Aug. 7, 2003

LOGAN, Utah - Utah State head women's soccer coach Heather Cairns announced the hiring of two new assistant coaches for the 2003 season on Thursday. Caroline Putz and Megan Tanner join Brent Anderson in assisting coach Cairns this fall.

"This is a great addition to our team," said Cairns. "Both Caroline and Megan bring something unique to our team that will help us both on and off the field."

Putz, a native of Salt Lake City, Utah, joins the Aggies after completing a successful playing career that spands from high school to the national level. After being selected as division MVP, Umbro All-American, Parade All-American and State Player of the Year in both 1996 and 1997 at Bountiful High School, Putz attended the University of Washington. A four-year starter in the midfield, Putz led the Huskies to three NCAA Tournament appearances. UW won the Pac-10 championship in 2000 and advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16. Putz was a three-time all-Pac-10 selection and a two-time all-region performer.

"Caroline is going to bring a whole new perspective to our team," said Cairns. "She has been coached by some of the best coaches in the country and played with some of the best players in the country. We are fortunate to have a person of that caliber on our staff."

While attending UW in 2000, Putz was selected to the U.S. National Team. She earned her first full cap, playing for the team in a 4-1 victory over Italy July 7, 2000 at Central Islip, N.Y. With Putz earning a full cap, she became the first player from the state of Utah to earn a "cap" for participating with the national team in an international contest.

Tanner, a former four-year starter for the Utah State women's soccer team from 1999-2002, joins the Aggie coaching staff while finishing her student teaching at USU. Tanner is a native of South Jordan, Utah and attended Bingham High School.

While at Utah State, Tanner finished her career tied for second all-time in assists in a season as she had four in 2002. She is also 12th all-time in shots on goal in a season, recording 34 in 2001. Tanner excelled off the field as well, being named academic all-Big west in 2000 and 2001.

"Megan was very well respected last year and that is one of the main reasons we wanted to keep her involved with the team," said Cairns. "She is very defensive minded which will increase our awarness on that side of the ball."