The Westminster College women's soccer program is entering a new era after announcing Wendy Sanchez as the Lady Blue Jays' next head coach.
Sanchez recently was an assistant coach - responsible for recruitment and retention - at State Fair Community College in Sedalia. She replaces Jen Dyson, who left Westminster after nine seasons to become head coach at Nebraska Wesleyan University.
"We are really excited about adding Coach Sanchez to our athletic staff," said James Arnold, Westminster's associate director of athletics. "During the interview process we were impressed with her experiences at a variety of levels and the fact that she herself was an NCAA Division III student-athlete.
"The committee and I were unanimous in believing that Coach Sanchez will be a great fit for our existing women's soccer roster and for years to come."
Before her stint at State Fair, Sanchez was an assistant coach for the varsity girls' soccer team at Canutillo (Texas) High School. She was also a private trainer for the Chicago Edge Soccer Club from August 2015-October 2016 in Oak Park, Illinois.
In addition to coaching, Sanchez plays competitively for the St. Louis Lions of the Women's Premiere Soccer League.
Sanchez holds a bachelor's degree in natural science and nutrition from Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois, where she was a member of the women's soccer team.
Ryan Boland can be reached at (573) 826-2422, or on Twitter @FultonSunSports.