Dyche was a two-time Mountain West Coach of the Year, while her players earned 44 All-Mountain West honors, seven All-Region selections, and 14 professional contracts. Her teams consistently excelled academically, earning the highest GPA in the NCAA in 2023, with 18 of the last 20 semesters boasting a GPA above 3.6. The Lobos also produced three CSC Academic All-Americans and 21 Academic All-District selections, one Mountain West Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and were honored with the 2024 Lobo Spirit of Service Award for their exceptional commitment to community service.
A proud New Mexico native and graduate of Eldorado High School, Dyche’s roots in the state’s soccer community run deep. Before arriving at UNM, she coached multiple state and regional champion club teams, mentored more than 60 players who went on to play collegiately, and earned New Mexico Youth Soccer Association Coach of the Year honors in 2008. She co-founded LEAD Academy (Leadership and Empowerment through Athletic Development soccer), an all-girls soccer leadership training school in Albuquerque. She has also served as a technical advisor for New Mexico United, one of only two women in the country on the staff of a USL or MLS team. Additionally, Dyche is currently the only American woman on the FIFA Women’s Development Team as a Technical Expert.
She also competed as a four-year all-state defender for Eldorado, earning district Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors, and later served as associate head coach and captain of the Albuquerque Asylum in the Women’s Premier Soccer League.
Dyche played collegiately for one season at Nebraska (1997) before playing at Florida State (1998-2001), where she was a team captain and a member of the ACC Academic Honor Roll for all four seasons. She played professionally in Norway for two seasons, winning a league title in 2004.
Vice President and Director of Athletics Fernando Lovo said the department could not be more excited for Dyche and this incredible opportunity with U.S. Soccer. He shared how proud he is of what she has accomplished and the lasting legacy she leaves behind at New Mexico. “Heather has represented The University of New Mexico with passion, integrity, and class,” Lovo said. “She has left an undeniable mark on this program, our student-athletes, and our community. Her impact will be felt for years to come, and we are so proud that someone who has given so much to this University and to the game of soccer in our state will now have the opportunity to do so on the national stage. She will always be a Lobo.”
"It has been the greatest honor of my career to lead the women’s soccer program at The University of New Mexico in my home state, surrounded by my family and a community that I love,” said Dyche. “I’m endlessly grateful to every player, coach, student manager, and staff member who poured their heart into this program, especially Paul and Karley, who have been by my side for the last ten years. This place has shaped who I am as a coach and as a person, and I will carry that pride and gratitude with me as I take on this new opportunity with U.S. Soccer.
“It has always been about the people. Every young woman who has worn the Lobo jersey has left her mark—not just through her play, but through her dedication, resilience, and pride in representing this program. Watching them grow as players, students, and people has been the most rewarding part of my time here. The Lobo soccer family is a special one.
Dyche added, “I want to thank the leadership at The University of New Mexico, including President Garnett Stokes and my former athletic directors, for their unwavering belief in me and in the vision we shared for this program. I’m especially grateful to Fernando Lovo and Ed Manzanares for their patience, empathy, and steady guidance as I worked through what has been a very, very difficult decision. Their understanding and care exemplify what makes UNM such a special place.”
Throughout her time in Albuquerque, Dyche built a standard of excellence that will continue to shape the program moving forward. She established a culture defined by integrity, competitiveness, and care for her student-athletes, qualities that have come to represent what it means to be a Lobo.
A national search for New Mexico’s next head coach is underway as the program looks to continue building on its proud history and the championship foundation established under Dyche’s leadership.
