Abilene Christian University Men's Soccer

The Abilene Christian soccer program and new head coach Stephen Salas announced the addition of Audrey Adkison as an assistant coach. Adkison comes over to ACU from Liberty where she spent the last four seasons in the same role. "This is a big-time hire for our program," said Salas. "Audrey embodies all aspects of the future mission of ACU Soccer. She is a passionate mentor of Christian leaders, connects in a genuine and caring manner with all of those she comes in contact with, and is a proven winner and developer at every program she's been a part of." In four years at Liberty, Adkison helped the Flames to an impressive 42-23-10 overall record including a 20-8-4 mark in the Atlantic Sun Conference. The Flames won the 2022 A-SUN championship with 8-0-2 league record this past fall. Four players were selected to the United Soccer Coaches All-South Region team; defender Bridie Herman earned first-team recognition, while goalkeeper Ainsley Leja and midfielder Saydie Holland were named to the second team, and midfielder Rachel DeRuby was selected to the third team. Leja Garners was named the A-SUN Goalkeeper of the Year, and nine total players were named all-conference. 2022 was built off a successful 2021 spring that featured an A-SUN Tournament championship and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament. "I am very thankful to Coach Salas for this opportunity to come to Abilene and be back in the great state of Texas," said Adkison. "Working at a Christian institution that makes an eternal impact is important to me. Abilene Christian women's soccer has a long standing reputation of being highly competitive and I am ready to be apart of it." Adkison will officially begin her role on Jan. 21 on campus. Prior to her time Lynchburg, Adkison served as an assistant coach at Central Arkansas from 2016-18. She assisted in training sessions and was in charge of preparing and presenting scouting reports. Adkison also assisted in recruiting and organized the team's travel schedule. Along with head coach Jeremy Bishop, Adkison helped lead Central Arkansas to a Southland Conference Championships in 2018 and 2016. During her three years in Conway, the program accumulated 42 wins and a .677 winning percentage. Adkison has coached six all-region players, two conference players of the year, two conference forwards of the year, one conference defender of the year, one freshman of the year, one scholar athlete of the year, four all-tournament team honorees, two conference goalkeeper of the year honorees, 30 all-conference players in total and four players that have played professionally. Adkison has her USSF Class B license and also her USC Goalkeeping Level I diploma. Adkison played collegiate soccer at Harding University, where she was a two-year captain. Adkison played with the WPSL Treasure Coast Dynamites in Florida. She was a three-time All-Conference, All-Region and an Academic All-American selection. "Audrey's Division I championship experience will continue to mold Christ-centered champions on and off the field, as well as enhance the overall student-athlete experience within our program." said Salas. "Audrey is a fantastic addition to our ACU Soccer Family and I am excited for her to be a part of the Abilene community!"  

Valerie Ornelas joined the ACU Soccer program as Director of Operations in July 2025, bringing a strong background in collegiate athletics and leadership. A former Division I softball student-athlete, Ornelas played her final collegiate season at Abilene Christian in the spring of 2025 after stops at Cal State Fullerton and UT Arlington. She began her college career at Cal State Fullerton, where she helped lead the Titans to a conference championship and an NCAA Regional appearance at Arizona State during her sophomore year. After transferring to the University of Texas at Arlington, Ornelas completed two more seasons before using her redshirt year to transfer to ACU and finish her career as a Wildcat. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science from UT Arlington in December 2024 and is currently pursuing a Master’s certificate in Conflict Management at ACU.  Ornelas is actively involved in her faith community and attends Shoreline City Church in Dallas.

Avery Iles joined the staff of ACU women’s soccer as director of operations in June 2023.   Iles, who graduated from ACU in May with a degree in kinesiology, was the vice president and intramural director of Sigma Theta Chi. She did research for the ACU kinesiology department and earned the distinction of University Scholar. She also was a Young Life leader in Abilene.   "Avery Iles is a tremendous addition to our staff," said ACU Head Coach Stephen Salas. "She is passionate about Abilene Christian University, being a graduate of ACU and a leader in the community. Avery's strongest qualities are serving others, building meaningful relationships, and being proactive in how hard she works. Avery will be integral for ACU Soccer in building a new foundation for our continued winning tradition. In our extensive search for this position, it was important to find an individual who has high character, loyalty, and Christian mentorship for our student-athletes and this program. Avery exemplifies all those qualities and more. We are blessed to keep Avery as a Wildcat and ecstatic for her future with our ACU Soccer Family!"