ROCKFORD, Ill. - The Rockford University athletic department is thrilled to announce the hiring of Abbey Golden as its head women's soccer coach. Coach Golden joins the Regents with over a decade of coaching experience at the collegiate, club and high school levels, as well as a distinguished playing background at the NCAA Division I level.

"We are extremely excited to welcome Abbey to our team," Associate Director of Athletics Jessica Stanek stated. "Her passion and previous coaching and playing experience really stood out to us throughout the interview process. It was clear that she was the right fit for the program, the department and the University, and we cannot wait to see her take the women's soccer program to new heights under her leadership."

"I am incredibly honored to join Rockford and lead the women's soccer program," Coach Golden said. "I want to sincerely thank Jason Mulligan, Jess Stanek, and Brian Vanden Acker for entrusting me with this opportunity and for the warm welcome to the department. I am grateful for the belief they have shown in me, and I look forward to working alongside them to elevate this program."

"I also want to thank my rocks— Joel, my son Griffin, and daughter Fallon—for their constant love and support throughout my journey," Golden remarked. "Additionally, my family— my parents, sisters and brother—for their unwavering belief in me and for being my foundation every step of the way. I am excited for what's ahead and to make them all proud."

Most recently, Golden served as the head women's soccer coach at Edward Waters University. There she led the program to significant progress both on and off the field. Golden also had coaching stints at Edinboro University and Oberlin College.

In addition to her collegiate experience, Golden has also coached at the highest levels of youth soccer, leading teams in the top two leagues in the country: the Girls Academy (GA) and the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL). As a Director of Coaching and the head coach for Cleveland Force Soccer Club and Cleveland Futbol Club, she developed elite-level players and guided teams to national recognition, securing top rankings both regionally and nationally.

Golden's coaching achievements include multiple Coach of the Year honors, numerous championships  and a history of advancing players to successful collegiate careers.

Golden graduated from the University of the Pacific, where she competed as an NCAA Division I student-athlete. She also brings competitive playing experience from the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) and the Olympic Development Program.