Heather Birdsell enters her second year as a member of the ETSU soccer staff. After an outstanding player career Birdsell continues to advance as a coach, earning both her USSF National D License for coaching and NSCAA Regional Goalkeeper Diploma I and II during her first season for the Bucs.
The Plano, Texas, native comes to the Tri-Cities after a strong playing career at Samford University. Birdsell had one of the most decorated careers in Bulldog history, being named a four-time All-OVC First-team member and was a member of the all-southeast region team three consecutive years. She ranks among Samford’s all-time top-five players, both in goals and assists and is ranked in the top-10 in points and games played.
During her illustrious playing career at Samford, Birdsell led the Bulldogs to a pair of NCAA tournament appearances, three OVC regular season championships and an OVC tournament title. Birdsell was at her best when on the grand stage, helping the Bulldogs advance to the second round of the NCAA tournament against No. 19-ranked Vanderbilt.
Off the field Birdsell excelled in the classroom, making the Dean’s list all but one semester of her undergraduate career. She has spent time coaching the local club team in Johnson City, in addition to being a coach for the U-11 Briarwood Soccer Club and Charlotte Eagles soccer camps. Overall, Birdsell has spend numerous hours helping with the Urban Kidz after school program, Habitat for Humanity, Lakeshore Foundation Olympic and Paralympics training site, Mercedes Marathon and Dawson 5K and St. Martin’s In The Pines Nursing Home.
A 2008 graduate from Samford University, with a degree in Sports Medicine, Birdsell enters her second year of graduate school and is expected to graduate with a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology and Sports Science in May of 2010.
Birdsell File
Education: Samford, 2008
Playing Career: Samford (2004-2008)
Coaching Career:
Year School
2008-present ETSU Assistant Coach
