As a four-year starter at the University of Rochester, Ashley Van Vechten '08 was one of the most decorated players in the history of the women's soccer program – both on the field and in the classroom. She has returned to the River Campus to continue the legacy of success. Van Vechten has been named as the head coach of the women's soccer program.
 
Her appointment was announced by George VanderZwaag, the University's Executive Director of Athletics & Recreation.
 
 "Coach Van Vechten is uniquely qualified to take on this leadership role.  She has been a part of the UR women's soccer family since 2004, serving as a selfless leader both as a player and assistant coach," said VanderZwaag. "At Suffolk, she has established herself as a successful head coach and is ready for the opportunity to lead our outstanding program."
 
She is the fourth head coach in the history of the women's soccer program and the third alumnus, following Terry Gurnett '77, Thomas 'Sike' Dardaganis '92, and Gabriel Kleinert (interim 2021). Rochester has one of the nation's finest traditions in women's soccer. The Yellowjackets won the first two NCAA Division III National Championships – in 1986 (defeating Plymouth State College at SUNY Cortland) and in 1987 (defeating William Smith College at Edwin Fauver Stadium). Rochester was the national runner-up in the 1991 NCAA Division III National Championship tournament. The Yellowjackets have played in 20 NCAA tournaments through the 2021 season.
 
"I am honored to lead our Rochester women's soccer program as head coach, and would like to thank Executive Director of Athletics George VanderZwaag for providing me with this incredible opportunity," said Van Vechten. "As a Rochester alumnae, I know firsthand how committed our students are to achieving excellence in the classroom, on field, within their campus community, and beyond." 
 
Yellowjackets Had One of the Toughest Schedules in 2021
Rochester finished the 2021 season with a 6-5-5 record under the guidance of Kleinert. He coached on an interim basis after the retirement of Dardaganis. The Yellowjackets played against one of Division III's toughest schedules. Nine opponents competed in the 2021 NCAA Division III playoffs – six are members of the University Athletic Association. Rochester posted five shutouts against those nine NCAA-bound foes.
 
"I am deeply grateful to Gabe Kleinert for his service to the University and look forward to him continuing in his assistant position," said VanderZwaag. "Coach Kleinert stepped into a challenging interim role and provided great leadership over the course of this past season.  This gave us the proper time to conduct a successful search for our next head coach." 
 
"I am overjoyed to be among our phenomenal athletics department staff whose mission it is to support our students in their endeavors to make themselves and our world ever better," Van Vechten said. "I cannot wait to get started and am eager to have our current and future student-athletes, alumni, and UR supporters of all generations join us on this journey."

 
Van Vechten returns to the University after coaching for three seasons at Suffolk University in Boston (25-22-1 record with 20 shutouts). She arrived at Suffolk in August, 2018 and finished 4-10-1, 3-8-1 in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC). Within one year, Van Vechten shaped Suffolk into a post-season team. The Rams won eight games by shutout in 2019 and outscored their opponents 34-21. The shutout total was a program record. Suffolk was 8-4 in the league and qualified for the GNAC playoffs. Van Vechten was named the GNAC Coach of the Year. She was the first female coach at Suffolk to attain that honor.
 
Within a year, Suffolk moved to the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) but the 2020 season was cancelled by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, Van Vechten guided the Rams to an 11-6 record, 9-1 at home, and 5-4 in conference play. Suffolk reached the CCC playoffs, falling in the quarterfinals.
 
Under Van Vechten's tutelage, three players earned United Soccer Coaches All-Region honors in 2021 and six players garnered All-Conference accolades during her time at Suffolk.

Dynamic Defensively 
She served as an assistant coach at Rochester from 2014-2017. Her reputation as one of the best defensive players in the nation was embodied in her work as a coach. Rochester posted 23 shutouts and held 25 other opponents to one goal in 70 games. As a player from 2004-2007, 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 (2005, 2006). The Yellowjackets reached the Sweet 16 in back to back seasons. UR played in the ECAC Playoffs in 2004 and 2007.
 
Van Vechten was named an NCAA Division III All-American for three consecutive years – First Team as a sophomore (2005) and a junior (2006), Second Team as a senior (2007). She was elected First Team All-University Athletic Association in all four playing seasons. The New York State Coaches Association chose her as its Defensive Player of the Year twice and she earned All-State First Team honors in all four years.
 
Academically, she was a Renaissance Scholar and a Fulbright Scholar. She was named as a Lysle 'Spike' Garnish Scholar in 2007 (presented to the top senior student-athletes). She was a member of the Keidaeans Senior Honor Society.
 
Van Vechten was elected as an ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American in women's soccer by members of the College Sports Information Directors of America. Additionally, she was named as a National Soccer Coaches Association of America/adidas (NSCAA) Scholar All-American.
 
She holds a Level 'C' coaching certification from the United States Soccer Federation. She graduated from the University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts with dual majors in History and German Language and Culture. She studied at Rochester's Warner School of Education doing coursework for an M.S. in Educational Administration, Student Affairs and academic & Career Advising. She is completing work on an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration at Suffolk University.