Women's Soccer | January 04, 2020

PHILADELPHIA – Nicole Van Dyke, the Douglas N. Brush Head Coach of Women's Soccer at the University of Pennsylvania, has resigned to accept the head coaching position at the University of Washington, it was announced today.

"Nicole built a strong culture for our women's soccer program on and off the field, which culminated in an Ivy Championship in 2018," the T. Gibbs Kane, Jr. W'69 Director of Athletics and Recreation Dr. M. Grace Calhoun said. "We are sad to see her leave, but we understand the draw of returning to the West Coast at a program like Washington. I am confident that we will find a head coach who will continue the upward trajectory of the program and provide an unrivaled academic and athletic experience for our student-athletes." 

"From the first day at Penn, I felt like I was part of something special," Van Dyke said. "It has been an absolute pleasure to work alongside such professional and dedicated people. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Director of Athletics Dr. Grace Calhoun, Senior Associate Athletic Director Scott Ward and Senior Associate Athletic Director Rudy Fuller for their continued support of me, my family and the women's soccer program."

"Along with the leadership in the athletic department, I'd also like to note my sincere appreciation and respect for all the wonderful people who have made my experience as a Quaker so enjoyable. I leave eternally grateful and indebted to have coached some of the most remarkable women in the country and I wish them much success in the future."

Van Dyke spent five seasons at Penn, which was highlighted by a share of the Ivy League championship in 2018. The Quakers compiled a 13-2-1 overall record, including a 5-1-1 mark in Ivy play, that season. The 13 wins were the second most in program history.

During her tenure, the program was consistently ranked nationally in several defensive categories.  In 2018, the program allowed just five goals – the fewest in program history – and secured twelve shutouts. Penn also led the nation in goals against average and save percentage.

The California native posted a 41-24-15 overall record in her five seasons at the helm. Her .606 winning percentage is the second highest in program history for coaches who spent at least two years at Penn.

Van Dyke arrived at Penn from Stanford, where she served four seasons as the associate head coach and assistant coach, helping the Cardinal to three College Cup berths and the national championship in 2011. Van Dyke was also the head coach at her alma mater, Cal State Bakersfield, and Cal State Stanislaus.

A search for Van Dyke's replacement will begin immediately.