VERMILLION, S.D. -- The University of South Dakota has named Marcia Oliveira as the head coach of the women's soccer team, as announced by Director of Athletics Joel Nielsen. Oliveira, who has spent the past six seasons as the head coach at NCAA Division I Sam Houston State University, replaces Becky Heiberger.

"The University of South Dakota is pleased to welcome coach Oliveira to the Coyote family," said Nielsen. "We were very impressed with the work Marcia has done at Sam Houston State, building that program from the ground up and turning it into a competitive NCAA Division I program. I believe that Marcia will guide the Coyote soccer team in the right direction as we head to Division I."

While at Sam Houston State (Texas), Oliveira had the difficult task of not only competing against NCAA Division I competition but also building the program from the ground up. She was hired at SHSU in 2002 and one year later had the team ready for competition. The Bearkats made significant strides under the direction of Oliveira. In 2003 they were ranked sixth nationally out of the 13 first-year programs in Division I and in 2004 they closed out the season with their first Southland Conference win by defeating Southeastern Louisiana in overtime. In 2005 the team advanced to the Southland Conference Tournament championship game after going 5-2-1 to close out the season. This past season, Oliveira guided SHSU to a school record six wins.

"I'm very excited to be a part of the Coyotes' transition to Division I in all aspects," said Oliveira. "I am looking forward to guiding the soccer team to perform at its best at the Division I level. Passion goes with Red! Go Yotes!"

In 2006 the Bearkats earned their first win against an opponent from a major conference, defeating the SEC's Mississippi State 1-0 in overtime. The win came one year after they suffered a heartbreaking loss to Texas Tech, losing 3-2 in overtime. While at Sam Houston State, Oliveira coached eight players who earned all-conference honors and four players who were named to the Southland Conference All-Tournament team. In 2005, despite falling in the championship game, SHSU's Raquel Bueno was named the tournament MVP.

Oliveira had the experience of building a completely new program prior to her arrival at Sam Houston State. In 1999 she began building a new soccer program at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (Texas). The team reached its pinnacle under Oliveira in 2001 by posting a 10-6-1 record and advancing to the American Southwest Conference playoffs. In three seasons at Mary Hardin-Baylor, she produced seven all-conference performers.

Since 2002, Oliveira has served on the support staff in the United States for the Brazilian Soccer Federation. She has served in an administrative, scouting and training role as the Brazilian team prepared for the 2003 World Cup, the 2004 Olympic Games and the 2007 World Cup. She is a member of the National Soccer Coaches of America Association (NSCAA), United States Soccer Federation (USSF), National Association of Collegiate Women Athletic Administration (NACWAA), NCAA Women's Coach Academy and the Brazilian Soccer Coaches Association.

Oliveira, who is a native of Brazil, earned her bachelor's degree in psychology and exercise and sport science from Mary Hardin-Baylor in 1995. While working on her bachelor's degree, she was also a member of the UMHB women's basketball team. In 1998 she received her master's degree in physical education-pedagogy from the University of Northern Colorado. She is doctorate candidate in education leadership at Sam Houston State, scheduled for graduation in 2008.

The University of South Dakota finished the 2007 season with a 7-10-3 record overall and were 4-7-1 in the NCC. The Coyotes will begin their first year of transition to NCAA Division I in 2008.