Anyone who has gone through BYU’s women’s soccer program in the last 41 years has been influenced by Jennifer Rockwood. BYU announced Tuesday that this will be her final season at the helm of the program.
Rockwood joined BYU soccer as a player in 1985. After graduating, she stuck around to coach the program. It was a humble club team at that point, but after seven years under Rockwood’s watch, it would make the jump to NCAA DI.
In 31 NCAA seasons, Rockwood has led the team to 17 regular-season titles, nine conference championships and an NCAA championship game appearance (2021). She also has a winning record in 29 of those seasons — enough to make her the winningest active female head coach in NCAA soccer.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to represent Brigham Young University and to lead this program since its inception,” Rockwood said in a press release.
“Watching this team grow from its humble beginnings on the club level to competing on the biggest stages in college soccer has been a journey I will always cherish. Most importantly, I am grateful for the hundreds of young women who have worn the BYU jersey and allowed me to be a part of their lives. While this will be my final season, my focus remains entirely on this incredible group of student-athletes and our goals for 2026.”
Rockwood has had a great deal of success on the player development side, too.
Nine of her players have represented the United States internationally at the U20 level or higher, and 18 have gone pro.
“Jennifer Rockwood is BYU women’s soccer,” said BYU director of athletics Brian Santiago in the press release. “It is rare in modern sports to see a program built, nurtured and sustained by a single individual for over 30 years. Her competitive drive is only matched by her commitment to the mission of this university and the personal growth of her players. We look forward to celebrating Jennifer and her contributions to BYU throughout this farewell season.”
BYU will celebrate Rockwood throughout the 2026 NCAA season, with tributes planned during home matches at South Field.
The search for a new head coach will begin after the NCAA tournament in December, according to BYU.
BYU’s 2026 season kicks off Aug. 12 as the Cougars take on UCLA in Los Angeles. Their first home game is on Aug. 22 against USC.
