UNM women's soccer coach Heather Dyche steps down, assumes larger role with U.S. Soccer

New Mexico's own is moving on.

After 11 seasons overseeing the University of New Mexico women's soccer program, Albuquerque native Heather Dyche has announced she is stepping down to assume a larger role within the U.S. Women's National Team, primarily serving as the organization's Under 23 head coach.

"It has been the greatest honor of my career to lead the women’s soccer program at The University of New Mexico in my home state, surrounded by my family and a community that I love," Dyche said in a statement released by UNM. "I’m endlessly grateful to every player, coach, student manager, and staff member who poured their heart into this program, especially Paul (Maestas) and Karley (Nelson), who have been by my side for the last ten years. This place has shaped who I am as a coach and as a person, and I will carry that pride and gratitude with me as I take on this new opportunity with U.S. Soccer.

"It has always been about the people. Every young woman who has worn the Lobo jersey has left her mark — not just through her play, but through her dedication, resilience, and pride in representing this program. Watching them grow as players, students, and people has been the most rewarding part of my time here. The Lobo soccer family is a special one."

UNM Athletic Director Fernando Lovo told the Journal the university will conduct a national search for her replacement, and also confirmed there is a strong internal candidate in longtime Associate Head Coach Karley Nelson.

Dyche, a prep star at Eldorado High School who went on to play collegiately at Nebraska and Florida State before a brief professional career overseas, assumed head coaching duties at UNM in 2015. Since then, she's amassed program best marks in win percentage (.600) and conference wins (63) and is second all-time in overall wins (106).

She was twice selected as the Mountain West Coach of the Year and led the program in 2021 to its first-ever NCAA Tournament win.

She's coached 44 All-Mountain West players, seven All-Region selections and 14 of her players have signed professional contracts. Her team had the highest grade-point average of any team competing in the NCAA in 2023 and the program has had a team GPA of 3.6 or higher in 18 of the past 20 semesters.

Dyche is also the only American woman currently working on the FIFA Women's Development Team.