ORANGE, Calif. – Courtney Calderon has announced that she is stepping down as Head Coach of the women's soccer team after 21 years at Chapman University. She steps away as the longest tenured and all-time winningest coach in Chapman women's soccer history.
"It has been an incredible honor and blessing to represent Chapman University as the Head Coach of the women's soccer team for the past 20 years." Calderon stated. "After much reflection, I have made the heartfelt decision to step away and focus on my family. My three girls are growing up so quickly, and I want to fully embrace this precious time with them and cherish every moment."
"In my time at Chapman, I'm not sure there's been anyone better at recruiting the 'Chapman fit' than Courtney," Associate Director of Athletics Doug Aiken commented. "Our women's soccer student-athletes, over generations of classes, have represented Chapman with the utmost grace and respect. They have been outstanding on the field, in the classroom, and in the community, and that's a credit to Coach Calderon for recognizing those qualities with such success in the recruiting process."
Calderon first came to Chapman in 1997 as a freshman on the women's soccer team. She went on to be a Team Captain and helped lead the Panthers to their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 1999. That season sparked a six-year run of NCAA Tournament appearances.
In her 21 seasons at the helm, she has compiled an overall record of 178-157-37. She has been a part of all eight NCAA Tournament appearances as either a player (2), assistant coach (3) or head coach (3). She led the Panthers to the 2012 SCIAC Postseason Tournament final in the Panthers first year of eligibility for a SCIAC championship. It was the first title for the athletic department.
"Coach Calderon is a Panther through and through. She came to Chapman as a student and never left," commented Director of Athletics Terry Boesel. "The impact she has had on generations of student-athletes is immeasurable. We are incredibly grateful for the past 20-plus years of hard work and dedication she has poured into the women's soccer program.
Calderon's accomplishments include 35 All-SCIAC honorees since 2012, 24 All-Region selections, three Academic All-American and an Association of DIII Independents Coach of the Year Award in 2010.
After two decades of leading her alma mater, Calderon is stepping away from collegiate coaching to focus more of her time on her family. Calderon and her husband, Bobby (who is also a Chapman student-athlete alumnus), have three daughters. She also teaches at Sycamore Junior High School in the Anaheim Union High School District.
Aiken added, "I've grown up with Courtney at Chapman – we were students around the same time – and watched her grow in her career and personal endeavors. We're sad to see her leave Chapman, but so excited for her journey with family."
"Being part of the Chapman family has been one of the greatest privileges of my life," Calderon added. "I will deeply miss this extraordinary community, but I'm so excited for this next chapter with my family."
Chapman Athletics will immediately begin a search for the next Head Coach.
