Abilene Christian University Women's Soccer

Stephen Salas has been named the second-ever head coach of the Abilene Christian University women's soccer program. The former Wildcat associate head coach served the last year at Hardin-Simmons University in the same role. Salas' experience includes nine years at Division I programs ACU and Louisiana, and three total years at Hardin-Simmons, dating back to 2011. "I could not be more excited to welcome Coach Salas back to ACU," said Vice President for Athletics Zack Lassiter. "His passion for the mission of ACU coupled with a winning track record everywhere he's played and coached makes him the ideal leader for our women's soccer program." Salas will officially begin his role as head coach Jan. 4 on campus. "I am thrilled to be the next head coach at Abilene Christian," said Salas. "ACU is a leader in Christian education, and I am blessed to be coming back home to a community that embodies a Christ-centered mission field. I would like to thank Zack Lassiter, Heather Wyatt, and the rest of the search committee for entrusting me with the future of the program and demonstrating the family atmosphere within ACU Athletics. The history of ACU Soccer under Casey Wilson is a legacy that will always be cherished. I would also like to thank Lance Key for his mentorship and discipleship over the past four years. It is an exciting time to be a Wildcat, as we will be competing for conference championships right away." Salas spent the last season at HSU where he helped guide the Cowgirls to a 12-3-2 record with an appearance in the American Southwest Conference championship game, where they fell to undefeated Mary Hardin-Baylor, 1-0. Hardin-Simmons placed eight players on the all-ASC teams, including the Midfielder of the Year in Jenna Kirk and the Defensive Freshman of the Year in Kalea Willis. Prior to his time down Ambler Avenue, Salas spent three years as the Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where the Ragin' Cajuns went 25-27-7. During his first go-around at ACU (2013-18), Salas, who's specialty was coaching the goalkeepers, was a key part of the coaching staff that helped lead the Wildcats to what was the best season in program history, a 15-6-1 2018 season that saw the Wildcats win its first-ever Southland Conference Championship. The Wildcats rode their conference championship to a berth in the NCAA Tournament which was not only the first appearance for the soccer program but the first time an ACU athletic program has ever appeared in a NCAA Tournament at the Division I level.  During ACU's historic run to the NCAA Tournament, the Wildcats ripped off seven-straight wins to finish the season, during a stretch where ACU outscored its opponents 15-2. Overall, ACU went 61-46-11 in those six seasons. Prior to his time at ACU, Salas spent six seasons as a player and eventually assistant coach at his alma mater Hardin-Simmons.  He was the Cowboys' goalkeeper from 2008 to 2011 and helped his squad win the 2009 American Southwest Conference Tournament and reach the NCAA Championships' Sweet 16 behind an overall record of 12-3-6. Salas eventually became an assistant and goalkeeping coach on the HSU women's soccer team, joining the staff prior to the start of the 2011 season, and in two years he helped lead them to 38 wins, a pair of conference regular season and tournament championships, and an appearance in the 2012 NCAA Sweet 16. His goalkeepers also allowed just eight goals (0.36 GAA) in each season and combined for 33 shutouts as HSU extended its regular-season conference unbeaten streak to a NCAA-record 157 matches. During Salas' two years on the Cowgirls' bench, HSU finished with a No. 12 national ranking in 2011 by the NSCAA, seventh in 2012, and received two NSCAA/adidas team academic awards. The program also produced a national player of the year, five all-Americas, four academic all-Americas, 11 all-region selections and 14 all-conference honorees. Salas' additional experience includes working at the Texas A&M and University of Texas summer soccer camps and coaching the Region III (girls) Olympic Development Program. He also served as the Director of Coaching, Academy Director, and Head Coach for the Abilene Soccer Club along with being the area director for FC Dallas WTX in Abilene, Texas. Salas did have a professional career as well, playing two summers for the DFW Tornados of the USL Professional Development League.  He received his Bachelor's of Behavioral Science in Education from Hardin-Simmons in December of 2012. Salas married Mary Beth (Carter, '13) Salas on July 7, 2023.  

Abilene Christian proudly welcomed Kylie Gazza to the Wildcats' Soccer coaching staff in the summer of 2024. A proven competitor, leader, and mentor, Gazza brings a wealth of high-level playing experience and a heart for player development to the ACU program. Her championship mentality, tactical understanding, and drive to impact lives both on and off the pitch make her a vital addition to the coaching staff. Gazza’s collegiate career at Samford University from 2019 to 2023 was nothing short of exceptional. As a commanding center back, she played a key role in guiding the Bulldogs to four consecutive Southern Conference regular season championships, three SoCon tournament titles, and three NCAA Tournament appearances. The 2021 season marked a historic run for the program, reaching the NCAA Round of 32 and establishing Samford among the nation's top mid-major programs. Throughout her five seasons, Gazza earned numerous accolades that reflect her elite play and leadership. She was named Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 and was a four-time All-Conference selection. Nationally, she was recognized on the United Soccer Coaches All-Southeast Region Team twice—earning third team honors in 2021 and first team in 2022. In her final season, she was named to the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List, highlighting her among the top collegiate players in the country, and appeared on the NCAA’s Defenders to Watch List in 2023. Gazza’s influence extended well beyond her defensive dominance. As a two-year team captain, she led by example and was widely respected for her work ethic, voice, and character. She served as a representative on Samford’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and was selected for the prestigious NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum. Her impact on the campus community earned her recognition as a member of the Samford Dream Team, an honor given to student-athletes who exemplify leadership, integrity, and service. Her coaching journey began during her collegiate career, and it quickly became clear that she had a gift for developing young players. Gazza started with Alabama FC in 2022, working with U7 and U9 girls, and later transitioned into a role with Birmingham United Soccer Association (BUSA), where she coached U7 to U14 players in the elite ECNL program. She also gained experience through Forest Futsal and various youth soccer camps. Currently, she continues to pour into the game by coaching U12 and U14 girls in the NPL NTX platform with Sting West Texas. Head Coach Stephen Salas expressed his excitement for Gazza’s addition to the program, stating: “We are ecstatic for Kylie Gazza to join our staff. Kylie is an outstanding addition to our program with her passionate energy, desire to influence, and positive impact, and she has a decorated champion-driven career. She will continue to raise the standard within our program on and off the field. Kylie has a high ceiling as a coach and a bright future with our ACU community.” Gazza’s commitment to growth, development, and leadership makes her a tremendous asset to the Wildcat soccer program. Whether on the sidelines or working with our backline, her presence is driven by purpose and Christian mentorship. As she steps into her role in Abilene, she is ready to continue building a culture of excellence, service, discipline, and competitive success for Abilene Christian Soccer.