WINONA, Minn. – Averi Cash, who has served as the assistant women's soccer coach for the past three years, has been named the new head coach of the women's soccer team, athletic director Brian Sisson announced.
Cash is set to become the eighth head coach in the history of the program.
"We are thrilled to promote Averi to lead our women's soccer program," said Sisson.
"She has played such a pivotal vital role in the continued growth and rise of our program in all facets and we look forward to her continuing to do great things with our student-athletes in the classroom, in competition, and in life."
Under the leadership of Cash, the Cardinal program went a total of 31-16-11 with some of the programs best finishes in over 30 years. She assisted the team to back-to-back MIAC Playoff appearances and the programs first ever trip to the conference championship game during the 2024 season.
Over her past three seasons, she coached 12 College Sports Communicator (CSC) Academic All-District honors, three All-Region IX players, two MIAC Player of the Years, and one All-American, along with a plethora of overall team academic achievements and the national level!
"I want to extend a thank you to the search committee and Brian Sisson for entrusting me with this program," said Cash. "Another huge thank you to coach Nick Rizzo for preparing me for this opportunity and being such a great mentor for me during my assistant coaching tenure."
Cash is no stranger to a winning culture.
Prior to her arrival at Saint Mary's, Cash spent four years at two competitive soccer clubs in Florida. She served as head coach for the U-15 boys' team at Next Generation Soccer Academy during the 2021-22 season, winning the Bradenton Cup Tournament and served as the developer and coach of the goalkeeper program during the 2022-2023 season.
Before moving to Florida, Cash coached for one season at her alma mater, Bethany Lutheran College in 2018, working primarily with goalkeepers. She joined the coaching staff after a standout career as a goalkeeper for the Vikings.
As a four-year starter, Cash led the Vikings to three consecutive playoff appearances and was in goal for the Vikings first-ever playoff victory in 2016. She served as a team captain during the 2017 season and received the UMAC Sportsmanship Award as well. In 2016, she received Honorable-Mention All-UMAC honors and ranks in the top five of almost every goalkeeping category in the Bethany record books.
"I'm beyond excited to hit the ground running and build upon the success we've created over the last three years."