Xavier's Dean Ward Named New Iowa Women's Soccer Coach

Ward brings a proven track record of success and player development to the Hawkeyes program.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Xavier University's women's soccer program has experienced unprecedented success under the leadership of Head Coach Dean Ward since his arrival in December 2023. Ward, who previously served as the head coach at Lenoir-Rhyne University, has rapidly transformed the Musketeers into a BIG EAST powerhouse and a consistent contender in the NCAA Championship. In his two seasons at Xavier, Ward has amassed an impressive 29-7-2 record, secured two league titles, and led the team to a pair of NCAA Division I Championship appearances, including a BIG EAST Championship title in 2025.

Why it matters

Ward's proven ability to build winning programs and develop top-tier talent has made him a highly sought-after coach. His move to the University of Iowa women's soccer program is seen as a significant coup, as the Hawkeyes look to elevate their program to new heights and compete at the highest level of collegiate soccer.

The details

During his tenure at Xavier, Ward's teams have consistently broken program records, including the most wins in a season (15 in 2024 and 2025), the most goals scored (51 in 2024), and the highest point total (139 in 2024). Individually, his players have earned numerous accolades, including USC All-American selections, BIG EAST Player of the Year awards, and USC East Region Staff of the Year recognition for Ward's coaching staff.

  • Ward was appointed head coach at Xavier in December 2023.
  • In the 2024 season, Xavier achieved a 15-4-2 record, the third-most wins in program history.
  • In 2025, Xavier secured the BIG EAST Championship title with a 2-0 victory over Georgetown.

The players

Dean Ward

The new head coach of the University of Iowa women's soccer program, Ward previously served as the head coach at Xavier University, where he rapidly transformed the Musketeers into a BIG EAST powerhouse and a consistent contender in the NCAA Championship.

Samantha Erbach

A standout player for Xavier, Erbach was named a USC Third Team All-American and the BIG EAST Midfielder Player of the Year in 2025.

Natalie Bain

A key player for Xavier, Bain earned USC Fourth Team All-American and BIG EAST Defender of the Year honors in 2025.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Ward to the University of Iowa. His proven track record of building successful programs and developing top-tier talent makes him the ideal leader to take our women's soccer team to the next level.”

— Gary Barta, Athletic Director, University of Iowa (Iowa Hawkeyes Athletics)

“I'm excited for the opportunity to lead the Iowa women's soccer program. The Hawkeyes have a rich tradition, and I'm looking forward to working with the team to build on that foundation and compete for championships.”

— Dean Ward (Iowa Hawkeyes Athletics)

What’s next

Ward will begin his tenure as the new head coach of the University of Iowa women's soccer program in the 2026 season, where he will look to continue his track record of success and lead the Hawkeyes to new heights.

The takeaway

Dean Ward's move to the University of Iowa represents a significant coup for the Hawkeyes program, as they look to capitalize on his proven ability to build winning teams and develop top-tier talent. His success at Xavier has made him a highly sought-after coach, and his arrival in Iowa City is sure to generate excitement and high expectations for the future of the Hawkeyes women's soccer team.