Louisville Women's Soccer Head Coach Karen Ferguson-Dayes Retires, Hunter Norton Promoted

Ferguson-Dayes led the program for 26 years, while Norton has been on her staff since 2014.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The University of Louisville has announced that women's soccer head coach Karen Ferguson-Dayes is retiring after 26 years leading the program. She leaves as the winningest coach in program history with 224 wins. Associate Head Coach Hunter Norton has been promoted to head coach and signed a four-year contract.

Why it matters

Ferguson-Dayes built Louisville women's soccer into a nationally relevant program, guiding the team to 12 winning seasons and 7 NCAA Tournament appearances. Her retirement marks the end of an era, while the promotion of longtime assistant Norton provides continuity for the program.

The details

Under Ferguson-Dayes, Louisville had just one winning season in the 15 years prior to her arrival in 2000. She led the Cardinals to 12 wins in 2005 and their first-ever NCAA Tournament berth in 2007. In total, the team had 15 winning seasons and 7 NCAA Tournament appearances under her leadership. Norton, who has been on Ferguson-Dayes' staff since 2014, was promoted to head coach and signed a four-year contract.

  • Karen Ferguson-Dayes announced her retirement in February 2026 after 26 years as Louisville's head coach.
  • Hunter Norton was promoted to head coach in February 2026, signing a four-year contract.

The players

Karen Ferguson-Dayes

The winningest coach in Louisville women's soccer history, with 224 wins over 26 seasons. She built the program into a nationally relevant team, guiding them to 12 winning seasons and 7 NCAA Tournament appearances.

Hunter Norton

The new head coach of Louisville women's soccer, promoted after serving as an assistant under Ferguson-Dayes since the 2014-15 season. He has been on the staff for the past 12 years.

Josh Heird

The Director of Athletics at the University of Louisville, who praised Ferguson-Dayes' leadership and is confident in Norton's ability to continue the program's success.

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What they’re saying

“Karen has shaped Louisville women's soccer for more than a quarter century, and her impact on this program and our university is immeasurable.”

— Josh Heird, Director of Athletics, University of Louisville (si.com)

“I am honored to be the next head coach of Louisville women's soccer. I am humbled by this incredible opportunity and will work tirelessly to provide a great experience for our student athletes.”

— Hunter Norton, New Head Coach, Louisville Women's Soccer (si.com)

“I am thrilled that Hunter has been named the next women's soccer coach at the University of Louisville. He is one of the best young coaches in the country and I'm confident that he will lead this program to unprecedented success.”

— Karen Ferguson-Dayes, Retiring Head Coach, Louisville Women's Soccer (si.com)

What’s next

Norton will begin his tenure as the new head coach of the Louisville women's soccer program, looking to build on the foundation established by Ferguson-Dayes and lead the team to continued success.

The takeaway

The transition from the long-tenured Ferguson-Dayes to the up-and-coming Norton provides an opportunity for Louisville women's soccer to maintain its momentum and build on the program's impressive accomplishments under its former legendary coach.