Denmeade named head coach of women’s soccer

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. –  Eliza Denmeade has been named the next head coach of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville women's soccer team, as announced today by Director of Athletics and Assistant Chancellor for Sports Administration Dr. Kristina Navarro.  

"I am thrilled to continue the forward momentum of our established program under the leadership of Eliza Denmeade. Eliza's attention to detail, preparation and proven ability to recruit top female talent to UW-Platteville made her the clear choice to lead us forward to realize our short and long-term goals of WIAC and NCAA postseason runs," said Navarro.  

Denmeade is no stranger to the program having progressed over the past two seasons from assistant coach to associate head coach and most recently acting head coach. She joined the Pioneer staff in summer of 2021 and has been involved in all aspects of the men's and women's soccer programs. Denmeade also served as a recruiting coordinator and certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) for the Athletic Department. 

"I am excited to be named the next head women's soccer coach at University of Wisconsin-Platteville. I would like to thank the search committee and Athletic Director, Dr. Kristina Navarro for entrusting me to lead the program. I am looking forward to building on the success of our past two seasons and continuing the winning tradition at UW-Platteville. We have a very talented group of returning players and a strong recruiting class joining us this fall, so the future looks very bright," said Denmeade. 

During the 2022 season, Denmeade helped lead the women's soccer program to the best season in program history going 12-6-2. During her first year, the women's soccer program rebounded from a 2-15-2 record the previous season to a 9-6-3 finish. During this transformation the program went unbeaten the entire month of September and became regionally ranked for the first time. Over the past two seasons, Denmeade has mentored Lydia Smith and Amber Leuder to First Team All-WIAC honors and Annalise Spindle to All-WIAC Sportsmanship Team. 

Denmeade is a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and has served on the University strength and condition staff along with teaching several academic classes. She graduated from the University of Indianapolis with a master's degree in Exercise Science and concentration in Human Performance. In conjunction with her graduate work, Denmeade played a 5th year of women's soccer for the UIndy Greyhounds. Denmeade was a three-sport athlete at Erskine College in South Carolina while completing her undergraduate degree in Athletic Training. 

The Fort Mills, South Carolina native was a 4-year starter for the Erskine College Women's Soccer team, started in 60 games and logged over 4,000 minutes as a midfielder and defender. During her senior season, Denmeade led the Fleet to NCCAA Regional Championship. Denmeade also played basketball and lacrosse during her career at Erskine and earned Conference of the Carolina's All-Conference honors as a Lacrosse defender her senior year.