St. Edward's University Women's Soccer

Cowell led the team to a 17-2-2 record, a #6 national ranking and the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history. The 2009 season saw Cowell guide the squad to a 16-3-3 record, and a NCAA Sweet 16 appearance for the first time in school history. For his efforts, Cowell was named South Central Region Coach of the Year. Overall record: 160-33-13 Heartland Conference record: 81-9-2  Conference championships: 6 NCAA Tournament appearances: 9  All-Americans: 18 All-region honorees: 62 Heartland Conference Players of the Year: 9  All-conference honorees: 74 Team grade-point average: 3.37

St. Edward's University has named Nuno Gourgel as the fifth head coach in program history, Director of Athletics Dr. Jim Sarra announced.  "We're excited to welcome Coach Gourgel to the Hilltop," Sarra said. "He's won at every level, built programs from the ground up, and brings elite recruiting and player development experience. We're confident he's the right leader to elevate our program."  Gourgel arrives after a standout run at Utah Valley, where he helped lead one of the most successful seasons in program history. The Wolverines captured the WAC Regular Season Championship, earned an NCAA Tournament berth, and finished with an RPI of 37. They ranked among the top-scoring teams in the country, finishing in the top five nationally in scoring offense and leading the NCAA in total assists.  "I'm incredibly honored to lead St. Edward's women's soccer and grateful for the trust placed in me," Gourgel says. "This is a program with real potential, and we're going to be intentional about how we build it. "Our standard will be excellence in everything we do—how we train, compete, and represent St. Edward's. We will recruit high-level people and players, develop them with purpose, and create an environment where accountability, competitiveness, and daily growth are non-negotiable. We're here to build a championship-caliber program that is respected nationally, and I'm excited to get to work."  In addition, Gourgel served as Sporting Director and Head Coach of Utah United, leading the club to the 2025 USL W League National Championship in its inaugural season. Utah United was the league's highest-scoring team and helped propel players such as Seven Castain (Orlando Pride) and Taylor Rath (Chicago Red Stars) into the professional ranks.  He has also developed NWSL talent, coaching Courtney Brown (Utah Royals FC) and Katie O'Kane (Racing Louisville FC) during his time at the University of Utah.  He has also developed NWSL talent, coaching Courtney Brown (Utah Royals FC) and Katie O'Kane (Racing Louisville FC) during his time at the University of Utah, as well as,  Ruby Hladek (Seattle Reign) and Faith Webber ( Denver Summit) Prior to his time in Utah, Gourgel served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Robert Morris University, where he led domestic and international recruiting efforts while contributing to player development and match preparation. During his tenure, the Colonials achieved their first winning season in over 20 years and secured consecutive conference tournament appearances. Gourgel began his head coaching career at Snow College, building both the men's and women's programs from the ground up. From 2016 to 2018, he compiled a combined 108-30-13 record, including a dominant 59-7-11 mark with the women's program. His leadership earned him three Region XVIII Coach of the Year honors, while guiding his teams to three regular-season titles and three region tournament championships. A native of Portugal who grew up in London, Gourgel developed in the academies of Tottenham Hotspur FC and Leyton Orient FC before continuing his playing career at Ashford University. He holds an MBA in Sport Business from Saint Leo University, along with bachelor's degrees in business administration and sport and recreation management. What they are Saying Chris Lemay – Head Coach, Utah Valley University "St. Edward's has made a fantastic hire in Nuno. He has an extensive recruiting network across the country and will work tirelessly to build the St. Edward's program. Nuno has had success at every level—he's ready for this opportunity, and I'm excited for him, his family, and the players at St. Edward's. The Hilltoppers just got themselves a GOAT."   Anton Blackwood – Assistant Coach, NJ/NY Gotham FC "I've known Nuno for a long time and have always respected his ability to identify talent early. St. Edward's is getting a coach who understands potential, personality, and pathway—not just performance. He's driven, trustworthy, and committed to helping players at St. Edward's grow into outstanding athletes and people."   Jerry Pennock – President/GM, Utah United "Nuno has demonstrated the ability to recruit high-level talent while identifying players with the right mindset, character, and work ethic. St. Edward's is getting a leader who builds meaningful relationships and earns trust. His success leading Utah United to a USL W National Championship reflects exactly what he will bring to the St. Edward's program."   Chris Clements - Athletic Director, Hastings College "I'm excited for both Coach Gourgel and St. Edwards, this will be a great fit for both the culture and the future at Saint Edwards. I have known Coach Gourgel for many years, and he has a proven track record of winning as a head coach and as a Division I assistant. I'm excited to see what a media impact can be made, and also the success over the next few years."  

St. Edward’s Athletics welcomed Kat Nichols to the Hilltop as the new assistant women’s soccer coach in July 2025.   Nichols joins the Hilltop after serving as an assistant coach specializing in the defensive backline and goalkeepers for Pittsburg State, which produced four all-conference players in the program’s first season last year.   Before that, she served as the director of coaching and college liaison for the Vestavia Hills Soccer Club. In her time leading the college liaison program, she helped place over 35 girls on college teams at various levels. Vestavia Hills won state championships in 2023, 2018, and 2016, were national cup qualifiers in 2021, and SCCL champions in 2019.    Nichols played centre back at Samford University for four years, earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 2005.