LAS CRUCES, N.M. - NM State Director of Athletics Mario Moccia announced Wednesday that head women's soccer coach Rob Baarts has signed a contract extension to remain the Aggies head coach through the 2026 season.
"Signing Coach Baarts is a critical step in our soccer program especially as we enter Conference USA." Said Moccia. "Since Rob got here he has completely transformed the culture which has resulted in the best record in school history, major facility improvements with more hopeful to come as well as a Western Athletic Conference Tournament championship and a great showing in the NCAA Tournament. I anticipate seeing record crowds this coming season as our women's soccer forecast is very bright."
Coming off a historical season, which saw Baarts lead the Aggies to its winningest season in program history after winning 13 games, including the programs first ever WAC Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance - Baarts and staff will look to continue their recent success into the 2023 season, where the team is slated to compete in its new conference (C-USA).
2023 will mark Baarts' sixth season as the head coach of the Aggies. He was first brought on by Mario Moccia in 2018 after spending the previous two seasons as an assistant at San Jose State. Since coming to Las Cruces, Baarts has amassed more wins (33) than any head coach in the programs short history (2009-present).
He's also helped a variety of players earn All-WAC honors during his five year tenure: Loma McNeese earned First Team All-WAC in 2022 - the first Aggie to be selected first team since Aileen Garcia (2017). Landy Williams (2022), Xitlaly Hernandez (2022 & Fall 2021), Makenna Gottschalk (2022), Hannah Leitner (Spring 2021 & Fall 2021) and Corey Kizer (2019) all secured Second Team All-WAC honors under the direction of coach Baarts. And most recently, Sofia Beerworth (2022) and Jena Johannes (2022) secured spots on the WAC's All-Freshman team.
"I am very happy to have the opportunity to extend my contract with NMSU!" Said Rob Baarts. "We, as a staff, are incredibly excited to see where we can take this program. With all the love and support from the Aggie family, it makes us even more pumped to continue our winning ways into the Conference USA! My family and I have made Las Cruces our home and are grateful to Mario and the Aggies Athletic Administration for giving us the opportunity to continue what we started!"
