim has given to McKendree soccer, and we will long celebrate the tremendous body of work he has assembled throughout his career. I look forward to cheering on our soccer programs this season and then supporting Coach Strange with his transition into the next stage of his life and career" - Anthony Francis | Director of Athletics, McKendree University

Strange on His Retirement
"Doing this for nearly four decades and accomplishing what these programs have in my time, it's incredible; but there comes a point when you know its time to wrap up one part of your career. My time in coaching has been nothing except a phenomenal experience and I have loved every second on the field teaching the game I love. This program has meant so much and seeing it from the early stages through national prominence makes me excited for its next chapter. We've become a standard in the league and region and I credit all those players who have trusted us and themselves to create something huge in the soccer world."