Head Coach Jamie Souza

Jamie Souza returns to Stetson University as the new head coach becoming the fifth in the women's soccer program history. Souza will take the reins starting on January 8, 2024.

"We are excited to welcome Jamie to the Hatters family," said Athletic Director Jeff Altier. "He knows Stetson, knows the ASUN and knows Florida which provides us with great enthusiasm for the future of our Women's Soccer Program."

"I want to thank Jeff Altier and the entire search committee for trusting me with the reins of the Stetson Women's Soccer program," stated Souza. "My commitment, work ethic, and energy will be unmatched in our pursuit of an enhanced student-athlete experience, academic excellence and success on the field."

Souza back in the Spring of 2020 was the Director of Operations under Men's Soccer Head Coach, Emmett Rutkowski. He returns to DeLand after stops at Rollins College and Florida Gulf Coast, where he spent a year at each institution as the Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator. During his time at Rollins, Souza had two players on the all-conference and all-regional team. At Florida Gulf Coast, he was part of the staff that led the Eagles to winning the 2023 ASUN Conference Tournament. During that time, he had four first team all-conference players, one third team all-conference, one freshman team all-conference, the ASUN Tournament MVP, and three players on the ASUN Tournament team.

"I must pay my sincere gratitude to Florida Gulf Coast University," said Souza. "My experience with Jim and the players has been second to none and has given me some memories that will last a lifetime. I also want to express my appreciation and pay tribute to everyone who has given me an opportunity and supported me along my coaching journey."

Originally from Ipswich, England, Souza played club soccer in England and played in Ipswich Town Football Club's Academy Development Programme. Upon turning 16, he decided to play men's senior football alongside captaining Suffolk New College's Soccer team. Souza led the team on a successful National U19 College Cup run and league position.

Souza previously coached for Professional Soccer Club Ipswich Town Football Club starting as a volunteer before accelerating to work with their budding professionals from ages 13-16. He helped develop numerous players to obtain scholarships with the club and other professional teams.

Souza also volunteered with AFC Sudbury working with their full-time U19 Scholars. He helped the club to achieve a Junior Cup Final, National Colleges' Cup Final, ESBL Knock Out Cup Final, Tommy Thompson Cup, four U18 County Cups, back-to-back promotions, and The Primary Cup. Furthermore, he has assisted in the development of three professional soccer players from the AFC Sudbury Academy.

AFC Sudbury then headhunted Souza away from his role at Ipswich Town FC to become the Head of the Women's Academy. He started the Women's Academy alongside long-term mentor and Academy Director Danny Laws and Craig Power. Souza led the girls to strong league finishes and a National Cup Semi-Final. After only three years in existence, the AFC Sudbury Women's program is now recognized as one of the strongest programs in the country.

"I'm excited for the team to begin this new era of Stetson's Women Soccer, as well as the opportunity for Jamie to take the program to new heights," said Associate AD of Compliance and sport oversight, Brian Maxey.

"I am very excited and eager to make a massive positive contribution to this program, its players, and the wider Stetson community by working hand in hand with our staff, alumni and current players to leave a long-lasting legacy," said Souza.

In 2022, Souza earned his BSc Coaching Performance in Football from the Anglia Ruskin University in the UK, helping to further his coaching philosophy on the student athletes improving on and off the field.