CEDAR CITY, Utah – Southern Utah University has signed Kai Edwards, head coach of the women's soccer team, to a five-year contract extension.
SUU Athletic Director Doug Knuth said, "Kai Edwards is one of the best teachers and leaders in collegiate soccer. He is building a power program at SUU which I expect will be near the top of our conference every year. I'm excited to work closely with coach Edwards to support his talented athletes as they chase championships."
Edwards led the Thunderbirds to its most successful season in program history last year (2022), setting six different team records and having multiple players climb the ranks in single season and career history record books.
The 'Birds went 9-6-2 tallying the most wins in a single season in program history, as well as sustaining the most consecutive wins in a row with five straight.
Whitney Gardner tallied 16 points on the year, good enough for third all-time, and Megan Short moved to fourth all-time in career saves with 187. These are just a few of the impressive record-setting feats by coach Edwards' team.
"I am thankful to President Mindy Benson and Athletic Director Doug Knuth for the opportunity they have given me to stay here at Southern Utah University and continue to build this women's soccer program." Said Coach Edwards, who also recognizes how many amazing people have helped make this dream a reality. "This would not be possible without my tremendous staff and the incredible young women who have played for us. I would also like to thank Sonia Hahn and Debbie Corum for giving us the opportunities and support to develop the soccer program, the alumni and local community that have supported soccer, and the BCA for supporting SUU soccer and me as a coach. University of California head coach Neil McGuire has been instrumental in my success as a coach and I am so appreciative of all he has done for me. Keidan McAlpine and the late Clive Charles supported me and helped me so much. I'd also like to thank my wife who has been on this journey with me and our 2 little ones who you can find on the sidelines of games yelling "Go Thunderbirds."
The SUU soccer team is finishing up its spring season and is looking forward to the fall when it will kick off its second season in the WAC.
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