In Review Gazette

CLASS COACH: A three-time All-American defender and an Academic All-American as a student, Van Vechten will lead Rochester’s women’s soccer program as head coach. (Photo: Athletics and Recreation)

One of the most decorated players in women’s soccer history has been named the new coach of the program.

Ashley Van Vechten ’08, a three-time All-American as well as a Renaissance and Fulbright Scholar, became the program’s fourth head coach late last fall.

Most recently the head coach at Suffolk University, Van Vechten succeeds interim coach Gabriel Kleinert.

George VanderZwaag, executive director of athletics and recreation, made the announcement in early December.

Van Vechten takes over a program with a well-established tradition of excellence. Directed by the program’s inaugural coach, Terry Gurnett ’77, the Yellowjackets won the first two NCAA Division III national championships in 1986 and 1987. The team has made appearances in 20 NCAA tournaments through the 2021 season, including a spot as national runner-up in 1991.

Before taking over at Suffolk, Van Vechten served as an assistant coach at Rochester from 2014 to 2017. As a player from 2004 to 2007, she was part of a defense that posted 48 shutouts and held 67 of 79 opponents to a goal or less. Rochester won 16 games in back-to-back seasons with Van Vechten in the center of the defense.

In addition to being a three-time All-American, Van Vechten was twice named Defensive Player of the Year by the New York State Coaches Association.

Chosen an Academic All-American in women’s soccer by members of the College Sports Information Directors of America and a Scholar All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, she was a Lysle (Spike) Garnish Scholar in 2007, an honor presented to the top senior student-athletes, and a member of the Keidaeans Senior Honor Society.

O’Donnell is director of athletic communications.