MIDWAY, Ky. -- Midway University has announced the hiring of Warren Lipka as the head coach of the Eagle women's soccer program.

Lipka brings over 30 years of coaching experience at the NCAA Division-I level at the University of Kentucky and Morehead State University.

"It's an honor to be selected as the next women's soccer coach at Midway University," said Lipka. "I would like to thank President Dr. Marsden and Dr. Morgan for their time and efforts in bringing me to Midway."

Lipka added, "I look forward to meeting the team and working toward out next conference championship."

Lipka's most recent coaching stop came at Morehead State University where he served as the women's soccer head coach for 13 years from 2009-2021. During his tenure, he had great success and helped lead the Eagles to the highest ranks of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC).

Under Lipka's leadership, the Eagles won the OVC Regular Season Championship in 2009 and 2010 before winning the OVC Tournament Championship and a berth to the NCAA Tournament in 2010 and 2013.

Because of his success, Lipka was named the OVC Coach of the Year on three occasions in 2009, 2010 and 2013. He also coached numerous All-OVC selections during his time with the Eagles.

Lipka began his tenure at the University of Kentucky as an assistant with the men's soccer program from 1990-92 before helping start the women's soccer program in 1991.

His first women's team was fielded in 1992 and during his 16 years at the helm, he amassed 182 career wins and compiled a 71-56-10 record in matches with the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Lipka helped lead the Wildcats to the SEC Regular Season and Tournament Championship in 1995 before making a run to the Tournament Championship in 2006. He also helped guide the Wildcats to the NCAA Tournament in 1995, 1996, 2001, 2002 and 2006.

Lipka enjoyed individual success during his time with the Wildcats as he was named SEC Coach of the Year three times in 1995, 1999 and 2006. He was also named the Great Lakes Region Coach of the Year in 1999.

"I am excited to welcome Coach Lipka to the Midway family," said Dr. Heath Morgan, Vice President of Athletics and Student Affairs. "He has a proven track record of success in women's soccer at high levels of play. I believe he is the person to lead our program to new heights both on and off the field."

He also has a bevy of professional experience, as a player, coach and in administration. From 1989-91, Lipka was the general manager and head coach of the Indiana Kick of the National Professional Soccer League.

He also played for the Ft. Wayne (Ind.) Flames of the American Indoor Soccer Association from 1986-89. He was the MVP in 1987 and 1988. In 1991, he concluded his professional career with the Detroit Rockers in the NPSL.

In addition to his collegiate coaching resume, Lipka has been heavily involved in youth soccer programs in Kentucky. He was a member of the Region II Olympic Development program staff, serving as head coach from 1992-94, and was also director of the Kentucky Kickers Soccer Club during that period.

 On the international level, Lipka was the head goalkeeping coach for the United States Under-19 and Under-21 national teams in 2003. His Under-21 team allowed just two goals in four matches and won the Nordic Cup title for the fifth time in five seasons.

Lipka graduated from the University of South Carolina where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Hotel/Restaurant Tourism. He enjoyed a phenomenal playing career with the Gamecocks and was later inducted in to the University of South Carolina athletics Hall of Fame.