Vanderbilt Soccer head coach Darren Ambrose has officially agreed to a contract extension, the university announced on Thursday, March 5. The announcement comes a few months after Vanderbilt’s historic 2025 season came to an end in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament — the furthest the program has ever reached in postseason play. In 2025, the Commodores also matched a program record with 18 wins, scored their most goals in a season this century and allowed the second-fewest goals in program history.
Ambrose has been at the helm of Vanderbilt Soccer for 11 seasons and has 126 wins at the university — tied for the all-time program record. When his team takes the field for the 2026 season, that record will likely be broken. Athletic director Candice Lee expressed her excitement to see Ambrose on West End for the foreseeable future.
“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 the announcement of the Anchored for Her campaign on Feb. 4, a funding campaign to support women’s sports at Vanderbilt, the administration is clearly confident in Ambrose’s ability to continue to find unprecedented success in women’s college soccer.
Ambrose touched on how he felt about the contract extension in the release by the administration.
“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.”
Ambrose continues to provide support and mentorship for key individuals on his team, as well. Most recently, Sara Wojdelko and Sydney Watts were honored as the 2025 SEC Goalkeeper and Forward of the Year, respectively, while Watts and Hannah McLaughlin were among 15 semifinalists for the Hermann Trophy as the nation’s best player.
Vanderbilt will return to action in August, but its schedule has not been released.
