Maryland women’s soccer parts ways with head coach Meghan Ryan Nemzer

Photo courtesy of Allison Mize/Maryland Terrapins

In a surprising mid-season move, the University of Maryland Athletics announced that it parted ways with head coach Meghan Ryan Nemzer, who has led the women’s soccer program since 2022. The decision comes after a challenging stretch of matches, with the team struggling to find consistent form and posting a 3-7-4 record through 14 games. Despite her efforts to rebuild the program, Nemzer could not turn the team’s recent struggles around. 

Under Nemzer’s leadership, the Terrapins posted a record of 10-25-14, struggling to find consistency on the field. Maryland has been in a difficult spot, particularly in conference play, where the team has suffered heavy defeats, including six shutout losses. Despite flashes of potential earlier in the season, such as a 4-0 win over VCU, the Terps faltered in conference play, and the results have placed pressure on the program to make a change.

“We thank Meg for her service in leading the women’s soccer program since 2022,” said Director of Athletics Damon Evans. “We wish her well in her future endeavors.”

Micheal Marchiano, a Maryland alumnus and seasoned coach with deep ties to Maryland soccer, is stepping in as interim head coach. Marchiano previously served as coach for Drexel University’s men’s soccer team, where he achieved notable success. Marchiano led the Dragons to their first conference tournament appearance in seven seasons and secured a winning record for the first time since the 1980s. 

Marchiano debuted as interim head coach at Thursday’s 5-0 loss against Penn State but earned the team’s first conference win against Nebraska on Sunday.

The search for a permanent head coach will begin after the season as Maryland looks to restore its competitiveness in the challenging Big Ten conference.