Denver, Colo. – Julianne Sitch stands out as one of the most compelling and successful figures in US collegiate soccer coaching. Following a distinguished career as a professional player, Sitch transitioned into coaching, achieving a historic milestone before taking the helm of the University of Denver (DU) Women’s Soccer program. Her comprehensive background, including reaching the NWSL Final as an assistant coach for the Chicago Red Stars, cemented her credentials as a highly effective tactical and motivational leader.
Julianne Sitch Historic NCAA DIII Men’s National Championship Win
Sitch gained national prominence in 2022 due to her groundbreaking achievement while serving as the interim Head Coach for the University of Chicago Men’s Soccer team. She led the squad to capture the NCAA Division III Men’s National Championship.
This victory was a landmark moment in collegiate sports, as Sitch became the first woman ever to coach a men’s collegiate team to an NCAA National Championship. The team concluded the season with a near-perfect 22-1-0 record, solidifying her reputation as a groundbreaking leader.
Leading the Denver Pioneers: Julianne Sitch: The Head Coach for University of Denver Women’s Soccer
Sitch joined the University of Denver in Colorado to serve as the Head Coach for the Denver Pioneers Women’s Soccer team. Her goal is to leverage her extensive experience from both professional and national levels (including her work with the U.S. U-20 and U-16 National Teams) to build a consistent and competitive program within the Summit League.
Sitch’s Coaching Success at DU (2023-2024)
| Season | Key Achievements | Notable Results |
| 2024 | Second overall seed in the Summit League tournament. Coached Ella Frost to Summit League Midfielder of the Year. | Finished 11-6-2. Upset win at then-No. 24 Texas A&M (first-ever road win at an SEC opponent). |
| 2023 | Led Denver to its fifth-straight Summit League regular-season title (eighth overall). | Finished 9-2-7. Coached two wins over Power-5 teams (NC State and Oregon). Liv Moritz named Summit League Newcomer of the Year. |
Core Pillars of the Sitch Coaching Philosophy:
Professional Culture: Drawing on her background, including a stint as an assistant coach for the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL, Sitch instills a high level of professionalism and discipline in her athletes.
Holistic Development: She emphasizes balanced success, stressing the equal importance of high-level athletic performance and academic achievement, a cornerstone of the DU experience.
Dynamic Tactical Style: Sitch is known for favoring an aggressive, possession-based offensive playing style and effective high-press defense, ensuring the team plays a dynamic and competitive brand of soccer.
Talent Acquisition and Mentorship: Her primary role involves recruiting top talent that fits the program’s demanding standards and providing mentorship to develop the current players both technically and mentally.
Julianne Sitch: Elite Credentials and Experience
With her pioneering achievements and robust coaching background, including numerous coaching staff awards with UChicago, Julianne Sitch: The Head Coach for University of Denver Women’s Soccer is a pivotal leader dedicated to elevating the program into a consistently influential force on the national collegiate stage. Her foundation as a record-setting player at DePaul and her success with both men’s and women’s elite soccer teams make her one of the most sought-after leaders in NCAA soccer.
Julianne Sitch Summary
Julianne Sitch holds official coaching credentials, including licenses and certificates, from the two major authorities in American soccer development: the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and United Soccer Coaches (UCS). These organizations are recognized nationally for having a rigorous and highly effective coaching education system. Their progressive license and diploma programs have long been the core development pathway for soccer professionals in the United States, producing thousands of alumni who coach at every level of the sport.