March 6, 2019
Following a national search that included more than 90 applicants, Northern Arizona University has named Kylie Louw as the head coach of the Lumberjack women’s soccer program.
Louw, who spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach on the NAU staff, becomes the third head coach in the 22-year history of the Lumberjack soccer program.
“I could not be more excited about the future of NAU Soccer under Coach Louw’s leadership,” said Mike Marlow, NAU Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. “She possesses the characteristics that we desire in all of our head coaches: commitment to the growth and well-being of our student-athletes as both students and athletes; a steadfast belief that NAU can win at a high level; extremely strong and focused work ethic; and an unwavering conviction that the student-athlete experience prepares young people for life after college. Kylie has a very strong plan for NAU Soccer that bodes well for a bright future.”
During the last two seasons, Louw helped NAU earn a top-five finish in the Big Sky Conference in both 2017 and 2018. This past season, the Lumberjacks set a program record for longest stretch of minutes without allowing an opponent to score and led the Big Sky Conference in fewest goals allowed.
Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Louw attended and played collegiate soccer at Stephen F. Austin University, where she was a four-year starter and graduated as the school’s all-time leader in points and assists. She was honored as a three-time Southland Conference Player of the Year and was named Southland Conference Soccer Student-Athlete of the Year in 2011 and 2012. She received her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology in 2012, followed by a master’s degree in exercise science and human performance.
Louw arrived at NAU following four years as an assistant coach at the University of Arizona, where she helped the Wildcats advance to the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament. During her time at Arizona, Louw served as the soccer staff’s liaison for academics, marketing, media relations, social media and strength and conditioning.