By: Plymouth State University Athletics

PLYMOUTH, N.H. – After guiding the Plymouth State University women's soccer team back to the Little East Conference (LEC) Tournament for the first time in five seasons, acting head coach Sammy Blizzard Bogardus has been elevated to head coach.
 
Blizzard Bogardus was an assistant for the Panthers in 2023 and served in the same role this fall until being named acting head coach in early October. PSU responded with wins over WestConn and Keene State, before securing a spot in the LEC Tournament with a draw at UMass Dartmouth in the regular season finale.
 
"I am incredibly honored and excited to take over as head coach of the women's soccer program at Plymouth State University," said Blizzard Bogardus. "Having been part of this team as an assistant coach for the past two years, I have had the privilege of working closely with our student-athletes and have witnessed the hard work and dedication they bring to our program every day. I have grown a deep understanding of this team's culture, strengths and potential. I look forward to continuing to work alongside our student-athletes, coaches and support staff to build upon the strong foundation we have already established together."
 
In her first game as acting head coach, PSU stunned WestConn, 2-1, on Homecoming Weekend – the program's first win over the Wolves since the 2003 season. The Panthers knocked off Keene State on the road by the same score just 11 days later, marking PSU's first win in Keene in nearly 40 years.
 
Needing a point to keep its postseason hopes alive, Plymouth State earned a 1-1 draw at UMass Dartmouth in the regular season finale with a goal in the 83rd minute. PSU fell to WestConn, an eventual tournament finalist, in a first round game.
 
"I am thrilled to have Sammy lead our program forward," said Director of Athletics Kim Bownes. "Our women came on strong under her leadership this fall and she is both a wonderful role model and inspirational leader for our women."
 
Blizzard Bogardus spent three seasons as a varsity assistant and modified head coach at South Glens Falls (N.Y.) High School and served as Plymouth Regional High School varsity coach from 2021-22 prior to joining the staff at Plymouth State.
 
She was a four-year member of The College of Saint Rose (NCAA Division II) women's soccer team that made three straight NCAA Tournament appearances from 2013-15, including a run to the national semifinal in 2014. A Northeast-10 All-Rookie Team selection in 2013, Blizzard Bogardus earned Second Team All-NE-10 honors and NSCAA All-Region Third Team recognition as a senior after missing all but two games of her junior year to injury. She finished her career with 13 goals and five assists in 52 career games.
 
"My leadership will focus on building a strong team-oriented culture, fostering hard work, discipline and a relentless pursuit of improvement," Blizzard Bogardus added. "It is important to me to provide student-athletes with a competitive, yet encouraging environment where they can grow and thrive, both as athletes and individuals. I am excited for this opportunity and will strive to develop a team that is competing at the highest level in the LEC."