UC Davis hires Kat Mertz as head coach for women’s soccer program

DAVIS, Calif. — UC Davis Director of Athletics Rocko DeLuca announced that Kat Mertz has been named as the program’s fifth head women’s soccer coach.

“I want to thank our outstanding student-athletes for their dedication and achievements that have elevated UC Davis Women’s Soccer to new heights,” DeLuca said. “Their success on and off the field has generated tremendous interest in this position, making it a highly sought-after opportunity in college soccer.”

“Kat Mertz’s extensive head coach experience and proven success in the Mountain West Conference, coupled with her impactful leadership in the Olympic Development Program, make her the ideal choice to lead our women’s soccer program,” DeLuca continued. “We are excited for her to bring her vision, expertise, and passion to UC Davis as we prepare for our final season in the Big West.”

With over two decades of success at both the NCAA Division I and II levels, Mertz brings a wealth of experience and leadership to UC Davis, along with a proven track record within the Mountain West Conference (MWC). Mertz arrives in Davis after leading a transformative run as head coach at NCAA Division II MSU Denver, where she guided the Roadrunners to a 39-20-19 record over four seasons, including a 28-12-8 mark in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) play.

The highlight of Mertz’s time at MSU Denver was leading the Roadrunners to the NCAA Tournament this past season, marking the program’s return to postseason soccer after a decade-long absence. The team finished with a 10-4-7 record, conceding only 13 goals in 21 games, which ranked 21st in Division II for goals against average. Mertz led the Roadrunners to winning seasons all four years at the helm, while also having an undefeated home record through her first two years, establishing MSU Denver as one of the most challenging environments in NCAA Division II women’s soccer.

Individually, under Mertz’s leadership, 23 athletes earned RMAC first, second, and honorable mention team honors. Four players were named to the All-Region team, and two to the COSIDA Academic All-District Team in 2021 and 2022. Additionally, 45 players were recognized on the RMAC Academic Team, including six on the RMAC First Team All-Academic Team from 2021 to 2023.

“I would like to thank Director of Athletics Rocko DeLuca and the search committee for believing in me for this role,” said Mertz. “UC Davis has a tradition of excellence both on the field and in the classroom. I am eager to build on the established success and ready to take the Women’s Soccer program to new heights. I am thrilled for my family and I to become a part of this vibrant community and I cannot wait to get started.”

Before taking over at MSU Denver in 2021, Mertz served as an assistant coach at Oklahoma for a season. Prior to that, Mertz previously held head coaching roles at Oregon, Saint Louis, and UNLV. Throughout her entire coaching career, Mertz has been a part of nine NCAA Tournament appearances.

At Oregon, Mertz spent seven seasons in charge, leading the Ducks to 47 wins and a program-high No. 14 RPI ranking in 2018. Mertz also posted a non-conference record of 31-18-8 with the Ducks. At Eugene, Mertz’s impact was felt both on and off the pitch, where she showcased the ability to develop and attract high-end talent. Her 2019 recruiting class, which was ranked No. 17 nationally, featured standout members from the U.S., Canada, and New Zealand youth national teams.

Much like at MSU Denver, Mertz’s players at Oregon were regulars on year-end award lists. The team produced one Academic All-America in 2018 and one Rhodes Scholar finalist in 2017. Six Ducks earned United Soccer Coaches Academic Team Awards from 2013 to 2019, with 15 Pac-12 All-Academic first and second team performers from 2014 to 2018. The Ducks also boasted three Pac-12 All-Freshmen performers during her years, along with five Pac-12 All-Conference performers from 2013 to 2017. Under her guidance, nine players earned professional contracts, including six in the NWSL and two internationally. Notably, Mertz played a big role in the development of Marlow Sweatman who represented Jamaica in the 2019 Women’s World Cup.

Ahead of taking over at Oregon, Mertz spent one season as the head coach at Saint Louis during 2012. With the Billikens, Mertz coached one Atlantic-10 All-Conference performer and had two conference All-Academic selections.

Prior to her stint with Saint Louis, Mertz was an assistant coach at Texas in 2010 and 2011, helping the Longhorns reach the NCAA Tournament both seasons.

With UC Davis set to join the Mountain West Conference in 2026-27, Mertz brings valuable familiarity with the conference. As the head coach at UNLV, she transformed the Rebels into one of the premier teams on the West Coast. Mertz posted an overall record of 49-39-19 and secured three consecutive Mountain West Conference championships (two tournament titles and one regular-season crown), making two NCAA Tournament appearances.

While in Las Vegas, Mertz led a series of program firsts. Her teams posted 11 or more wins in three seasons, recorded a school-best 13 wins in 2005, and achieved the program’s first national ranking and first win over a ranked opponent. In 2007, the Rebels tied the school’s single-season shutout record (11) and posted the program’s first-ever perfect home record (7-0-3). Mertz was also named Mountain West Coach of the Year in 2007.

Mertz also coached 17 all-conference performers at UNLV, including the MWC Co-Offensive Player of the Year and three all-region honorees.

Mertz was an assistant coach at UCLA from 2000 to 2004, helping the Bruins reach the NCAA round of 16 each season and the College Cup in 2000, 2003, and 2004. UCLA also won three Pacific-10 Conference championships.

She was an assistant coach at Virginia in 1999.

From 2007 to 2016, Mertz was a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team’s U-20, U-19, and U-18 coaching staffs, helping the U-20 squad win the 2008 FIFA World Cup. She also was an assistant coach for the U-15 team in its inaugural season in 2004.

Mertz served as head coach of the Olympic Development Program Region IV ’94 age group team and was the ODP Region IV assistant director of goalkeeping from 2004 to 2010.

Mertz is also the current ODP National Team head coach for the 2007 age group, entering the second year at the helm of the team.

As a player, Mertz was a goalkeeper at North Carolina State from 1994 to 1997, helping the Wolfpack qualify for three NCAA Tournaments and reach the 1995 national quarterfinals. She started 88 of 90 matches, set school records for career saves (436) and single-season saves (135 in 1994), and posted 24 career shutouts. After college, she played two seasons for the Raleigh Wings in the United Soccer League’s W-League.

Mertz earned a bachelor’s degree in natural resources and ecosystem assessment from North Carolina State in 1998. She holds a United States Soccer Federation “A” national coaching license and a National Soccer Coaches Association of America Advanced National Diploma. She is also a member of WeCOACH, an organization dedicated to the recruitment, advancement, and retention of women coaches across all sports and levels.

Mertz and her wife, Erica, have a son, Jackson, and a daughter, Blake.