The Women Coaching Top D1 Women’s College Soccer Programs
The number of female head coaches at top-tier divisions in college and professionally is growing. In the past, the thought of women coaching was not even an option. But, as times are changing, there have been more and more opportunities for women to be head coaches at the highest levels. Additionally, there has been a movement to increase women coaching girl’s and women’s soccer. Let’s look at several women coaching at some of the top Division I women’s college soccer programs.
Amanda Cromwell – UCLA
To start, UCLA is one of the best D1 women’s soccer programs in the nation. An entirely female coaching staff leads the women’s team. Amanda Cromwell has been the head coach at UCLA for seven seasons. During her time, the Bruins have made the College Cup three times, and she led her squad to the NCAA Championship in 2013. This season the Bruins are on a five-game winning streak to start before PAC-12 play begins. Not only is Cromwell creating a positive environment with her Bruin squad, but she has also had several student-athletes move on to play at the professional level.
Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak – University of Central Florida
Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak had a stellar career at the University of North Carolina during her playing days before becoming a coach. Sahaydak joined the UCF Knights in 2013. She helped the program maintain its standing as one of the best teams in the AAC. Additionally, she earned AAC coach of the year three times, the Knights have made it to four NCAA tournament bids and four AAC titles. They started their season with a 2-2 record, but Sahaydak pushes her squad to compete and remain at the top of the table.
Jennifer Rockwood – BYU
“We’re still gonna try and win championships, get to the NCAA and be one of the best teams in the country.” – Jen Rockwood on the @Big12Conference announcement
» https://t.co/SmX2OUBkXp pic.twitter.com/sloIT4Tm5M
— BYU Women's Soccer (@byusoccer_w) September 10, 2021
BYU is another prestigious women’s soccer program that longtime head coach Jennifer Rockwood leads. Rockwood started the women’s soccer program at BYU and recently picked up her 400th college soccer win as a coach. Going back to 1995, when Rockwood started her career at BYU, she accumulated several accolades that make her one of the most experienced and respected head coaches in the college soccer world. BYU has made six Sweet 16 appearances and the Elite Eight three times. In addition, the team started their season with a 3-2 record remaining undefeated at home.
Shelley Smith – University of South Carolina
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The University of South Carolina is another powerhouse team in the SEC. The Gamecocks are led by Shelley Smith, who in the 2020 season hit her 300-win milestone. Smith enters her 21st season with U of SC. Her squad advanced to the College Cup multiple times, making them a regular NCAA tournament team. Additionally, Smith has had 15 All-American honors and several All-SEC honors. This reflects her influence on her players to play at their best.
Erica Dambach – Penn State University
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Erica Dambach leads Penn State University’s women’s soccer program. Dambach not only has experience at the collegiate level, but she is also a familiar face with the U.S. National team as she assists youth national teams and even the senior squad. As she enters her 15th season with the Nittany Lions, her squad has had 14-straight NCAA tournament appearances and recently were named Big 10 regular season champions. Dambach’s experience at the highest level of play has created a competitive and winning mentality with her team, reflected through her accolades and titles.
Nikki Izzo-Brown – West Virginia University
Nikki Izz0-Brown is another Division I women’s soccer head coach at West Virginia University. As she enters her 26th season at WVU, she creates a winning culture with her team, making them a national power program. The Mountaineers have five straight regular-season titles, three conference tournament crowns, and have made it to the College Cup. In addition, Izzo-Brown has had several players turn professional after their college career, 25 All-Americans, and several All-Big 12 awards.
There are several other inspiring female head coaches in the Division I game, which is amazing to see as they show younger generations the power of being a woman. It is amazing to see more women enter the collegiate game as head coaches, and hopefully, some of these coaches will work their way to the NWSL.
Featured image via @ucf.wsoccer on Instagram
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