Plymouth State University

Sammy Blizzard Bogardus took over as the acting head coach in early October of 2024. After guiding the Panthers back to the Little East Conference (LEC) Tournament for the first time in five seasons with a 2-2-1 record in conference play, she was elevated to head coach in November.
 
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 LEC Tournament finalist, in a first round matchup.
 
Blizzard Bogardus served as an assistant coach for the Panthers in 2023 and held the same role in the fall of 2024, before being promoted to acting head coach.
 
"I am incredibly honored and excited to take over as head coach of the women's soccer program at Plymouth State," said Blizzard Bogardus after her promotion. "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."
 
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."