Associate Head Coach Karley Nelson Leaves UNM For Club Director Role
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The University of New Mexico head women’s soccer coach Heather Dyche has announced the departure of associate head coach Karley Nelson. Nelson leaves the women’s soccer program at UNM to pursue a career opportunity as the ECNL director for San Diego Surf Club in San Diego, Calif.
Nelson, a native of Orem, Utah, recently completed her fifth season with the Lobo women’s soccer program joining the staff in 2015. Prior to the start of the 2019 season, Nelson was promoted to associate head coach after spending the previous four seasons as an assistant. In addition to serving as an assistant and associate head coach, Nelson served as the Lobos’ recruiting coordinator.
“Karley came to UNM when I was hired, there is nothing in this program that we didn’t do together. She is quite frankly irreplaceable,” remarked Dyche. “I have valued her as a coach, but even more so as a friend, and I am going to really miss her. She will leave a legacy of accountability, kindness, and incredible work ethic that will live on in this program forever.”
“The goal for all of our players as well as our staff is to come here and contribute, grow, laugh, and enjoy every second of it, but to have opportunities when the time comes,” added Dyche. “I am thrilled for Karley to find one she is excited about and continue her coaching career.”
In her time with the program, Nelson has helped guide the Lobo women’s soccer team to a 55-37-10 overall record and a 32-18-5 mark in Mountain West play. In 2018, with Nelson on staff, the Lobos captured a share of the program’s third regular season title while also making a second-straight appearance in the MW Tournament Championship Game. That same year, the program set a record for goals scored with 45 and posted second-best marks in assists (33) and points (123).
“I am incredibly grateful for my last five years at UNM. I have been challenged both professionally and personally and have grown tremendously as a coach and a person,” said Nelson. “I feel lucky to have worked alongside head coach Heather Dyche and the wonderful staff with whom I’ve established lifelong friendships.”
“Mostly, I am grateful for my time spent with our incredible student-athletes,” added Nelson. “They are some of the most driven, dedicated, hardworking and kind people I know and I’m proud to have been associated with them. I will forever be a Lobo and wish the women’s soccer program and the athletic department as whole much continued success!”