NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Women’s soccer head coach Darren Ambrose has agreed to a contract extension that allows the most decorated coach in the pioneering program’s history to build on multiple SEC championships and deep NCAA Tournament runs. Vice Chancellor for Athletics and University Affairs and Athletic Director Candice Storey Lee announced the extension for Ambrose, who enters his 12th season in Nashville after leading the Commodores to their first NCAA No. 1 seed and the Elite Eight last season.
“Vanderbilt women’s soccer is central to our new era of excellence because Darren Ambrose has always believed in what’s possible here,” Lee said. “As we advance Anchored for Her and build Vanderbilt into the premier destination for women’s sports, it’s essential that we retain leaders who set the standard. Darren’s innovative mind, tireless spirit and resolute commitment to our student-athletes position this program to compete at the highest level for years to come.”
With 126 Vanderbilt wins, Ambrose’s next victory will give him sole possession of the program’s all-time record. The 2018 SEC Coach of the Year led the Commodores to that season’s SEC regular season championship, as well as the 2020 and 2025 SEC Tournament championships. He also led Vanderbilt to the 2019 SEC East Division title. He has coached half of Vandy’s all-time NCAA Tournament appearances and more than 75 percent of its all-time NCAA Tournament victories.
“I’d like to thank Vice Chancellor Lee for her support, not just with this extension but for always encouraging and believing in our staff and student-athletes,” Ambrose said. “I enjoy being around people who are willing to challenge the status quo. From the administration to student-athletes, Vanderbilt brings out everyone’s best by challenging and supporting them at every turn. I’m proud of what the student-athletes who have been part of our program over the past 11 years have achieved, on and off the field. I’m also beyond grateful and excited to continue working with our current and future student-athletes to help them play championship soccer and develop their leadership potential for life ahead.”
Few SEC women’s soccer programs have a more robust history than Vanderbilt, which added its varsity program 40 years ago and won the first two SEC regular season and tournament championships in 1993–94. Building on that storied past, Ambrose has engineered unrivaled…