RIVER FOREST, Ill. – Concordia University Chicago and Director of Athletics Pete Gnan are excited to announce the hiring of Eddie Garza as the head women's soccer coach. Garza brings a wealth of experience from multiple levels to the Cougar program.

"First, I'd like to take Pete, Janet, and Tina for the opportunity," remarked Garza. "I'm excited to join Concordia University Chicago and lead the women's soccer program to new heights. I enjoyed meeting everyone in the process and I'm looking forward to joining the Concordia athletic family. I'm very eager to meet the team and start our journey in competing for championships."

Garza comes to Concordia University Chicago after spending the last five seasons on the Northern Illinois University women's soccer staff. In 2021 he served as the associate head coach and recruiting coordinator for the Huskies.  
"We couldn't be more excited to add Eddie to the staff," remarked Gnan. "Eddie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from multiple levels that will translate to success here at Concordia."

During his time at NIU, Garza introduced a possession-based style of soccer. Garza coached over 50 Academic All-MAC honorees while with the Huskies. Garza coached a number of All-Conference players during his tenure at Northern Illinois. One of the biggest highlights while at NIU was helping to guide the Huskies to an overtime victory over Marquette in 2019 which was NIU's first win over a Big East school in 14 years.

Garza returned to the college ranks at NIU after guiding the Ashford University women's soccer program to a highly successful campaign in 2015. He led Ashford to a 14-5-1 record and an Association of Independent Institutions (A.I.I.) Tournament Championship, which earned Ashford a spot in the NAIA National Tournament. 

During his tenure at Ashford, Garza coached five all-conference honorees along with the A.I.I. Player of the Year (2015), A.I.I. Goalkeeper of the year (2015) and A.I.I. Defender of the year (2015). In addition, Ashford had three United Soccer Coaches Midwest All-Region honorees and a NAIA honorable mentioned All-American (Alicia Tamburro, 2015).  Garza was named the 2015 Association of Independent Institutions Coach of the Year. 

Prior to taking over the women's program at Ashford, Garza was an assistant coach for the men's team at Ashford from 2010 through 2015. During his time with the men's program, Garza helped guide Ashford to four NAIA national tournament appearances, which included three Round of 16 appearances and a semifinalist finish in 2013. 

Before arriving at NIU, Garza had been the Youth Academy Director for the Rockford Raptors Soccer Club, a position he began in early 2016.

Garza has been an active staff coach with Illinois ODP since 2015 and currently holds a National B License from the United States Soccer Federation.

Garza earned his bachelor's degree in sports and recreation management in 2010 and his master's degree in organizational management in 2012 from Ashford University.