• Loading stock data...
Saturday, November 9, 2024
DEADLINE EXTENDED: The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open through Nov. 13 Learn More

Julianne Sitch First Woman to Lead NCAA Men’s Soccer Team to Title

  • University of Chicago Beats Williams College for Division III Crown.
  • Former NWSL player coached the Maroons to an undefeated season.
Players pour Gatorade on University of Chicago head coach Julianne Sitch after winning mens D-3 national championship
Courtesy of NCAA

It sounds like a movie script: Female soccer coach takes over a men’s college program – and leads it to a national championship in her first season.

But that implausible scenario became a reality this weekend as coach Julianne Sitch led the University of Chicago past Williams College in the Division III title game Saturday.

With the 2-0 win, Sitch made history as the first woman to lead an NCAA men’s soccer team to a national championship. 

In her first year as coach, Sitch coached the undefeated Maroons (22-0-1) to a school record for victories. The former DePaul University and NWSL Chicago Red Stars standout previously served two stints as an assistant with the program. 

“The credit goes to the team. I mean, these guys have never had a female coach before, and they embraced me as one of their own. For me, that will forever be a grateful moment,” she said after the win.

The historic moment gave U.S. soccer fans a boost the same day the U.S. Men’s National Team was knocked out of the 2022 FIFIA World Cup by the Netherlands.

“Way to go Julianne Sitch and congratulations to your team. Monumental day!” tweeted soccer legend Brandi Chastain. “Appreciate you giving a real example to what is possible and why there is NO NEED for BARRIERS to coaching, leading, teaching. Just marvelous.”

Sitch took over the program in April. 

Stitch and New York University’s Kim Wyant are the only women coaching men’s soccer in Division III, according to ESPN.

After Saturday’s barrier-busting victory, more doors could open for more women to lead men’s soccer programs.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Lululemon-Fanatics Collab With NHL Sees ‘Explosive’ First-Day Sales

The premium collection made up 80% of all NHL merch sales.
Feb 1, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CANADA; Team King defender Savannah Harmon (15) scores against Team Kloss goaltender Nicole Hensley (29) during the PWHL 3-on-3 Showcase during NHL All-Star Thursday at Scotiabank Arena.

PWHL Will Add Two Teams in Expansion Move

Possible new sites include Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Quebec City.
Running back Kalel Mullings (20) celebrates a touchdown against USC with teammates during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.

House v. NCAA Lawyers Amend Settlement to Address Concerns About Boosters and NIL

Judge Claudia Wilken had concerns about the definition of the word “booster.”
Mar 5, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta smiles during the third quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center.

Tilman Fertitta Is Finally Trying to Bring WNBA Back to Houston

Houston is the biggest U.S. market to not have a WNBA team.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

First College Football Playoff Rankings Mark New Era

0:00

Featured Today

Members of the NY Giants run onto the field to start the game between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.

The NFL Is Becoming the League With No Borders

Where will the NFL go next? International expansion will only get bigger.
November 5, 2024

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion
November 2, 2024

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.
Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump waves flanked by former Georgia Bulldogs player Herschel Walker, recording art Kid Rock, professional golfer John Daily, Alabama senators Tommy Tuberville (R) and Katie Britt (R) during the second half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
November 1, 2024

Mission Swing State: College Football’s Political Advertising Battle

Trump, Harris, and the PACs that support them are utilizing the sport.
Tigers Head Coach Brian Kelly as the LSU Tigers take on the Ole Miss Rebels at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, LA. Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024.

Source of LSU’s New Tiger Has History of Animal Abuse Allegations

LSU isn’t using the tiger that lives on campus for Saturday’s game.
Florida football coach Billy Napier
November 7, 2024

Florida Gives Billy Napier Vote of Confidence With Huge Buyout Looming

Napier’s $26 million buyout would be second largest in college football history.
November 8, 2024

NCAA Lifts Long-Standing Ban on Canadian Hockey League Players

A $600 monthly living stipend had kept players out of NCAA hockey.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
November 6, 2024

CFP’s 12-Team Debut: How NIL, Realignment Shape the Bracket

Miami is ranked No. 4 as aggressive NIL spending has no doubt helped the Hurricanes to their 9–0 start.
Surrounded by family members and supporters, Donald Trump makes his acceptance speech at his Election Night Watch Party at the Palm Beach County Convention Center after being elected the 47th President of the United States November 5, 2024.
November 6, 2024

Republicans Won Big in the 2024 Election. So Did the NCAA

“It’s a bad day to be a college athlete,” one staffer says.
Mar 24, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes forward Cotie McMahon (32) walks to the bench during the first half of the women’s NCAA Tournament second round against the Duke Blue Devils at Value City Arena.
November 5, 2024

Due to Rule Change, NCAA Sports Will Be in Action on Election..

On Nov. 5 this year, NCAA sports will not go dark.
November 4, 2024

New Era, New Chaos? New CFP Team Rankings Explained

The new College Football Playoff system’s complexities might confuse some college football fans.