RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Wednesday that Melanie Chandler, who spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach with the women's soccer team, has been promoted to associate head coach.
 
Chandler was hired as an assistant coach in April 2023 and has since emerged as a stabilizing force within the program, helping lead recruiting efforts while spearheading community service initiatives that promote the Vaqueros throughout the Rio Grande Valley. 
 
Chandler was instrumental in guiding the team through a period of transition. Prior to the appointment of Head Coach Nataki Stewart, Chandler focused on preserving and strengthening the program's culture by instilling confidence and belief while nurturing a holistic environment where student-athletes are empowered to become the best versions of themselves.
 
"Over the past several years, Melanie has played a key role in establishing the foundation of our program," UTRGV Head Women's Soccer Coach Nataki Stewart said. "Her promotion to associate head coach is a clear reflection of her impact, leadership, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to excellence. She has consistently built authentic, meaningful relationships with our student-athletes, and her ability to connect, evaluate, and develop talent will be invaluable."
 
Chandler was part of the staff that guided Linnea Eld to Western Athletic Conference (WAC) All-Freshman Team honors in 2023. Chandler helped the program transition from the WAC to the Southland Conference (SLC) in 2024 as the program qualified for the SLC Tournament in their first season following a 7-7-5 record, including a 6-2-2 record at home. 
 
"It is such a blessing to be elevated into this position," Chandler said. "I am very thankful to Coach Stewart for giving me this opportunity. The program is in good hands under Coach Stewart's leadership, and I am eager to learn more in this role under his guidance. We are going to continue to raise the standard in our program and I am excited to be a part of that!"
 
Prior to coming to UTRGV, Chandler spent two seasons at Schreiner University where she spent one season as an assistant coach before being named the head coach in 2022. 
 
Chandler started her coaching career at Waldorf University as an assistant where she spent four seasons (2018-21). Chandler also played collegiately at Waldorf where she appeared in 49 matches over three seasons (2013-15).
 
Chandler earned her bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Colorado Mesa University in 2017 and earned her master's in organizational leadership with a focus in sports management from Waldorf in 2020. 
 
Chandler holds a USSF C License, a USC Level 3 Goalkeeping Diploma and is certified through the National Sports Performance Association (NSPA) as a speed & agility coach.

Support UTRGV Women's Soccer | Become a Fan on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Follow us on Instagram | Follow us on YouTube