Margueritte Bates (Aozasa) named head coach at the University of Texas

Today, UT Vice President and Lois and Richard Folger Athletics Director Chris Del Conte announced Margueritte Bates (Aozasa) as the new head soccer coach.

“I am truly humbled and incredibly energized to lead this tradition-rich program at The University of Texas,” said Bates. “This is a place synonymous with excellence, built on decades of pride, passion and championship standards. There is no question that Texas has everything required to not only compete among the nation’s best, but to define what excellence looks like. I’m grateful ​to Chris Del Conte, Sarah Baumgartner and our University leadership for entrusting me with this opportunity. Hook ‘Em, Horns!”

After the school parted ways with longtime head soccer coach Ange Kelly, they made sure to get one of the top names in soccer to lead them in a new era.

“What an incredible day for Texas Soccer and our entire athletics program,” said Del Conte. “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Margueritte Bates to our Longhorn family. When we began our search for the next leader of our program, Coach Bates’ name immediately rose to the top. Her résumé of success is incredible and her reputation in the soccer community is truly exceptional. Margueritte is a proven championship coach, an elite developer of student-athletes and a dynamic leader, with a clear vision for building a program that competes at the highest level year after year. From the moment we met with her, it was clear she was a perfect fit for Texas. I want to thank Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director for Sports Administration Sarah Baumgartner leading this search and helping us bring Coach Bates to The Forty Acres.”