In the competitive world of collegiate athletics, a truly transformative coach can redefine a program’s trajectory. For the Tigers, that catalyst arrived in late 2021 in the form of Colorado College Women’s Soccer Head Coach Keri Sanchez. More than just a leader, Sanchez is a genuine icon of American soccer with a record of 148-92-30.
A boasting a resume that includes four consecutive National Championships as a player at UNC and 13 caps with the US National Team. It’s this invaluable experience and a complete “winning playbook” that she brought to Stewart Field. Explaining the rapid and undeniable success she has achieved with the Colorado College Tigers. Her arrival wasn’t just a change in personnel. It was the activation of a new era. Marked by a champion’s mindset and a clear path toward revitalizing the program.
Coach of the Year Contender: Keri Sanchez is Revitalizing the Colorado College Tigers Soccer Program
Personally, I believe Keri Sanchez’s arrival as the Head Coach for the Women’s Soccer program at Colorado College (CC) in late 2021 was a game-changer for the program. This woman isn’t just an ordinary coach; she’s an icon of American soccer history. When you talk about four consecutive National Championships at UNC and 13 caps with the US National Team, you’re talking about invaluable experience. Sanchez brought a complete “winning playbook” with her, which explains her rapid success with the Colorado College Tigers.
A Proven Coaching Legacy Before Colorado College
Before stepping onto the Colorado campus, Sanchez was already a major figure in collegiate coaching. She spent 13 years as Head Coach at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, becoming the winningest coach in program history with 148 victories. Leading a team to five NCAA tournament appearances shows she knows how to build a consistent winning culture. She now brings that expertise as Colorado College Women’s Soccer: Head Coach Keri Sanchez.
She never forgot her roots in Division I, serving as an assistant coach for powerful programs like the University of Texas and the University of Oregon. This gave her deep knowledge of the demands required to compete at the highest level.
Immediate Impact: Transforming Colorado College Women’s Soccer
Since her arrival, Keri Sanchez has delivered tangible and immediate change, as if she hit the “On” switch for the program: Mountain West Tournament Qualification (2022): In her very first season! She guided the team to qualify for the Mountain West Tournament for the first time since 2018.
This is proof that she can quickly turn performance around and extract the best from her players.The team is improving year after year! They achieved an eight-win season in 2024, which is the highest win total for the program since 2019. * Stewart Field Fortress: Have you seen their home record? 7-1-3 in 2024! Their home pitch has become an unbreakable fortress, thanks to the competitive mentality Sanchez has instilled.
* Local Glory: What an accomplishment! Winning the program’s first-ever City For Champions Cup against their rival Air Force demonstrated that the team is learning how to win the big moments under her leadership.
The Secret To Sanchez’s Strength: A Champion’s Mindset
I believe the secret to Sanchez’s strength lies in coaching with the “legendary champion’s mindset” she acquired at UNC. Her philosophy centers on: Growth Mindset, Positive Reinforcement, and Maximizing Potential.
Keri Sanchez’s Ambitions for the 2025 Season
Keri Sanchez isn’t looking back; she’s focused on the future and building a team capable of competing even harder in the Mountain West Conference. When Colorado College Women’s Soccer: Head Coach Keri Sanchez announced the newest class of commits for the upcoming 2025 season, she was very clear about her ambitions:
“We are thrilled about the depth and quality of this signing class. We have worked hard to help replace the talent we are losing through graduation this year. Each player has unique qualities that will enhance the overall potential of our team next fall.”