WASHINGTON - The staff is coming together for first-year head coach Phil Casella of American University women's soccer, as both Don Overmier and Michele Rodriguez-Smith join the Eagles as assistant coaches ahead of the 2026 season. Overmier spent the past 19 years at Drexel University, while Rodriguez-Smith brings a wealth of experience at various levels, including the last two seasons at Johns Hopkins.

"It took a little longer than I would have liked, but I am excited to welcome two individuals who checked all the boxes in what I was looking for," said Casella. "First, they are well-experienced, having coached at multiple levels of club, worked at the Olympic Development level, scouted for our national teams, and been part of two very good Division I women's soccer programs over the years. Second, when I look for a staff, I want coaches who know the game, who I can trust with the team, and who have a winning mentality. Lastly, they have an unbelievable work ethic that will be key in changing this program, and more importantly, they are great individuals who will serve as role models for our student-athletes."

Overmier was promoted to associate head coach at Drexel in 2019. The Dragons finished second in the CAA in 2022 while earning multiple all-conference honors and setting numerous program records. Drexel started that year 7-0-3, enjoying the second-longest winning streak to begin a season in CAA history, and was one of the last 10 teams nationally without a loss. In 2023, the Dragons secured their first victory over their West Philadelphia foe Saint Joseph's, blanking the Hawks 3-0. DU scored eight goals in the season finale against Hampton, the third most in program history. Drexel posted a 6-2-1 record at home, the most wins since the 2017 season. 

Prior to arriving at Drexel, Overmier served three seasons as an assistant women's soccer coach at Ursinus College, helping lead the Ursinus squad to the Centennial Athletic Conference semifinals in 2004 and 2005 and earn an invitation to the ECAC Tournament in 2005. Overmier brought over 15 years of coaching experience to Drexel at the high school and Olympic Development levels. In 2007, Overmier guided his Eastern Pennsylvania Under-17 team to the Region I championship.
 
A native of Lansdale, Pa., Overmier was a standout on the field at North Penn High School and played for the Eastern Pennsylvania Olympic Development Program. Overmier continued his career at the University of Pittsburgh where he played four years of collegiate soccer. He graduated from Pittsburgh in 1992 with a degree in computer science and received a Master of Science in management of information systems from Drexel in 1998. 

Rodriguez-Smith, who carries an extensive coaching background at the college, club and national levels, had two strong NCAA Tournament finishes in 2024 and 2025 with Johns Hopkins University. In her two seasons at Johns Hopkins, the Blue Jays advanced to the Division III NCAA Quarterfinals in 2024, and to the third round of the tournament in 2025. They posted an 18-3-3 record in her first season, winning a third straight Centennial Conference title and producing two All-Americans as well as a pair of Academic All-Americans. In 2025, Johns Hopkins finished 17-5-1, won a fourth straight Centennial Conference title, and once again produced two All-Americans as well as two Academic All-Americans.
 
A graduate of the University of Maryland, Rodriguez-Smith has served as the head coach at George Washington and at Notre Dame University with assistant coaching stops at Georgia and William and Mary.  She was also an assistant at George Washington for four seasons.  As the top assistant at Georgia, she helped the Bulldogs to a pair of appearances in the NCAA Tournament.

In addition to her work at the collegiate level, Rodriguez-Smith served as an Oppositional Analyst with the US Women's TST (The Soccer Tournament) Team and helped the team to titles in 2024 and 2025. Rodriguez-Smith also spent three years as an assistant coach and scout with the US Soccer Federation and four years as the director of the girls program with the Washington Capital United.  She also spent one year as an assistant coach with the Washington Spirit.

Rodriguez-Smith has a USSF B Coaching License and is scheduled to earn her Senior A badge in December 2025. She played collegiately at Maryland and earned her degree in behavioral and social sciences.

For the latest on American University Women's Soccer, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on X (formerly Twitter) (@AU_WSoccer) and Instagram (@au.wsoccer).