Welcome to the University of Tampa Soccer!
Established in 1998, the University of Tampa Soccer team has a strong history of competing at the highest level of Division II Women's Soccer, taking on top-notch programs playing in the Sunshine State Conference, arguably the toughest Division II conference in the country, and known as the "Conference of National Champions." University of Tampa is known for an excellent academic and athletic environment. Our program is looking for talented players who are hungry to compete and win a Sunshine State Conference Championship & Division II National Championship!
STAFF
- Played at: Campbell University (2001-2005), Danish First Division (2006 - 2007)
- Previous Coaching Experience: Austin Peay State University (2005 - 2006), Lynn University (2007 - 2009), Florida Gulf Coast University (2010 - 2014), University of Tampa (2015 - Present)
- Why University of Tampa: "The ceiling at UT is way higher then the ceiling at most mid major D1's; my time at FGCU was great but we had achieved our potential winning the conference & playing in the 1st round of the NCAA's. The difference at UT is the ceiling is higher, there are more ways to get in the NCAA Tournament & the reality of winning a National Championship is real and obtainable. The support from our Administrators is fantastic & our facilities are top class. UT is also the perfect mix of city, beach & campus environment. Every this is close & within walking distance!"
- Played At: Kansas Wesleyan University (2001-2005)
- Previous Coaching Experience: Kansas Wesleyan University (2004 -2008), Eckerd College (2020 - 2022), Florida Southern College (2022), University of Tampa (2023 - Present)
- Why University of Tampa?: "I believe in the student athletes and the University of Tampa has a culture of support and a drive for excellence that really resonates. The whole community at UT is invested in the future of its students, faculty and staff. This University has everything it takes to be a successful student-athlete, and I am excited to do my part to continue to create a championship culture within the Women's Soccer program!"
- Played At: Northwest State University, St. Thomas University, Lindenwood University, Bluefield College, Tampa Bay Extreme (USL-W), Northern Virginia Majestics (USL-W)
- Previous Coaching Experience: Bluefield College (2004-2005), American University (2017-2019), University of Tampa (2022 - Present)
- Why University of Tampa?: "I chose Tampa because of the coaching staff, team and legacy of the program. It is an honor to coach where the community is a family and the program allows me to continue to grow as a coach."
- Played At: Columbus State (2017-2021)
- Previous Coaching Experience: Columbus State (2022), University of Tampa (2023 - Present)
- Why University of Tampa?: "I chose the University of Tampa because of the Women's Soccer program and the impact that I know it will have on myself and my career, and the impact that I could leave on it. It is very special being a part of such a dedicated program!"
- Education/Certifications: B.S Athletic Training, University of Tampa (2020), M.S. Exercise & Nutrition, University of Tampa (Current); Licensed Athletic Trainer (LAT), Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC), Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT), BLS/CPR/AED Certified
- Prior Experience: XFL Tampa Bay Vipers, Athletic Training Intern (2019 - 2020), Baycare Health Systems, Outreach Athletic Trainer (2020 - 2021), Orhopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay, Lead Athletic Trainer (2021 - 2022), University of Tampa, Asst. Athletic Trainer (2022 - Present)
- Why University of Tampa?: "I returned to my alma mater, The University of Tampa, because of the supportive staff and excellent work environment. I love working with the talented and hardworking student-athletes that remind me every day how proud I am to be a Spartan!"
- Education/Certifications: B.S. Human Performance, University of Tampa (2021), M.S. Exercise & Science (2022), Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach, NSCA; USAW Weightlifting, Level 1; CPR/AED/First Aid Certified
- Prior Experience: University of Tampa Strength & Conditioning Intern (2021 - 2022), University of Tampa Assistant Sports Performance Coach (2022 - Present)
- Why University of Tampa?: "The University of Tampa has been home to me for eight years and has given me the opportunity to transition from student-athlete into a sports performance coach. Helping student-athletes achieve success on the field/court has been a privilege and something I look forward to everyday. I strive to push my athletes in and out of the weight room in hopes to not only become a better athlete, but to be a better teammate as well. UT is committed to creating a positive training environment and building trusting relationships to set our athletes up for success."
UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA ATHLETICS
The University of Tampa fields 22 men's and women's varsity sports and competes at the NCAA Division II level. UT is a member of the 11-school Sunshine State Conference, considered the "Conference of National Champions". Spartan teams are among those national champions, having won a total of 21 NCAA Division II titles in men's soccer (1981, 1994 and 2001), volleyball (2006, 2014, 2018 and 2021), baseball (1992, 1993, 1998, 2006, 2007, 2013, 2015 and 2019), women's soccer (2007), men's golf (1987 and 1988), men's lacrosse (2022) and beach volleyball (2019 and 2021).
