Mustafa Bakirdan Joins Women’s Soccer Coaching Staff

Will serve as an assistant coach

7/11/2025 3:00:00 PM

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Illinois Wesleyan University women's soccer head coach Oz Bakirdan adds a full time assistant coach to his coaching staff with the addition of Titan men's soccer alumni Mustafa Bakirdan to the staff announced Friday, July 11. It is the first full-time assistant in the program's history.

Mustafa Bakirdan joins the Titan women's soccer coaching staff after earning his degree in mathematics from IWU in May. A four-year member of the IWU men's soccer program, he helped lead the team to its first-ever College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Tournament Championship and NCAA appearance in 2023 during his junior campaign.

"I am incredibly fortunate to have my son, Mustafa, join our coaching staff this season," said Oz Bakirdan. "Having him by my side is truly a special moment for both of us, and I couldn't be more proud to see him step into this role. His knowledge of the game, ability to connect with players, and passion for Illinois Wesleyan as a former student-athlete will be invaluable to our program as we continue to build on our success. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to our upcoming season."

He joins a staff led by his father, Oz Bakirdan, that also includes volunteer assistant coach Ron Smith. Former Titan standout Caelyn Steffens is also back for her second stint on staff as a part-time assistant coach.

An active member of the campus community, Mustafa Bakirdan served stints as recruitment chair and philanthropy chair of the Theta Chi Fraternity, Beta Rho Chapter, as well as holding positions as a teaching assistant in Illinois Wesleyan's mathematics department and serving as a Titan Orientation Leader. A native of Morton, Ill., Mustafa Bakirdan was a College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honoree, a multiple time College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin All-Academic selection, and regularly made the Dean's list at Illinois Wesleyan.

Mustafa Bakirdan brings a slew of coaching experience, including most recently working as a volunteer coach during the IWU women's soccer spring training. Additionally, he conducts one-on-one training sessions with junior high and high school athletes in the Morton and Bloomington areas with a focus on skill development. Mustafa Bakirdan also brings experience coaching with Morton United FC, a club soccer team in his hometown.

The father-and-son duo of Oz and Mustafa Bakirdan will officially begin in August with the first contest of the 2025 season set for Aug. 29.

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