RIVER FOREST, Ill. --- Eddie Garza, who led the Concordia University Chicago (CUC) women's soccer program to their first Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) tournament appearance since 2018, has announced his resignation.
"Today is a bittersweet day at Concordia University Chicago," said
John Jaramillo, CUC Director of Athletics. "
Eddie Garza has given CUC so much throughout the past four years and he leaves a tremendous legacy in how he has built the Concordia-Chicago Women's Soccer program since 2022. We are sad to see him leave CUC, yet we are also thankful for his outstanding contributions and excited for the opportunity ahead of him. I express my deepest gratitude to Eddie for his professionalism, excellent character, team-oriented nature, leadership, transparency, and steady hand in building the Concordia-Chicago Women's Soccer program and positioning the team for success going forward. I have been grateful and honored to collaborate with Eddie this past year and I pray for him and his family to receive God's blessings and the absolute best going forward."
Garza has been dedicated to increasing the success of CUC's historic program, and his impact is evident. In the 2024 season, Garza guided the Cougars to their first conference tournament appearance in six years, a significant milestone for the program. The team also boasted two All-Conference players that same year in
Elle Wheelock and Allie Brown, along with an All-NACC Tournament selection in
Mia Hirayama. In 2023, Auloni Burnell earned All-Conference honors under his leadership. Garza coached three College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District members and multiple NACC Players of the Week.
Garza wrapped his CUC career with an overall record of 16-42-15 and a NACC record of 12-22-11, giving him the fifth most wins in coaching staff history. In the Cougar record book, Garza was also responsible for numerous student-athletes who have etched their name amongst the top ten, including
Brooke Sheriff who appears seven times in the record book while under Garza's leadership.
"Our focus will be on providing support, continuity, minimal disruption, and the resources for success for the CUC Women's Soccer student-athletes as they prepare for the upcoming season," Jaramillo noted.
The Concordia University Chicago athletic department is committed to the continued success of the program and will announce next steps for the leadership of the CUC Women's Soccer program on Monday.