Student-athletes are given opportunities to excel both athletically and academically. The University of Tampa is the home of numerous All-Americans, all-region and all-conference players each year and is among the top schools in the SSC numbering student/athletes who are named to the Commissioner's Honor Roll. Whether you are a participant or spectator, The University of Tampa Spartans offers an exciting brand of intercollegiate athletics.
Message from Larry Marfise, Director of Athletics
The athletic program at The University of Tampa offers men and women seeking high-level competition a personal and meaningful experience. Our athletes succeed in the classroom and in their given sport.
We are members of the Sunshine State Conference, which is the top NCAA Division II athletic league in the country. We compete against similar and like institutions, that are also committed to the concept of well-rounded student-athletes.
As the athletic director, it is my responsibility to ensure each of you that we will provide the best coaching and support staff available. Not all education takes place in the classroom and we believe that our athletic programs are also learning labs. Therefore it is very important that we provide you with dedicated teacher/coaches who will help you continue to grow not only on the field but off as well.
Our athletes are result-oriented, focused and competitive and understand the value of teamwork. If you have these traits and are searching for a University where academic and athletic integrity is expected, and the challenge of participating in competitive athletics motivates you, I extend an invitation to come visit The University of Tampa and become part of the Spartan Tradition.
PROGRAM QUICK FACTS
- Home Field: Pepin Stadium
- NCAA Division II Nationals Championships: 1
- Sunshine State Conference Championships: 3
- Sunshine State Conference Tournament Championships: 6
- Player Achievements: 22x All-American Honors, 1x National Player of the Year, 75x All South Region Player Honors, 3x South Region Player of the Year Honors, 15x SSC Player of the Year Honors, 1x SSC Athlete of the Year (all sports), 87x All-SSC Honors, 38x All-SSC Tournament Team Honors, 5x All-South Regional Tournament Team Honors, 6x All-NCAA Tournament Team Honors
- Academic Honors: 15x NSCAA Team Academic Award, 3x Academic All-Americans, 3x Academic All-Region, 21x Academic All-District
For more information about our soccer program: Click Here
SUNSHINE STATE CONFERENCE
The Sunshine State Conference is located solely within the State of Florida; and consists of 11 academic institutions. Founded in 1975, the Sunshine State Conference has risen from a single sport organization to the Division II "Conference of National Champions." SSC schools have won a total of 118 National Championships. The SSC also leads all 24 Division II conferences in the NCAA Academic Success Rate. Each year, over 1,500 student-athletes are named to the Commissioner's Honor Roll.
2023 SEASON SUCCESS
- Highest National Ranking: #19
- Weeks Ranked Nationally: 2
- 9 Shutouts on the year
- 2nd Highest Save Percentage in Conference: Aidan Smith (.867 Saves Pct.)
- #1 Shutouts per Game in Conference: Aidan Smith
- SSC Player of the Week Honors: Aidan Smith (September)
The 2023 roster features players from 11 different states (FL, MD, NC, GA, AZ, PA, NJ, CT, VA, TN, CA) and three foreign countries (Sweden, Canada, Norway).
MORE HISTORY TO MAKE IN 2024!
TAMPA, FL
The University of Tampa is located in Tampa, FL. in the heart of downtown Tampa nestled up to the Hillsborough River. The City of Tampa's borders include the north shore of Tampa Bay and the east shore of Old Tampa Bay. Tampa is the 49th most populous city in the country and the 3rd most populous city in Florida. There is much more to Tampa's location than beautiful beaches and pleasant year-round temperatures. With 2.7 million people, the Tampa Bay area is West Central Florida's center of government, commerce, communications, business, health care, scientific research, sports, culture and entertainment. The David A. Straz, Jr. Center for Performing Arts, Tampa Museum of Art and the Amalie Arena are just a five-minute walk from campus. Busch Gardens, the Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park and the Florida Aquarium are also popular Tampa attractions. Students are only a 30-minute drive from the front gates of Ruth Eckerd Hall, the Mahaffey Theater, the Florida International Museum and the Salvador Dalí Museum. With plenty of sunshine, Tampa residents love sports activity. Bayshore Boulevard offers a six-mile continuous waterfront sidewalk for jogging, rollerblading and cycling. Fans root for Tampa Bay's Buccaneers football, Lightning hockey and Rays baseball teams. The area has long been home to many baseball teams' spring training facilities – with Tampa serving as host for the New York Yankees. For more information about the City of Tampa, click here; or for information about events and happenings in Tampa, click here.
UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA
This is the place. Welcome to UT's richly diverse and dynamic learning community.
From the gleaming minarets of Plant Hall – Tampa’s signature National Historic Landmark – to the $950 million in new construction completed or underway since 1997, The University of Tampa’s globally connected campus is the beating heart of a vibrant urban oasis. A distinguished faculty and approximately 11,000 students from all 50 states and most of the world's countries are joined in a university ranked among the best of the best by U.S. News & World Report, Forbes and The Princeton Review.
UT offers a world-class combination of academic excellence, personal attention and real-life experience in a location that can't be beat. As soon as you step onto UT's beautiful riverfront campus, you'll know this is your place - to find yourself, your passion and way forward in a world made sunnier by what you're about to bring to it - let's go!
A medium-sized private university, UT offers more than 200 academic programs taught by a faculty as passionate about students’ success as they are about their areas of expertise. Championship sports, student activities, community service, honors, leadership and study abroad programs complete an extraordinary academic experience that prepares students for anywhere a world-class education can take you. The University of Tampa is a comprehensive, independent university that delivers challenging and high quality educational experiences to a diverse group of learners. UT is a place to explore, experience and engage life. It's where you'll make new connections and form friendships.
THE RIGHT DEGREE FOR YOU!
The University of Tampa offers over 200 academic programs of study, including undergraduate degrees, minors, pre-professional programs and certificates below. UT's Four-College Model supports its small-school ambience while allowing for growth and innovation. From internships to service learning programs, we give you opportunities to develop practical skills that prepare you for your career. The interdisciplinary Honors Program provides an enhanced learning environment for exceptional University of Tampa students. UT students in all majors have the opportunity to build their credentials through an education abroad program.
University of Tampa faculty offer a wealth of industry experience and partner with current professionals to offer a learning curriculum that prepares students for jobs. In many degree programs, students have the opportunity to perform internships and network with industry professionals. To complement this learning, the Office of Career Services offers a variety of resources and events to help students prepare for careers and find jobs.
Housed within the Bob Martinez Athletic Center, UT Athletics offers a student-athlete study center and full-time academic advisors to assist students with scheduling of classes, tracking your degree completion, and setting up academic assistance for all University of Tampa Student-Athletes.
UNIVERSITY QUICK FACTS
- Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Over 200 Academic Programs of Study
- Four Colleges: College of Arts and Letters, College of Natural and Health Sciences, College of Social Science, Mathematics and Education, Sykes College of Business (AACSB accredited)
- 90% of full-time faculty have doctorates or the highest degree in their field
- 96% of all students who apply to graduate school are admitted; 94% reported success in achieving their post-graduate goals.
- A residentially based campus with 12 residence halls
- 315+ student organizations, clubs and teams
- 29 different food venue choices in five campus locations
- 40 safety personnel provide 24/7 campus coverage
- UT is in the top tier of U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges."
- UT is ranked by Princeton Review as a "Best College."
- UT is ranked as the safest college campus in Florida, and the 19th safest college campus in the U.S. by YourLocalSecurity.com
NOTABLE ALUMNAE
- Jane Castor '81 (59th mayor of Tampa, is a 31-year veteran of the Tampa Police Department serving in nearly every capacity of the department and every area of the city. In October of 2009, Castor became the first woman to be named police chief in the City of Tampa)
- Art Linares ’11 (Elected in November 2012 to the Connecticut General Assembly to represent the 33rd District, becoming one of the youngest state senators in Connecticut history and also the first Republican to hold the seat since 1992)
- Robert “Bob” Martinez ’57 (Mayor of Tampa from 1979 to 1986, the first Hispanic governor of Florida (1987 to 1991) and President George H.W. Bush’s “Drug Czar” a cabinet-level position he held until 1993)
- Virginia M. Hernandez Covington ’76, MBA ’77 (Former Tampa federal prosecutor who was appointed to Florida’s 2nd District Court of Appeal in 2001 by Gov. Jeb Bush. She served on that court until receiving her commission as a United States District Judge on September 10, 2004)
- Maria Okuniewski ‘94 (works at the Idaho National Laboratory - known as the lead national lab for nuclear energy - and does material research in nuclear reactor design)
- Christopher D. Willman MBA ’01 (President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Florida—Tampa Bay)